Issues

Human Rights

Commentary, analysis, and research on issues and current events related to human rights, civil rights, international law, the United Nations (UN), and peacekeeping approaches.

Upcoming Events

Rebuilding Syria

Hybrid EVENT

Join us for a conversation on the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding Syria after a decade of civil war.

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Syrians display a giant "revolutionary" Syrian flag during a celebratory demonstration following the first Friday prayers since Bashar Assad's ouster, in Damascus' central square, Syria, on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.
Leo Correa / AP
Jan
16
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Past Events

Democracy in Exile: A Conversation with Belarus's Opposition Leader

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discusses the country’s struggle for democracy.

Sep 27
A conversation with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Juliet Sorensen as they discuss the country’s struggle for democracy on stage at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Ana Miyares Photography

Fixing a Broken Democracy: Lessons from Poland

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Join us for a live stream discussion with Poland’s Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar on safeguarding democratic institutions and maintaining an independent judiciary.

Aug 1
Adam Bodnar stands in front of a sign in Warsaw, Poland on October 12, 2023.
Czarek Sokolowski / AP
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Commentary & Analysis

Jimmy Carter's Values-Based Foreign Policy Wasn't a Failure

In the News
World Politics Review
Paul Poast

"Carter should be seen as an important figure who highlighted the risks and rewards of boldly pursuing values over interests," Paul Poast writes.

President Jimmy Carter meets with civic leaders from Georgia and Florida at the White House in Washington to explain his new Panama Canal treaty
Harvey Georges / AP
US Foreign Policy

This Era of Hostage Diplomacy Requires New Answers

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Hostage taking is as old as time, but today the world faces new tactics and unprecedented challenges; what can be done?

Israeli supports show placards with the faces and names of people believed to be taken hostage and held in Gaza.
AP PHOTOS
Human Rights
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Research

The Atlas of Impunity

RESEARCH
Report by Coauthors

The Atlas of Impunity, a joint effort of David Miliband, the Eurasia Group, and the Council, comprehensively tracks abuse of power across five key dimensions.

Katherine Starr, David Miliband, Monica Pinto and others discussing the Atlas of Impunity Human Rights

Most Americans Willing to Work with Autocrats to Protect the US

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

The public is more concerned about national security than promoting human rights and democracy abroad, Council polling shows.

Participants arrive at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Reuters
Public Opinion
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