Human Rights
Just Security’s expert authors offer in-depth analysis on critical human rights challenges, including those related to armed conflict, emerging technologies, abuses by authoritarian governments, repression of human rights advocates and independent media, human rights litigation, racial justice, gender equality, and more.
3,215 Articles

US Can Restore Leadership on Human Rights by Promoting Accountability in Sri Lanka
The Biden administration should press the UN Human Rights Council for action and impose its own measures, including further sanctions.

Now is the Time for the Biden Administration to Commit to Upholding Reproductive Rights as Human Rights
The US has an opportunity to renew its commitment to human rights as it responds to UPR suggestions. It must seize the moment to affirm that reproductive and sexual rights are…

Escalating Attacks on Journalists in Sri Lanka Demand New Tack from Human Rights Council
The continuing impunity in the wartime killing of a revered editor and the recent escalation of rights abuses expose the government's recalcitrance.

Women, Peace, and Security: Is DOD Turning a Human Rights Corner?
The push to protect women and girls in conflict and involve women in security decision-making increases attention to human rights in military operations.

Biden Executive Actions Make Unity Possible for Millions of Marginalized Americans
In reminding us of America's aspirational values – ones a majority of the country supports – these directives are a first step toward healing.

Myanmar is Experiencing a Digital-Age Coup – Tech Companies Must Push Back
Since taking power, Myanmar's military has limited access to social media, and at times cut internet service overall. What can tech companies do to resist?

Ending PACR/HARP: An Urgent Step Toward Restoring Humane Asylum Policy
An under-reported policy change has left asylum-seekers in inhumane detention conditions, unable to access legal counsel. The Biden administration must end the policy.

Former UN High Commissioner Pillay Says It’s Time for the Human Rights Council to Act on Sri Lanka
She notes the Sri Lankan government has made clear that it has no intention of pursuing accountability for atrocities committed during the civil war.

Changing the Calculus to Support Peace in South Sudan
If the Biden administration takes concrete steps to counter the incentive structure, the world’s youngest country may finally have a chance at peace.

A Catalogue of Suffering Behind the Calls for Action on Sri Lanka’s War Crimes
Mapping a quarter century of war shows the patterns of violations that demand meaningful and credible truth and accountability processes.

Ripe for Reform: The Opaque World of Specific Licenses to Do Business Under Sanctions
The process for granting licenses under sanctions programs is opaque and the information shared with Congress and the public on licenses is meagre.

The Human Rights Council Must Establish an Accountability Mechanism for Sri Lanka’s Victims
The record is abundantly clear that the country’s domestic mechanisms lack effectiveness and credibility. This is a gap that the UN uniquely can fill.