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.

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Protesters march through the city during a protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement on June 14, 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand. A protester holds a sign reading, "Indigenous People for Black Liberation #BLM"

How Inter-State Procedures in Human Rights Treaties Can Support the Black Lives Matter Movement

The initiation of inter-State conciliation proceedings alone, under either convention, could send a powerful and symbolic message about the need for reform. The Conventions provide…
Iraqi Yazidi women arrive at Lalish temple in a valley near Dohuk, 430 km (260 miles) northwest of the capital Baghdad, on June 24, 2018.

New UN Handbook on Sexual Violence in Conflict Helps, But Still Falls Short

It omits a key type of violation and fails to account for the power structures that enable multiple forms of sexual violence and abuse.
National Security Advisor John Bolton and Donald Trump

Questions for the Government in the Bolton Book TRO Hearing(s)

Goldsmith and Lederman deliver up a series of questions that will expose the strengths and weaknesses of the government's claims.
Press conference by Mr. Ahmed Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran

A Conversation With U.N. Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed: COVID-19 and Freedom of Belief

Editor’s Note: This piece is part of Just Security’s United Nations Special Rapporteurs on #COVID-19 series, in which mandate holders offer their views on pressing…
Christian faithfuls hold signs reading, "Politicians work for the good of Nigeria," "God is love," and "God hates injustice"as they march on the streets of Abuja during a prayer and penance for peace and security in Nigeria in Abuja on March 1, 2020.

Make Democracy and Governance a Keystone of the US Global Fragility Strategy

The US too often views its work on fragile or failed states as "fixing" various sectors, without enough focus on the political dynamics underneath.
Injured Iraqis classified as enemy prisoners of war walk into a medevac helicopter as they are transferred from the 28th Combat Support Hospital, about 25 kilometers south west of Baghdad, 15 July, 2003, to Camp Cropper, a prison camp at the Saddam International Airport in Baghdad.

New Developments in ICRC Commentaries to the POW Convention

On Tuesday, June 16 the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) launched its updated Commentary to the Geneva Convention III Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War…

Assessing the Government’s Lawsuit Against John Bolton [UPDATED after Wednesday’s filing of a TRO motion]

An explainer about some common misconceptions, and how the litigation will likely play out.
Protesters take video and photos of police in helmets and respirators on June 14, 2020 in Richmond, United States.

Black Lives Matter Might Just Rescue American Democracy

The movement forces Americans to recognize and confront the deep and longstanding connection between racist and authoritarian violence.
The president of the Human Rights Council, Austrian Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, wearing a protective facemask attends a press conference during the resuming of a UN Human Rights Council session after it interruption in March over the coronavirus pandemic on June 15, 2020 in Geneva.

The UN Should Establish a Commission of Inquiry on Systemic Racism and Law Enforcement in the United States

A strong call from the U.N. Special Expert on Contemporary Forms of Racism, professor E. Tendayi Achiume.
A demonstrator walks in front of a row of military police members wearing riot gear as they push back demonstrators outside of the White House, June 1, 2020 in Washington D.C.

Statement of Homeland and National Security Leaders

Former Republican and Democratic cabinet members and other senior officials speak out about protests, use of the military, racial justice, and policing.
Members of the D.C. National Guard stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as demonstrators, who are not seen in the image, participate in a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, on June 2, 2020 in Washington, DC.

The Strength of America’s Apolitical Military

A statement by former U.S. ambassadors, Generals and Admirals, senior officials on the response to nationwide protests for racial justice.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (C) holds a joint news conference on the International Criminal Court with (L-R) US Attorney General William Barr, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper and National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2020.

The Self-Defeating Executive Order Against the International Criminal Court

"I know because I used to make this theoretical international law argument...on behalf of the U.S. Government many years ago."
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