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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3,173 Articles
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations | Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs at the Rayburn House Office Building on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Rubio testified on the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of State. (Photo by John McDonnell/Getty Images)

How the Proposed State Department Reorganization Guts U.S. Human Rights Diplomacy

"Congress should urge Secretary Rubio to modify the proposed plan in ways that would sustain bipartisan U.S. efforts to advance democracy and human rights across the globe."
This picture taken from a position in southern Israel, on the border with the Gaza Strip, shows destroyed buildings in the besieged territory on May 27, 2025. (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images) 

The Illegality of Israel’s Military Offensive in Gaza

Analysis of jus ad bellum with Israel’s stated objectives for its current military operations in Gaza.
A burqa-clad woman sits in a field where a special prayer for rain is being performed by Afghan Muslims, in Fayzabad district of Badakhshan Province on May 19, 2025.

Removing Protected Status for Afghans in the U.S. is No Way to Treat Allies

Contrary to the Department of Homeland Security's claims, evidence shows the situation in Afghanistan has not improved. Deporting allies is unjustified and a betrayal.
A Sudanese army officer inspects equipment seized after their capture of a base used by the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries after the latter group evacuated from the Salha area of Omdurman, the twin-city of Sudan's capital, on May 26, 2025.

Why Lawmakers Want to Block Arms Sales to the United Arab Emirates

Lawmakers have an opportunity to use U.S. leverage to pressure the UAE to stop fueling devastating harm to Sudanese civilians – they should take it.
US President Donald Trump (L), accompanied by his UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan gestures with a clenched fist.

From Air Force One to Economic Entanglement: The Real Stakes of Trump’s Middle East Diplomacy

As Trump reinforces his foreign policy priorities, expanding the use of “sticky power” will be essential to sustaining U.S. influence and outcompeting rivals across the globe.
Women reflect in dirty water

Justice for Children in a Future Crimes Against Humanity Treaty

States should incorporate child-specific provisions within a future Crimes Against Humanity Convention to better protect children's rights.
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The Just Security Podcast: What’s Next for U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Assistance?

Expert panel considers the proposed restructuring of the State Department and unpacks the implications for U.S. foreign policy, what's at stake, and what lies ahead.
Ukraine, Kyiv Oblast, Pripyat, Interior of long abandoned building with completely broken out windows - stock photo (Getty Images)

Making Russia Pay: Obtaining Compensation for Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine in American Courts

US courts may offer avenues for holding Russia accountable for injuries caused by its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, subject to certain limitations.
A photo of three Sudanese children walking together

New Transitional Justice Legislation Provides an Entry Point for Reengaging with State- and Nation-Building Efforts in South Sudan

The South Sudan government should be held strictly to its commitment to establish and politically support new truth commission legislation.
Conceptual image of a laptop surrounded by cloud illustrations and being watched by security cameras

One Step Forward? Agreement on Spyware Regulation in the Pall Mall Process

A new code marks a serious commitment by states to regulate digital surveillance tools, but stops short of agreeing to hard legal standards.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), accompanied by Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) (L) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) (2nd-L)

In Congress, a Welcome, But Flawed, Step to Stop Trump’s Transfers to Torture

The El Salvador 502B resolution risks falsely drawing distinctions about the applicability of human rights based on immigration status.
a ukrainian passport with a sticky note that reads "don't touch ukrainian people"

Targeting a Nation: Russian Airstrikes and the Crime of Persecution in Ukraine

Legal analysis shows how Russia’s actions meet the threshold for the crime of persecution under international law.
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