civil society
157 Articles
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Pentagon’s New Civilian Harm Policy
In December 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly released its Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR DOD-I), which was mandated by Section 936 of the…
As Senate Considers New Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Human Rights Focus Would Strengthen US Policy
As government forces battle armed groups in Burkina Faso, civilians face daily abuses, even death, amid a range of violations of their security and their property. At least 6,201…
Shaming without Naming: The Limits of Anonymous U.S. Visa Sanctions for Accountability
The Biden administration needs to use visa sanctions more transparently if they are to have a serious political impact.
The US Can — and Must — Counter Russian Influence Undermining Kyrgyzstan’s Democratic Progress
The latest sign of backsliding is a draft "foreign agents" law modeled after one that gutted civil society in Russia.
The Just Security Podcast: Protecting Civic Space at the U.N. Climate Talks
Some of the world’s largest democracies lack a clear vision for protecting civic space and human rights in the UN climate talks.
To Avert Climate Crisis, Democracies Need to Protect Civic Space
During COP28, the international community must protect space for the public to participate in the collective effort to fight climate change.
Time to Enumerate the Slave Trade as a Distinct Provision in the Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
While the Draft Articles include a provision for enslavement, the slave trade and enslavement are distinct international crimes that should be enumerated as crimes against humanity.
Draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty: Toward a Gender Progressive, Survivor-Centric, Intersectional Approach
Civil society is calling on States to apply a gender-competent, survivor-centric, and intersectional lens to a new convention on crimes against humanity.
Continued Positive Momentum on Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
An update on the U.N. General Assembly's Sixth Committee session in October, and what to expect for a proposed crimes against humanity treaty.
New Rule of Law Index: Spread of Authoritarianism Slows But Justice Systems Are Failing
Annual index reveals new global trends in reversing authoritarianism but concerns about civil and justice systems. See also U.S. rankings.
Baby on Board! How Kleptocrats and Associates Use Family Members to Evade Sanctions
In many countries, it is possible for young children -- even babies -- to be corporate shareholders, offering a workaround for their parents.
Openings for Biden in the Inaugural US-Central Asia Summit at UNGA
Russia and China notwithstanding, serious ties should balance interests in regional cooperation, civil society, and security assistance.