Human rights groups have lost—or never gained—the trust of roughly half their (potentially) strongest supporters. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on public opinion and human rights, and evaluation and human rights. Español

While data is important for human rights advocacy, the risks of misleading people are also very real and advocates must insist on rigor.

Even where civil society space is constrained, local organisations can create positive relationships with state and external actors. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on closing space for civil society. Ру́сский, العربية

Asking donors for money and then implementing programs is an old model from which civil society must break free. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on funding and human rights.  Español

The aid community often ignores the wishes of the very people it’s supposed to be helping. The world needs a more bottom-up approach to development. A contribution to openGlobalRights’ closing space for civil society debate. Español

A new approach to refugee protection needs to draw on the principles of self-sufficiency to prevent aid dependency and let refugees work so that they contribute to host communities.

After 10 years, the UN’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism for scrutinizing Member States’ human rights records is having a real impact—but more must be done to ensure its continued success. Français

How different are human rights organizations and the state institutions they challenge? A key Israel group has pulled away from cooperation with the army, arguing that some close ties are counter-productive.

Neither the UN nor civil society is doing much about the deep resistance of many states to proper recognition of economic and social rights. A contribution to openGlobalRights’ economic and social rights debate. Español

Evidence suggests that human rights treaties provide a reputational shield for companies to invest in the worst rights-violating countries.