The Carr Center for Human Rights Policy serves as the hub of the Harvard Kennedy School’s research, teaching, and training in the human rights domain. The center embraces a dual mission: to educate students and the next generation of leaders from around the world in human rights policy and practice; and to convene and provide policy-relevant knowledge to international organizations, governments, policymakers, and businesses.
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Latest Publications
Black Lives Matter: Power, Perception, and Press
Citation:
Teresa Chen. 12/17/2021. “Black Lives Matter: Power, Perception, and Press.” Topol Fellow Discussion Paper. Publisher's Version
 | 21_chen_topol_paper.pdf | 1.2 MB |
Abstract:
Our national reckoning with racism and police brutality, long in the making, was not inevitable. Activists and community leaders had to not only organize an effective, lasting movement against racist brutality carried out by the police but also navigate the media portrayal of the Black Lives Matter movement. The BLM movement forced the American public to see the dots and acknowledge the pattern of senseless violence carried out by the police against the black community. In so doing, the movement created the largest civil resistance campaign in American history, with millions of people across the country and around the world joining the protests.
Read the paper.author/date: Teresa Chen | Dec 17 2021
teaser text: The BLM movement created the largest civil resistance campaign in American history, with millions of people across the country and around the world joining the protests.
Looking Ahead: Human Rights Priorities in 2022
Citation:
Carr Center Human Rights for Policy. 12/10/2021. Looking Ahead: Human Rights Priorities in 2022. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Kennedy School. Publisher's Version
| 2022_looking_ahead.pdf | 3.29 MB |
Abstract:
The global pandemic has brought to the forefront the human rights issues that millions of us struggle with each day, from economic inequality and racial discrimination to the rise of authoritarianism and the threat of new technology and rampant disinformation.
To mark International Human Rights Day, the Carr Center is looking ahead to 2022 and identifying the top four areas of concern to improve and protect our human rights: discrimination and racial inequality; impoverishment and economic inequality; accountability and authoritarianism; and technology and artificial intelligence. Throughout this publication, a number of Carr Center affiliates have commented on these themes, identifying the main areas or challenges that must be focused on in 2022 to lay the groundwork for a better world where human rights are made central to our everyday lives.
: Carr Center | Dec 2021
: To mark International Human Rights Day, the Carr Center is looking ahead to 2022 and identifying the top four areas of concern to improve and protect our human rights.
Peru’s Indigenous and Rural Grassroots Civil Resistance Against the Extractive Sector
Citation:
Mayumi Cornejo. 11/22/2021. “Peru’s Indigenous and Rural Grassroots Civil Resistance Against the Extractive Sector.” Topol Fellow Discussion Paper. Publisher's Version
Abstract:
Peru is a resource-rich country where mining dominates the extractive industry. In fact, the mining industry — which has around 200 active mines throughout the country and 48 mining projects worth $57.7 billion in investment currently under development — accounts for 10% of Peru’s GDP and 60% of its exports. This creates an incentive for the government to protect and promote mining investment, many times at the expense of the interests of local communities. Therefore, it’s no wonder that some of the most visible social conflicts in Peru over the last two decades have been related to extractive industries.
author/date: Mayumi Cornejo | Nov 22 2021
teaser text: It’s no wonder that some of the most visible social conflicts in Peru over the last two decades have been related to extractive industries.
“The Carr Center is building a bridge between ideas on human rights and the practice on the ground. Right now we are at a critical juncture. The pace of technological change and the rise of authoritarian governments are both examples of serious challenges to the flourishing of individual rights. It’s crucial that Harvard and the Kennedy School continue to be a major influence in keeping human rights ideals alive. The Carr Center is a focal point for this important task.”
- Mathias Risse