People forced from their homes amid conflict—the majority of them women—face threats of deprivation, discrimination and a militarized society. During a forum hosted by the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Women’s Regional Network, speakers discussed possible model solutions in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan for displaced women and girls.  

Gender;  Justice, Security & Rule of Law;  Human Rights

On Wednesday June 29, Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and a member of President Obama’s Cabinet, addressed an audience at the U.S. Institute of Peace on the urgent need for a concerted, global response to the current refugee crisis. She also previewed the Leaders’ Summit on Refugees that President Obama will convene at the U.N. on September 20.

Conflict Analysis & Prevention;  Violent Extremism;  Fragility & Resilience;  Human Rights

Despite widespread optimism that a peace agreement will soon be reached in Havana, the war in Colombia continues, marked by a rise in attacks on human rights defenders. The U.S. Institute of Peace and its co-sponsors held an event to hear four winners of last year’s National Prize for the Defense of Human Rights in Colombia discuss the challenges they and their fellow advocates face in their regions, and the role of human rights defenders in building sustainable peace in Colombia.

Human Rights;  Peace Processes

On November 12, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visited the U.S. Institute to deliver a policy speech focused on Syria.  Read the event coverage, Kerry Says Assad Staying as Syrian Leader Is a "Non-Starter".

Fragility & Resilience;  Global Policy;  Human Rights

Former Special Assistant to the President Phil Gordon, International Rescue Committee President and CEO David Miliband and USIP President Nancy Lindborg headlined a discussion on Oct. 16 on rethinking humanitarian aid to prevent the further breakdown of a system straining under the global refugee crisis amid protracted conflict. James Fallows, national correspondent at The Atlantic, moderated the conversation.

Conflict Analysis & Prevention;  Human Rights;  Global Policy

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley led a discussion September 18 of how the United States and its partners should respond to the greatest displacement of people since World War II. With former British foreign secretary David Miliband, USIP President Nancy Lindborg and other panelists, they focused on the steps needed to address this crisis at its roots.

Conflict Analysis & Prevention;  Fragility & Resilience;  Human Rights

As President Obama visits Kenya and Ethiopia this week, USIP hosted a discussion on Twitter to examine the growing political and security issues affecting the broader region.

Conflict Analysis & Prevention;  Violent Extremism;  Human Rights

The U.S. Institute of Peace hosted Dr. Jelke Boesten on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, for a panel discussion on the implications of wartime sexual violence on the gender and power dynamics in post-conflict settings.

Violent Extremism;  Gender;  Justice, Security & Rule of Law;  Human Rights