The Promise Institute for Human Rights

With our innovative courses, globally renowned experts, and opportunities to launch students into human rights careers, there is no better place to study human rights law than The Promise Institute for Human Rights.

The Inter-American Court’s Advisory Opinion on Climate

On July 3, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights issued its landmark Advisory Opinion on the Climate Emergency and Human Rights (OC 32-25).

The Opinion marks a major step forward in articulating the ways the climate emergency is related to human rights harms. Crucially, the Opinion also establishes obligations and standards which States must meet in response to the climate emergency — obligations set according to the standards of international human rights law.

From the Opinion’s application of a racial justice lens, to the development of climate and environmental legal frameworks, we were encouraged to find the Court’s Opinion aligned significantly with our brief’s racial justice emphasis, particularly on issues addressing Indigenous and Afro-descendent peoples’ rights.

Explore our Full Analysis, along with the Brief and Opinion

Garífuna Territorial Reparation – Report from the Field

Our newest report from the Human Rights in Action Clinic and Prof. Joseph Berra comes nearly a decade after an Inter-American Court of Human Rights decision ruled that Honduras had failed to implement key provisions of the Court’s order.

In addition to not returning clear title for 1,022 hectares to the Garífuna people, the state’s failure to comply has further dispossessed the Garífuna by allowing third parties to take advantage of the land for tourism and residential development.

Co-authored by student Mollie Cueva-Dabkoski ’25 and in coordination with Organización Fraternal Negra de Honduras (OFRANEH) the report not only addresses the systemic and political factors in play, but charts a path forward towards restoring Garífuna human rights and seeking accountability in the wake of Honduras’ disregard of Court’s order.

Lea el Informe Ahora en Español

Read the Report Now (English)

Advancing Indigenous Housing Rights in Los Angeles: International Best Practices and a Legal Framework

We’re excited to join the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission in announcing the release of a pivotal new report authored by our Human Rights in Action Clinic students, led by Prof. Joseph Berra.

Los Angeles County is home to the largest population of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States, and due to the legacy of systemic racism and genocide, this population endures disproportionate homelessness – a risk that is increasing with each passing year.

Learn More and Read Our Report

Read our Symposium with Just Security

Just Security is an online forum for the rigorous analysis of security, democracy, foreign policy, and rights. This symposium – a collaboration between The Promise Institute and Just Security – expands on insights captured by our in-person symposium speakers and elevates some of the most pressing questions about the relationship between AI and human rights.

Dive In