Making the Law Work for Everyone
The Open Society Justice Initiative uses the law to promote and defend justice and human rights.
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COVID-19 Will Lead to Long-Term Housing Insecurity. Governments Must Step In.
Housing crises are ticking time bombs that are being fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. If ignored, they will have major social and political consequences worldwide.
An Ongoing Syrian War Crimes Trial Provides Important Lessons about Witness Protection
Can national justice systems in Europe ensure the safety of witnesses to grave international crimes? Lawmakers must urgently examine reforms to protect these individuals from harassment, intimidation, and safety and security risks.
Prisons and Jails Should be Prioritized for the Coronavirus Vaccine
Under international law, vaccinating prison populations against COVID-19 is an obligation that falls to the government—and because they are particularly at risk, incarcerated persons should be among the first groups to be vaccinated.
How a 230-Year-Old Law Could Hold U.S. Corporations Accountable for Child Slavery Abroad
A case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court could decide whether children formerly held as slaves can hold U.S. corporations accountable for human rights violations perpetrated abroad.
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As part of the Open Society Foundations, the Justice Initiative shares its mission of building vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens.
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Since 2003, Justice Initiative lawyers have represented scores of individuals before domestic and international courts, in cases that have sought not only to vindicate individual claims, but to establish and strengthen the law’s protection for all.
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Justice Initiative Joins Statement Calling For Greater Accountability for Syria’s War Crimes Ahead of Major International Chemical Weapons Meeting
In advance of the second meeting of the 25th Session of the Conference of the States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), 15 organizations have released a joint statement urging states to pursue greater accountability for crimes against humanity perpetrated during the Syrian conflict.
Open Society Justice Initiative Welcomes Revocation of ICC Executive Order
The Biden administration has rescinded a controversial Trump-era executive order that authorized draconian economic sanctions and severe civil and criminal penalties against those who support the International Criminal Court.
Open Society Calls for Global Sanctions on Saudi Crown Prince after U.S. Intelligence Report on Khashoggi Murder
The Biden administration released an unclassified intelligence report showing who is responsible for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. The Justice Initiative is calling for accountability.