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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Q&A: How Putin Could Be Put on Trial for the Crime of Aggression
James A. Goldston, executive director of the Justice Initiative, explains how Russia’s President Vladimir Putin could be prosecuted for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine.
To Protect against Digital Authoritarianism, Telecom Companies Must Respect Human Rights
The way Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko used internet blackouts to limit digital freedom, stifle dissent, and promote pro-regime messages in 2020 is in line with the well-rehearsed playbook of authoritarian regimes.
How an Outdated Law in the Bahamas Protects Corporations from Environmental Lawsuits—and What Can Be Done About It
A climate justice movement is growing in the Bahamas and they're turning to the courts. But outdated laws that could force plaintiffs to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring forward a case might prevent them from ever being heard.
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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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Egypt Must Answer for Unlawful Detention of Ramy Shaath, Say NGOs behind New Complaint
On behalf of activist and former political prisoner Ramy Shaath and his wife Céline Lebrun-Shaath, four human rights groups have filed a complaint against Egypt before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Justice Initiative Calls on Belgian Court to Reject Recommendation to Dismiss Case on Saudi Crackdown on Political Dissidents
The complaint is a first-of-its-kind legal filing to address the full scale of crimes committed by the Saudi regime against detractors since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed crown prince in 2017.
As Denmark Plans Housing for Ukrainian Refugees, Justice Initiative Renews Calls for Abolishment of “Ghetto Package”
New measures to override Denmark’s “Ghetto Package” to allow Ukrainian refugees to move into government-designated “vulnerable housing” areas adds to justifications for abolishing these discriminatory housing laws and ensuring that better access to housing and education for all refugees, argues the Open Society Justice Initiative.