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: The Human Rights Lessons from Bulgaria’s COVID-19 Failures
A lawsuit against Bulgaria under the European Social Charter seeks to reinforce citizens’ protections in the future—by highlighting policy failures that left the country with the highest COVID-19 death rate in Europe.
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.
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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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News
French Magistrates Seek Arrest of Syria's Al-Assad and Associates for Chemical Weapons Attacks
Arrest warrants for Al-Assad, his brother, and two other senior officials have been issued after an extensive investigation into chemical weapons attacks on civilians in Douma and Eastern Ghouta in August 2013 that killed more than 1,000 people.
New Court Filings Argue for Protecting Afghanistan’s Frozen U.S. Assets
The Justice Initiative is arguing that Afghanistan’s frozen U.S. dollar funds must not be at risk of seizure from private claims against the Taliban.
Top French Court Recognizes Police Discrimination but Declines to Act
France's top administrative court says it lacks the power to order government action to end police stops that unfairly target young people of color.