Litigation
Justice Initiative lawyers have represented scores of individuals and groups before domestic and international human rights courts and tribunals around the world. These cases seek not only to vindicate individual claims, but to establish and strengthen the law’s protection for all.
Palestinians Lag et al. v. Prime Minister (France)
Human rights organizations file a legal challenge before France’s highest administrative court, seeking for the government to adopt measures to prevent French corporate and financial actors from contributing to Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestine.
Wa Baile v. Switzerland
Mohamed Wa Baile claimed to have been subjected to ethnic profiling in 2015, when he was stopped by police officers in a train station in Zurich and told to identify himself. In 2018, Wa Baile complained to the European Court of Human Rights,which found in his favor in February, 2024.
Last update: February 20, 2024Vidberg v. France
Prosecutors’ refusals to open criminal proceedings constitute obstacles to access to justice for victims. The Justice Initiative submitted an amicus brief in this case emphasizing the importance of prosecutorial accountability to guarantee the rule of law.
Class Action Lawsuit against French Government for Ethnic Profiling by Police
The Justice Initiative, along with partner NGOs, filed the first class action lawsuit in France to end ethnic profiling by police, who disproportionately target people based on their skin color or presumed ethnic origin.
French Criminal Investigation of Chemical Weapons Attacks In Syria
On March 1, 2021, the Justice Initiative joined Syrian survivors of chemical weapons attacks, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), and Syrian Archive in seeking a French criminal investigation for the August 2013 chemical weapons attacks on the city of Douma and on Eastern Ghouta.
TRIAL v. Argor-Heraeus S.A.
This complaint sought to initiate an official investigation by Swiss federal prosecutors into allegations that a Swiss gold refinery processed several tons of goal pillaged from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Last update: June 19, 2017Seydi and others v. France
Racial profiling by the police is pervasive in France. This case argues that the application of Article 78-2 of the French Criminal Procedure Code violated numerous fundamental rights and freedoms.
Last update: October 04, 2013S.A.S. v France
In October 2010, France enacted a law banning the wearing of any clothing which fully covers the face in any public space. In effect the law is intended to regulate the burqa and niqab.
Last update: April 23, 2013