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.
German Headscarves Ban
In 2006, several regional governments in Germany adopted laws supposedly to maintain neutrality and peace in the school, but which amount to discrimination against Muslim teachers on grounds of religion.
Last update: March 05, 2012Adalah v. Israel
This case is about discrimination in Israel, where citizens who marry individuals from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon are blocked from bringing their spouses into the country.
Last update: January 11, 2012Iseni v. Italian Ministry of the Interior
Roberto Iseni is in danger of criminal sanctions and expulsion because he failed to apply for a passport within a 12-month window following his 18th birthday, as dictated by Italian law.
Last update: December 20, 2011Jean-Claude Duvalier
Jean-Claude Duvalier’s 15-year rule in Haiti was characterized by widespread violations of human rights. This brief outlined the argument for prosecuting Duvalier for international crimes.
Last update: December 14, 2011Arrest Rights Challenge
In Poland, many accused don’t have access to a lawyer until the investigation into their case has been completed. This brief challenges the practice, which undermines the fundamental right to a fair trial.
Last update: December 01, 2011Alade v. the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Sikiru Alade spent almost a decade in pretrial detention. His case exposes a system in which police routinely charge suspects in order to have them detained, but make no effort to investigate or prosecute the case.
Last update: July 07, 2011Deyda Hydara Jr. and Others v. The Gambia
The Open Society Justice Initiative is representing the family of Deyda Hydara, a Gambian journalist killed in 2004. The case calls for a full investigation and seeks compensation for the family.
Last update: April 01, 2011Omerovic and Others v. Italy
In 2008 Italy introduced emergency legislation that applied only to Roma. The Omerovic family brought a legal action with nine other claimants to challenge this discriminatory treatment.
Last update: September 17, 2010