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.
Chemical Weapons Attacks in Syria
The Justice Initiative has joined with Syrian groups in filing the first criminal complaint against Syrian government officials for the 2013 and 2017 chemical weapons attacks in Ghouta and Khan Shaykhun.
Last update: October 06, 2020Yenina Esther Martínez Esquivia v. Colombia
This case before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights pertains to the removal of Colombian delegate prosecutor Yenina Esther Martínez Esquivia in 2004 without cause after she ignored her superior’s orders to prematurely close an investigation into corruption by a public official.
Last update: September 24, 2020Federal Prosecutor's Office v. Anwar R.
This case, brought in Germany under the principles of Universal Jurisdiction, involves alleged responsibility for crimes against humanity committed in Syria, involving the accused, a former senior official with the Syrian government's General Intelligence Directorate.
Last update: December 03, 2019TRIAL 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, 2017Coalition on Violence Against Women and Others v. the Attorney-General of Kenya and Others
A group of Kenyan civil society organizations and victims of sexual and gender-based violence have brought a case to the Nairobi High Court against six Kenyan government officials demanding accountability.
Last update: February 20, 2013Citizens Against Violence and Others v. the Attorney General of Kenya and Others
More than 400 Kenyans were shot dead by police during the post-election violence in Kenya in early 2008. Victims have brought a class action constitutional case demanding accountability for the killings.
Last update: February 13, 2013Diario Militar Case
In 1999, a leaked Guatemalan government death squad diary revealed details about killings conducted by the military regime. Families of some of the victims are now bringing a case to the Inter-American Court.
Last update: August 27, 2012Jean-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, 2011