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.
Defensoria Publica and Ministerio Publico in Rio de Janeiro vs. State of Rio de Janeiro
A case filed by the Public Defender and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio de Janeiro argues that under international human rights law, a State has a heightened duty to protect the health of incarcerated persons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tenants of Mjølnerparken v. Danish Ministry of Transport and Housing
Twelve Copenhagen residents have filed a lawsuit against the Danish government seeking a declaration that measures under the country’s so-called Ghetto Package are unlawful under EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Askarov v. Kyrgyzstan
Human rights defender Azimjan Askarov was detained and tortured by police in Kyrgyzstan after documenting human rights violations committed during inter-ethnic conflict in 2010. Askarov was given a life sentence after being denied a fair trial and died in July 2020.
Last update: October 01, 2019Akmatov v. Kyrgyzstan
Turdubek Akmatov was taken to the local police station in Kyrgyzstan and severely beaten during ten hours in custody. He died a few hours after being released without charge.
Last update: October 01, 2019Ernazarov v. Kyrgyzstan
The Ernazarov case concerns the death in custody of Rahmanberdi Enazarov, who was arrested in November 2005 and charged with the serious sexual offense of forced sodomy.
Last update: October 01, 2019Anudo v. United Republic of Tanzania
Anudo Ochieng Anudo was forced to live in “no-man’s land” on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, as neither country recognized him as a citizen.
Last update: June 06, 2017Executive Decree 1129
Peru’s Constitutional Court is now reviewing a constitutional challenge of an executive decree classifying as secret all information related to security and national defense.
Last update: March 14, 2014Diario 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, 2012