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.
Vidberg 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.
Vereda La Esperanza v. Colombia
States must conduct effective investigations into serious violations of human rights committed during armed conflict.
Last update: July 27, 2016Etxebarria v. Spain
A challenge to Spain’s anti-terrorism detention regulations argues that holding two suspects incommunicado without independent legal and medical advice created conditions for abuse.
Last update: October 06, 2014Zeshan Muhammad v. Spain
Ethnic profiling by law enforcement officers continues to be a persistent and pervasive practice throughout Spain, particularly in the context of immigration control.
Last update: July 31, 2014Seydi 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, 2013Human Rights Monitoring Institute v. Republic of Lithuania
The Lithuanian Customs Department refused to disclose information that might have exposed its complicity in the CIA's rendition, detention and torture programs.
Last update: February 27, 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, 2012