Newsroom
The Open Society Justice Initiative pursues strategic litigation and engages in policy advocacy in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Read our News Releases and Advocacy Updates on our work.
The Justice Initiative Calls on States to Step Up Efforts to Support ICC Investigations
As part of ongoing discussions led by an expert review panel on how to make the International Criminal Court (ICC) more efficient and effective, the Justice Initiative calls on states to do more to push for multilateral bodies to spur greater cooperation with the Court.
February 28, 2022In a Rebuke to the Brazilian Military, Appeals Court Confirms Acquittal of Torture Survivors
An appeals court in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, has confirmed the acquittal of six individuals who claimed they were tortured after being arrested in 2018 while in military custody. This case was the first time in Brazil a forensic investigation into torture was carried in line with the standards set out in the UN-endorsed Istanbul Protocol.
February 25, 2022The Justice Initiative Releases New Recommendations for the Election of the ICC Prosecutor
Following the election of the third prosecutor in the history of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Justice Initiative, an active observer of the election process, has released a series of recommendations for future elections.
November 12, 2021The Justice Initiative Welcomes New Vetting Measures for Top ICC Officials
As the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues its process for the selection of two deputy prosecutors, the Justice Initiative applauds new due diligence measures to ensure that candidates meet the “high moral character” requirement for this role as required by the Rome Statute.
October 29, 2021ECHR Fast-Tracks Case on Racial Profiling by Police in France
Over four years after Seydi and others v. France was filed before the European Court of Human Rights, the tribunal has designated this case on racial profiling by police as a priority for more expeditious processing by labelling it as a potential “impact” case (“affaire à impact”).
October 19, 2021Eight Years After Chemical Weapons Attacks at Ghouta, Investigations Have Been Opened in Three European Countries
Judicial authorities in Germany, France, and Sweden have opened investigations into chemical weapons attacks by the Syrian government, crimes against humanity that have killed hundreds of civilians, including children.
August 21, 2021Human Rights Organizations Thank ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda for Service
Human rights organizations sent their gratitude to the outgoing International Criminal Court’s Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, for her many years of service.
June 14, 2021Justice Initiative Settles ICC Executive Order Lawsuit with the Biden Administration
The Open Society Justice Initiative settled their lawsuit against the U.S. government an executive order that authorized sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
April 30, 2021