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Justice in Guatemala: New Efforts, Continuing Threats
Almost 20 years after the end of Guatemala’s bitter civil war, victims of human rights atrocities are still waiting for offenders to be brought to justice. Their quest is now at a critical crossroads.
University Law Clinics and the Growing Demand for EU Law
EU law affects the lives of virtually everyone living and working in the European Union, but not enough public interest lawyers specialize in this field. Clinical legal education seeks to close the gap.
Case Watch: Peru’s Constitutional Court Hears Challenge to Blanket Military Secrecy
Peru's constitutional court is considering a challenge to an executive decree that declares that “all information or documentation” related to security and national defense “is by its nature secret.”
Trying Khmer Rouge Leaders Twice: A Guide for the Perplexed
Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge tribunal has begun a second trial on charges including genocide of two aged former Khmer Rouge senior leaders although both have already received life sentences for other crimes against humanity.
Case Watch: European Court Strengthens Anti-Torture Safeguards
A ruling on Spain’s use of incommunicado detention for terrorism suspects calls for safeguards to ensure that suspects are protected from the risk of torture.
Mexico’s Federal Prosecutor Must End Secrecy over San Fernando Massacres
Under Mexico’s new information laws, the federal prosecutors are not allowed to keep files on human rights abuses secret.
Time to Close the Circle: Development Needs Justice
UN member states are launching negotiations on global development goals for 2015-30. It is time to include targets for justice.
Case Watch: European Human Rights Court “Accommodates” Wartime Detention Law
In a ruling on the UK military’s detention of an Iraqi in 2003, the court further defines the relationship between human rights and the laws of war.
Justice Denied
Each year some 15 million people around the world spend time locked up in prison cells and detention centers while they await trial.
Why the Overuse of Pretrial Detention Is an Overlooked Human Rights Crisis
Every year, millions find themselves behind bars, awaiting trial on criminal charges—victims of what is perhaps the most overlooked human rights crisis of our time: the overuse of pretrial detention.
Presumption of Guilt: 15 Arresting Facts about the Overuse of Pretrial Detention
There are an estimated 3.3 million people in jails around the world awaiting trial, or the finalization of a trial, at any one time—roughly a third of the world’s prison population. Many don’t need to be there.
Case Watch: Who Killed Deyda Hydara?
West Africa's regional court has delivered a stinging rebuke against the Gambian National Intelligence Agency for having failed to properly investigate the murder of journalist Deyda Hydara in December 2004.
Making Progress on Freedom of Information in Africa
Thirteen African nations now have freedom of information laws on books; the challenge now is implementation.
Japan’s State Secrecy Law Faulted in Human Rights Review
The United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva has said Tokyo’s restrictive new secrecy legislation falls short on global standards.
Case Watch: European Court Defers to States on Same-Sex Marriage
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that a transsexual woman must break her existing marriage in order to receive official recognition of her gender.
After More Than a Decade, the Truth About CIA Torture in Poland
The European Court of Human Rights sent a clear message that abuses perpetrated by the CIA will not be tolerated in modern Europe, and those who perpetrate them will be held accountable.
Ensure Space for Civil Society at the U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit
If U.S. and African governments are serious about using the summit to foster meaningful trade and development, civil society must be afforded a seat at the table.
“A Decision that Seems Like an Attack on My Religion”
For one British Muslim woman, the European Court of Human Rights’ decision to uphold France’s ban on full-face veils is deeply painful.
France’s Veil Ban: Getting It Wrong on Living Together
A simple exchange on a London street shows the error of a European court ruling upholding France’s ban on the wearing of full-face veils.
To Strengthen the ICC, Look to Its Member States
July 17 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute that created the International Criminal Court. Carlos Castresana, the noted Spanish jurist, outlines some ideas for change.