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A Divided ECtHR Fails Victims of Discriminatory ID Checks In Spain, Argue Human Rights Groups
SOS Racisme Catalunya, the Open Society Justice Initiative, and Rights International Spain are deeply concerned about a decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Zeshan Muhammed v Spain which found that there was no violation of the prohibition of discrimination.
Mohammed Bin Salman’s Appointment to Saudi Prime Minister Should Not Halt Accountability, Argues the Justice Initiative
In response to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s appointment as prime minister, which may grant him sovereign immunity in cases concerning the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the Justice Initiative calls on governments to hold the regime accountable.
Use of Afghanistan’s Foreign Reserves to Satisfy Judgments Against the Taliban
The Justice Initiative filed a brief in the consolidated case of In re: Terrorist Attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 holding that U.S. law does not permit taking Afghanistan’s foreign reserves to satisfy judgments against the Taliban.
Criminal Complaint for Saudi Crimes Against Humanity in Belgium
The Justice Initiative filed a complaint of crimes against humanity with the Belgian federal prosecutor under universal jurisdiction on behalf of Alia and Lina al-Hathloul for grave crimes committed against their sister Loujain al-Hathloul by the Saudi regime.
Justice Initiative Calls on Belgian Court to Reject Recommendation to Dismiss Case on Saudi Crackdown on Political Dissidents
The complaint is a first-of-its-kind legal filing to address the full scale of crimes committed by the Saudi regime against detractors since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed crown prince in 2017.
Universal Jurisdiction Law and Practice in England and Wales
The principle of universal jurisdiction allows national courts to investigate and prosecute international crimes committed on foreign territory by foreign nationals. This briefing paper provides an overview of the legal framework in England and Wales on universal jurisdiction and was produced in partnership with TRIAL International and REDRESS.
Universal Jurisdiction Law and Practice in Belgium
The principle of universal jurisdiction allows national courts to investigate and prosecute international crimes committed on foreign territory by foreign nationals. This briefing paper, available in English and French, provides an overview of the legal framework in Belgium on universal jurisdiction and was produced in partnership with TRIAL International.
Universal Jurisdiction Law and Practice in the United States
The principle of universal jurisdiction allows national courts to investigate and prosecute international crimes committed on foreign territory by foreign nationals. This briefing paper provides an overview of the legal framework in the United States on universal jurisdiction and was produced in partnership with TRIAL International, the Center for Justice & Accountability, and Civitas Maxima.
Model Indictment for the Crime of Aggression Committed against Ukraine
This model indictment prepared by the Justice Initiative demonstrates that building a solid case against Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior leaders for the crime of aggression is feasible. In addition to Putin, it names six Russian officials involved in the initiation, planning, preparation, and execution of acts of aggression against Ukraine starting on February 24, 2022.
Q&A: How Putin Could Be Put on Trial for the Crime of Aggression
James A. Goldston, executive director of the Justice Initiative, explains how Russia’s President Vladimir Putin could be prosecuted for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine.
As Denmark Plans Housing for Ukrainian Refugees, Justice Initiative Renews Calls for Abolishment of “Ghetto Package”
New measures to override Denmark’s “Ghetto Package” to allow Ukrainian refugees to move into government-designated “vulnerable housing” areas adds to justifications for abolishing these discriminatory housing laws and ensuring that better access to housing and education for all refugees, argues the Open Society Justice Initiative.
UN Entities’ Powers to Establish Administrative Reparations Programs
This briefing paper provides an overview of the powers of various UN entities to establish administrative reparations programs for gross violations of international human rights law, serious violations of international humanitarian law and/or international crimes, and their past practice on this subject.
Contesting Neutrality Dress Codes in Europe
This briefing paper aims to support Muslim women, campaigners, litigators, and other stakeholders challenging discriminatory and exclusionary religious dress bans by deconstructing the concept of neutrality and analyzing its treatment by various courts.
Restrictions on Muslim Women's Dress in the 27 EU Member States and the United Kingdom
This policy brief and accompanying fact sheet map EU and UK laws and pending legislation restricting religious dress—specifically the headscarf and face veil worn by Muslim women.
To Protect against Digital Authoritarianism, Telecom Companies Must Respect Human Rights
The way Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko used internet blackouts to limit digital freedom, stifle dissent, and promote pro-regime messages in 2020 is in line with the well-rehearsed playbook of authoritarian regimes.
ICJ Orders Russia to Cease Military Operations in Ukraine, Sending Strong Signal of International Condemnation
The Open Society Justice Initiative has welcomed a ruling from the International Court of Justice ordering Russia to cease all military operations in Ukraine.
Justice Initiative Files Complaint against Company Involved in 2020 Belarus Internet Shutdown
The Open Society Justice Initiative has brought a complaint before the OECD against an Austria-based telecommunications company for its role in facilitating internet shutdowns during Belarus’ disputed 2020 presidential elections.
Open Society Justice Initiative v. Telekom Austria
The Justice Initiative has filed a complaint against Telekom Austria, the parent company of A1 Belarus, which sporadically shut off access to their mobile internet networks in Belarus in the aftermath of the country’s disputed 2020 presidential elections.
Q&A: Safeguarding Human Rights in Detention and in Encounters with Law Enforcement during COVID-19
Two human rights lawyers in Argentina share reflections on how they used litigation and advocacy to defend the rights of people in detention and to combat abusive law enforcement practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.