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Some Quiet Victories for Human Rights
Three recent victories in human rights, from disparate regions across the globe, validate the power of the rule of law in civil society.
A Khmer Rouge Tribunal: Now or Never
OSI executive director James Goldston urges the United Nations to push forward with the creation of an international court to address crimes against humanity during Khmer Rouge-era Cambodia.
Darfur: the New Name of Genocide
OSI's Chidi Odinkalu argues that the atrocities being committed in the Darfur region of Sudan constitute, by legal definition, a genocide.
Justice in Cambodia
Four major hurdles must be overcome for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia to achieve lasting impact from the upcoming Khmer Rouge trials, argues OSI executive director James Goldston.
Khmer Rouge in the Dock
The Khmer Rouge prosecutions to be carried out by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia could have far-reaching impact, says Open Society Justice Initiative executive director James Goldston.
A Crucial Case for the International Criminal Court
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda became the first head of state to ask the newly formed International Criminal Court to investigate a case. The ICC must fulfill its promise to mete out impartial justice for the most serious crimes, even where,...
Katanga Judgment Underlines Need for Stronger ICC Focus on Sexual Violence
The conviction of Germain Katanga for war crimes is a welcome step forward. But when it comes to crimes like rape and sexual slavery, international tribunals like this one have done a poor job.
Rios Montt Genocide Trial Confronts Political Push-Back in Guatemala
Guatemala’s current president has joined those warning against a finding of genocide in the trial of former military dictator Efrain Rios Montt.
Beyond Arusha: The Global Effort to Prosecute Rwanda’s Genocide
The prosecution of Rwandan genocide cases in national courts is vital as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda prepares to conclude its work.
Case Watch: What a Yugoslav War Crimes Acquital Means for Charles Taylor
The conviction of General Momčilo Perišić for aiding and abetting war crimes was overturned by the ICTY, with implications for the appeal of former Liberian president Charles Taylor
Guatemala at the Cross Roads in Search for Justice
With the trial of a former president for genocide and crimes against humanity, Guatemala is following other Latin American countries that have sought justice for historic human rights abuses.
The Power of Women in Advancing the Cause of Gender Justice
The presence of women on international war crimes tribunals and as advocates for gender justice has played a vital role in the gains seen in the two decades in recognizing rape as a war-crime.
ICC Credibility and the Case against Laurent Gbagbo
The opening of hearings in the International Criminal Court's case against Laurent Gbagbo, the former president of Ivory Coast, comes at a critical time for the tribunal.
Why Violence in Africa Presents an Existential Threat
Advocates seeking a more open and democratic society in Africa have mostly failed to grasp the extent of the threat posed by violence.
Mali: An Attack Against History and a War Crime
The destruction of tombs and museums in Timbuktu constitute war crimes, as defined by the Rome Statute. If charges follow, they would be the first of their kind before the ICC.
Amid New Instability, a Struggle for Justice Continues in Eastern Congo
Kelly Askin has just returned from Shabouda, in the Democratic Repubic of Congo, where a mobile court continued to try rape cases, even as M23 militia attacked the provinicial town of Goma, just over 100 miles away.
ICC Judges Demand More, Earlier from Prosecutor’s Office
Judges at the International Criminal Court are increasingly requiring prosecutors to deliver a fuller account of the facts of a case at the earliest stage of the legal process.
It Is Time for a Global Agreement on the Rule of Law
This September the "rule of law at the national and international levels" will be on the agenda at the UN General Assembly. There are sharp international differences over what that title means. But there are also important opportunities to agree...
Excellence, not Politics, should Choose the Judges at the ICC
Nominations and elections of judicial candidates at the International Criminal Court often overlook merit-based considerations in favor of political interests. It's time for reform.
Building Roads to Justice in Syria
The Open Society Justice Initiative is part of a broad movement of Syrian and international groups that are bringing some of those responsible for atrocity crimes in Syria before courts in Europe.
