Topic: International Justice
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.
International Prosecutors Fought Corruption in Guatemala. Now They’ve Been Ordered Out
The United States is acquiescing in the destruction of one of the few institutions that has shown success in targeting the main causes of Guatemala’s dysfunction.
How International Justice Can Go Local
Over 30 national and regional initiatives have been launched to prosecute mass atrocity crimes since the early 1990s. A comprehensive new survey looks at the lessons learned.
A Better Tool for Ensuring International Justice
The Open Society Justice Initiative is unveiling a new tool for making the work done by the International Criminal Court and other key tribunals more accessible to all.
Mexico’s Criminal Justice System Is Failing. It’s Time for a New Vision of Reform
Human rights advocates, as well as a diverse collection of artists and policymakers, are calling on the government to seek international support in order to reinvigorate a discredited justice system.
Who Picks the Judges? On International Tribunals, Secrecy Too Often Prevails
A new report looks at the often opaque processes surrounding the selection of judges and commissioners for human rights tribunals in Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
A Victory for the Truth about Mexico’s “Dirty War”
A ruling from Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice has given an important boost to those who want a proper accounting for abuses that included forced disappearances.
Washington Must Act Now, or Risk an ICC Torture Investigation
The International Criminal Court’s findings in Afghanistan underline the need for the United States to prosecute military and CIA personnel responsible for torture.
Confronting Crimes against Humanity in Mexico
Mexico faces a deep national crisis of atrocity and impunity: extraordinary action is needed to address these crimes, and to strengthen the criminal justice system.
Two Steps Forward in the Patient Pursuit of Ill-Gotten Gains
Arrests in Panama and Spain highlight the role civil society can play in fighting the corruption and illicit financial flows now targeted in the new global development goals.
An ICC Investigation of Possible War Crimes in Palestine Could Benefit All Involved
The White House and Israel both oppose the court taking a role in the region, but the process holds tangible rewards for all parties.
A Legal Lifeline for Communities Threatened by Resource Development Projects Grantee Spotlight
Meet the volunteer legal experts ensuring that resource development doesn’t bulldoze people’s lives.
For the First Time, a Woman Judge Heads the International Criminal Court
The election of Judge Silvia Fernandez as the first woman president of the International Criminal Court marks a significant step forward for the proper representation of women in the top ranks of international justice.
Beyond the Rios Montt Trial, Guatemala’s Search for Justice Continues
The hurdles facing the prosecution of a former military dictator on genocide charges show the complexities of coming to terms with horrific crimes of the past.
Case Watch: A Step Forward in Colombia’s Struggle for Truth
An Inter-American Court decision addresses abuses committed by the military in the aftermath of a bloody siege at Colombia’s main court building in 1985.
The UK Debate on Europe’s Human Rights Court: An Update
The outcome of the British debate over the European Court of Human Rights will have an impact on rights in the rest of Europe, and the rest of the world.
Case Watch: Netherlands Liable over Iraq War Checkpoint Death
A case involving the shooting of an Iraqi civilian has added to a growing jurisprudence on the obligation to investigate human rights abuses in times of armed conflict abroad.
Judicial Independence Under Threat in Guatemala
Recent events have shown that Guatemala’s justice system is still subject to powerful political and economic interests.
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.
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.