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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.
Making Headway with Pretrial Justice
The provision of effective pretrial justice has in the past not received the attention it merits from both governments and international aid donors. But there are encouraging signs of change.
Access to Justice Advances in Ukraine
Ukraine has launched its first comprehensive national legal aid system, providing free legal advice to anyone who cannot afford to pay for a laywer.
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.
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.
UN Meeting on the Rule of Law was Just Another Day of Talk
When they met in New York, world leaders failed to agree on measurable targets for the Rule of Law. But they did agree it has role to play in the post-2015 development agenda.
What a Paralegal in Sierra Leone Needs to Know Grantee Spotlight
How can paralegals help bring legal services to ordinary people in Sierra Leone? The legal empowerment group Timap for Justice has produced a manual.
International Justice Must Start at Home
When heads of state come to New York for the UN General Assembly in September, they have an opportunity to get serious about serious crimes in talks devoted this year to promoting the rule of law.
The End of Southern Africa’s Regional Human Rights Court?
A shocking decision over the weekend effectively shuttered the Southern African Development Community tribunal.
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...
A Legal Education Clinic for Cambodia
Justice Initiative Fellow Bruce Lasky tells of his experience setting up a legal clinic in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which opened in January 2004.
Interview: Why the OAS Faces a Credibility Test over its Human Rights Commission
Professor Judith Schönsteiner, a leading Chilean jurist, discusses the challenge facing the Organization of American States: there are more seats available to fill at the Inter-American Human Rights Commission than there are qualified candidates.
Almost a Decade after his Death, Sergei Magnitsky Gets a Measure of Justice
The ruling from Europe's human rights court validates the underlying rationale for the laws adopted by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and some other countries to impose sanctions on designated individuals implicated in gross human rights abuses.
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.
How NGOs, Journalists, and Courtroom Eyewitnesses can Strengthen Reporting on Atrocity Crimes Trials
Trial monitors play an important role in keeping the public informed of events in the courtroom. The Justice Initiative’s Monitoring Atrocity Crimes Trials: A Guide, offers clear guidance on what to monitor and how to convey important information.
Is the EU Acting Boldly Enough to Defend Civil Society and Democracy?
The EU says its latest report on the rule of law will be a preventive tool to “ensure there is no backsliding,” but many have their doubts. Now, members of civil society are calling for swift action.
This African Court Decision Could Curb Electoral Abuse during COVID-19
The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights issues a groundbreaking decision to guarantee transparent, free, and fair elections during the pandemic.
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.
