Topic: Rule of Law
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.
New Legal Opinion Calls on EU to Act on Hungary’s Emergency COVID-19 Laws
The Open Society Justice Initiative and Blackstone Chambers released a legal opinion on Hungary’s Authorization Act and associated decrees, calling on the European Union to hold Hungary accountable for violations of EU law.
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.
Laura Codruța Kövesi v. Romania
After being dismissed from her position as chief prosecutor of Romania's National Anticorruption Directorate, Laura Codruța Kövesi lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights. The court ruled that the conditions of her removal had violated the European Convention on Human Rights.
Human Rights Groups Alert U.N. to Alarming Actions by Mexican Prosecutors
More than 120 human rights groups and individuals are warning the U.N. about alarming trends emerging from Mexico’s new national Prosecutor General’s Office and the State’s Prosecution services.
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.
Raising the Bar: Improving the Nomination and Election of Judges to the International Criminal Court
There are currently significant flaws in the way that the member states of the International Criminal Court identify and elect judges to the court, leading to the election of less-qualified candidates, and a bench dominated by a handful of states.
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.
To Strengthen the Rule of Law, Protect the Independence of Prosecutors
The case of Laura Codruţa Kövesi at the European Court of Human Rights underlines the importance of prosecutorial independence in protecting the rule of law.
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.
In Light of U.N. Khashoggi Investigation, Open Society Justice Initiative Renews Calls for Accountability
A new UN report calls for the an international criminal investigation into the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, underlining the importance of efforts by the Justice Initiative to secure the release of all U.S. government documents relating to the case.
Independent Panel Finds Only Three of Five Inter-American Human Rights Commission Candidates Qualified for Office
Two out of five candidates for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights are unqualified for office, a new report by independent experts finds.
Case Watch: UK Supreme Court Provides Gateway for Zambian Farmers and Corporate Accountability
The UK Supreme Court has given poor Zambian claimants the right to sue a global mining behemoth in English courts.
Civil Society Organizations Criticize anti-CICIG statement from OAS Secretary General
Civil society groups express dismay over ‘misguided’ tweet from Luis Almagro, secretary general of the Office of American States, regarding the work of the Guatemala's UN-backed anticorruption commission.
Independent Panel Will Again Assess Candidates to the Inter-American Human Rights Commission
While member states fail to act, civil society groups are again backing an independent review of candidates for one of the world's most influential human rights bodies.
Open Society Justice Initiative Joins Calls to Protect Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Cutting U.S. funding would imperil a key international tool for upholding human rights, a coalition of civil society groups claims.
Volunteer Lawyers Give New Direction to Nigerian Legal Aid Initiative
In the town of Ikorodu, local lawyers are delivering free legal aid to detainees within 48 hours of arrest and joining an effort to steer people charged with nonviolent crimes away from unnecessary detention.
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.
Hungary’s Anti-NGO Tax Law Violates Free Speech and Freedom of Association
The Venice Commission, Europe’s leading body of legal experts on democracy and the rule of law, has called on Hungary to repeal a 25 percent tax on NGOs working on migration issues.
Using the Courts to Change the World: Insights from Experience
A new report by the Open Society Justice Initiative offers an unprecedented overview of strategic human rights litigation around the world, and offers eight lessons for success.
