Discrimination and Racial Justice
We work to ensure equal treatment and equal access to public services for everyone, regardless of their ethnic background or identity.
The Justice Initiative works to advance a vision of a society where everyone can expect fair treatment, regardless of who they are.
This means equal treatment and access to public services for everyone, regardless of their ethnic background or identity. We also seek to protect basic democratic rights around the world by advancing the right to nationality and citizenship and championing the rights of minority and underrepresented groups, often in the face of authoritarian repression.
We work with partners globally to address discriminatory policies and practices, such as prohibitions on religious dress, and support and empower communities facing systemic discrimination to advance equality and racial justice.
ECJ Reaffirms Restrictions Excluding Muslim Women in the Workplace
The top European Union court has made it clear that employers can restrict the wearing of "religious symbols," such as Islamic headscarves, but only in limited circumstances, which will stigmatize Muslim women.
Ending Ethnic Profiling to Keep Our Communities Safe
A new guide shows how to build creative campaigns and community power to finally put an end to ethnic profiling by police in Europe.
Q&A: My Fight to Save My Home Under Denmark’s Harsh “Ghetto Plan”
In Denmark, Open Society Justice Initiative partnered with local residents to stop mass evictions and save their homes under the country’s controversial and discriminatory “Ghetto Package.”
Cases
Class Action Lawsuit against French Government for Ethnic Profiling by Police
The Justice Initiative, along with partner NGOs, filed the first class action lawsuit in France to end ethnic profiling by police, who disproportionately target people based on their skin color or presumed ethnic origin.
Tenants of Mjølnerparken v. Danish Ministry of Transport and Housing
Twelve Copenhagen residents have filed a lawsuit against the Danish government seeking a declaration that measures under the country’s so-called Ghetto Package are unlawful under EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Zeshan Muhammad v. Spain
Ethnic profiling by law enforcement officers continues to be a persistent and pervasive practice throughout Spain, particularly in the context of immigration control.
Recent work
State Human Rights Obligations Regarding the Distribution of Scarce Health Resources
This report offers a comprehensive overview of case law concerning the rights to life, health, and nondiscrimination in international, regional, and national systems.
Q&A: The Human Rights Lessons from Bulgaria’s COVID-19 Failures
A lawsuit against Bulgaria under the European Social Charter seeks to reinforce citizens’ protections in the future—by highlighting policy failures that left the country with the highest COVID-19 death rate in Europe.
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.
- Climate Justice
- Digital Rights and Fair Elections
- Discrimination and Racial Justice
- International Crimes