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
Afghanistan's Taliban Face New International Pressure on Rights of Women and Girls
Four countries are calling the Taliban to account over their violations of the rights of women and girls, in a process that could bring the Afghan regime before the International Court of Justice.
EU Top Court to Review Denmark's “Racially Discriminatory” “Ghetto Package”
EU’s Court of Justice is set to review Denmark's "Ghetto Package," challenged for racial discrimination, on September 30. The case impacts thousands of displaced families and the ruling could influence anti-discrimination laws across Europe.
Q&A: Bringing a Case Before the International Court of Justice for the Rights of Afghan Women and Girls
This paper considers 21 questions around the feasibility of bringing a complaint at the International Court of Justice against Afghanistan's Taliban for egregious and prevalent violations of women’s and girls’ rights.
- Climate Justice
- Digital Rights and Fair Elections
- Discrimination and Racial Justice
- International Crimes