International Crimes
We conduct strategic litigation, research, and advocacy to ensure that national security and counterterror policies conform to human rights standards and the rule of law.
Our work to advance human rights and the rule of law ranges from combating corruption and illicit financial flows to greater accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
Despite the advances of the 20th century, the evolution of international criminal law, and efforts to combat against corruption, these heinous crimes continue to be committed with impunity and threaten peace and security in many parts of the world.
This work involves documentation, litigation, and legal advocacy in cooperation with partners, including victims, survivors, and other members of affected communities. We seek accountability of individuals and corporations in different jurisdictions, including through criminal complaints, reparations lawsuits, sanctions procedures, and due diligence processes.
Concern Over Appointment of William Shawcross to Review UK’s Counter Terror Strategy
Open Society Justice Initiative is joining Muslim rights organizations in expressing deep concern about William Shawcross’s suitability for Reviewer of Prevent in the UK, given his record and previous statements on Islam.
CIA Kidnap and Rendition Case in Europe Ends without Investigation
The 47-member Council of Europe has declared that the Republic of North Macedonia is no longer required to investigate the 2004 kidnapping, detention and rendition by the CIA to Afghanistan of a German citizen who had been mis-identified as a terrorist suspect.
Globalizing Torture: CIA Secret Detention and Extraordinary Rendition
The most comprehensive account yet assembled of the human rights abuses associated with CIA secret detention and extraordinary rendition operations.
Cases
Open Society Justice Initiative v. the United States Department of Justice et al.
The Justice Initiative has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to obtain records regarding activities and policies on the use of criminal and civil denaturalization of citizens, the revocation of derivative citizenship of family members, and policies and practice concerning statelessness in relation to denaturalization.
Al-Nashiri v. Romania
The complaint calls for a proper investigation into Romania's responsibility for the CIA's abuse of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri at a secret prison on its territory and other violations of the European Convention on Human Rights.
El-Masri v. Macedonia
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of Khaled El-Masri in his complaint over Macedonia's involvement in his extraordinary rendition and torture by the CIA.
Recent work
Concern Over Appointment of William Shawcross to Review UK’s Counter Terror Strategy
Open Society Justice Initiative is joining Muslim rights organizations in expressing deep concern about William Shawcross’s suitability for Reviewer of Prevent in the UK, given his record and previous statements on Islam.
Federal Court Orders U.S. Intelligence Agencies to Explain Withholding of Khashoggi Tape and Report
The court found that official acknowledgements—including President Trump's own statements—prevented the government from refusing to acknowledge that it is withholding records and audio tapes about the slain journalist.
Trump Administration Withholds Khashoggi Records, Biden Must End Cover-up and Commit to Transparency
After the Trump administration has failed to release meaningful records, President-elect Biden can demonstrate his administration’s commitment to human rights by releasing records on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
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