International Justice
We work to strengthen the system of international criminal justice to hold accountable those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
The Open Society Justice Initiative supports the mission of the International Criminal Court, as well as national and regional accountability mechanisms that seek justice for mass atrocity crimes.
To make the International Criminal Court more effective, we support civil society engagement with the court and the defense of Rome Statute principles. Our International Justice Monitor is a leading source for informed, balanced reporting on trials underway at the court and elsewhere.
At a national level, we work with local groups and prosecutors seeking to build effective institutions and cases concerning atrocity crimes. When political factors obstruct justice at home, we push for alternative ways to hold perpetrators to account.
Open Society Justice Initiative Sues Trump Administration over International Criminal Court Executive Order
The Open Society Justice Initiative has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government over a Trump administration executive order authorizing draconian economic sanctions and severe civil and criminal penalties for those who support the ICC.
Building Roads to Justice in Syria
The Open Society Justice Initiative is part of a broad movement of Syrian and international groups that are bringing some of those responsible for atrocity crimes in Syria before courts in Europe.
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.
Cases
Open Society Justice Initiative et al. v. Donald J. Trump et al.
The Open Society Justice Initiative and four law professors have filed a complaint against the U.S. government over a Trump administration executive order authorizing draconian economic sanctions and severe civil and criminal penalties for those who support the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Federal Prosecutor's Office v. Anwar R.
This case, brought in Germany under the principles of Universal Jurisdiction, involves alleged responsibility for crimes against humanity committed in Syria, involving the accused, a former senior official with the Syrian government's General Intelligence Directorate.
Citizens Against Violence and Others v. the Attorney General of Kenya and Others
More than 400 Kenyans were shot dead by police during the post-election violence in Kenya in early 2008. Victims have brought a class action constitutional case demanding accountability for the killings.
Recent work
For Hope for Human Rights, Look to Implementation
How effectively can UN and regional human rights treaty bodies police governments who violate human rights law and enforce decisions? Progress over the past ten years signals hope for the future of international human rights.
ASP Presidency Fails to Protect the Integrity of the Election of the Next ICC Prosecutor
In advance of the election of the next International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor now scheduled for February 12, 2021, the Justice Initiative laments the failure of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) presidency to establish a genuine vetting process for all candidates.
The Trial of Dominic Ongwen at the ICC: The Judgment
This paper summarizes the main issues in the trial of Dominic Ongwen, a former commander in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group, including evidence presented by the prosecution, defense, and victims’ representatives.
- Access to Justice
- Citizenship
- Civic Space
- Climate
- Corruption
- Criminal Justice
- Discrimination and Equality
- Economic Justice
- International Justice
- National Security and Counterterrorism
- Rule of Law