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.
German and Belgian Prosecutors Urged to Investigate Chemical Shipments to Syria
Three groups working on accountability for atrocity crimes have filed criminal complaints with prosecutors in Antwerp, Hamburg and Essen over shipments to Syria of restricted chemicals in 2014.
NGOs Challenge Sweden's Proposal for an ISIS-only War Crimes Tribunal
Seven international and Syrian NGOs are warning against the idea of an atrocity court that would focus only on ISIS, and not on crimes committed by all sides in Syria's civil war.
Confronting Crimes against Humanity in Mexico
Mexico faces a deep national crisis of atrocity and impunity: extraordinary action is needed to address these crimes, and to strengthen the criminal justice system.
Cases
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.
Coalition on Violence Against Women and Others v. the Attorney-General of Kenya and Others
A group of Kenyan civil society organizations and victims of sexual and gender-based violence have brought a case to the Nairobi High Court against six Kenyan government officials demanding accountability.
Recent work
Universal Jurisdiction Law and Practice in Germany
This briefing paper provides an overview of how German law and legal practice interprets the principles of universal jurisdiction with respect to international atrocity crimes.
Universal Jurisdiction Law and Practice in France
This briefing paper provides an overview of how French law and practice interprets the principles of universal jurisdiction with respect to international atrocity crimes.
Recent Developments in the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia: January 2019
This brief provides an update on recent decisions and outstanding issues at the Phnom Penh based tribunal that was established with international support to try those responsible for Khmer Rouge atrocity crimes.
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