Making the Law Work for Everyone
The Open Society Justice Initiative uses the law to promote and defend justice and human rights.
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Q&A: The Inter-American Court Takes a Lead on our Climate Emergency
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is in the midst of public consultations on legal questions arising from the climate emergency—that will shape future law and policy in the region.
Syrians Seek UN Rights Ruling against Russia for 2019 Hospital Attacks
A legal complaint seeks justice for Syrian victims of attacks by the Russian air force, and seeks to reinforce protections for health care facilities in war-time.
France Must Uphold Arrest Warrant for Syria's President al-Assad
The Open Society Justice Initiative has joined dozens of civil society groups in urging France to uphold an arrest warrant for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad for his use of banned chemical weapons.
A Legal Victory in the Drive to End Racist Police Tactics Ethnic Profiling
Mohamad Wa Baile, a Swiss citizen, complained to the European Court of Human Rights that he had been subjected to a discriminatory stop by police in Switzerland. The court ruled in his favor, marking a step forward in the drive to eliminate racially-biased policing in Europe.
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As part of the Open Society Foundations, the Justice Initiative shares its mission of building vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens.
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Since 2003, Justice Initiative lawyers have represented scores of individuals before domestic and international courts, in cases that have sought not only to vindicate individual claims, but to establish and strengthen the law’s protection for all.
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News
French Court of Appeal Validates Historic Arrest Warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: A Legal Milestone and Important Victory for Survivors
The Paris Court of Appeal upheld arrest warrants for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and two senior military officials for their alleged roles in the 2013 Ghouta and Douma chemical attacks.
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.
Justice Initiative Welcomes ITLOS Advisory Opinion on Climate Change and the Marine Environment
An authoritative legal opinion from the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea will fortify international climate commitments and compel stronger actions to mitigate climate harm.