Sometimes, even as events unfold, you can sense history weighting the present, writing events into our collective memory as deeply as chiselled stone. That was the momentous, breathless atmosphere that held sway as Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the International Court of Justice delivered the Court’s advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences Arising from the […]
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt its military operations in the southern Gazan city of Rafah for the third time on May 24th. The Court’s directive was clear: Israel was to stop any military actions potentially leading to the physical destruction of Palestinians and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid as […]
Concern for Lilian Virginia Laparra Rivas’ persists as her trial was delayed despite international recognition that her detention violates human rights law. The treatment of the 44-year-old lawyer from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, is a clear attack on a human rights defender and anti-corruption champion. Ms. Laparra led the Guatemala’s Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity (FECI) branch […]
Imagine a scenario where humanitarian aid collides head-on with military support in one of the world’s most contentious conflicts. That’s precisely what Nicaragua is claiming at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where it is accusing Germany of fuelling violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict. On Monday, the 8th of April 2024, Nicaragua brought a case […]
To read part one of this two-part blog post, click here. The ECtHR judgments in these historic climate cases will have far-reaching consequences particularly for those seeking access to justice for climate related harms. Therefore, while these complex judgments affect a lot of issues, the second part of this blogpost will focus on their implications […]
Last week a historic moment in climate and human rights litigation occurred when the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) addressed the issue of climate change and its effects on rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). On the 9th April 2024 the Strasbourg Court, delivered three widely-anticipated judgments. This post serves […]
Can strategic litigation dismantle the fortress of grand corruption? Strategic litigation is increasingly being used by Civil Society Organisations and NGOs to tackle grand corruption, that is, the abuse of high-level power that benefits the few at the expense of the many. On 7 March 2024, Just Access took part in the 6th Grand Corruption […]
Will the Afghan victims’ suffering be acknowledged in the ICC’s courtrooms? The people of Afghanistan have endured decades of conflict and atrocities with little accountability. In light of the reluctance of both Afghanistan and the United States to conduct thorough investigations, many victims have turned to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a final recourse […]
Just Access calls on the UK Government to secure the future of criminal legal aid in England and Wales. Just Access joins the Law Society of England and Wales in calling on the Lord Chancellor, Alex Chalk, to implement the judgment of the England and Wales High Court of 31st January 2024, by: Implement, at […]
By Tom Sparks Just Access Why should we pay to defend criminals? It’s a beguiling argument that populists all over the world have used to gut legal aid budgets. On its face, the argument seems straightforward enough. The police do their job with professionalism and skill. They investigate crimes, and they wouldn’t bring charges against […]
