Governments and practitioners have a suite of legal tools at their disposal with which to hold state actors, state proxies, non-state actors, and affiliated entities to account for human rights violations, atrocity crimes, financial abuses, and acts of terrorism, among other offenses. However, despite their potential potency, these tools are often under-utilized.

The Atlantic Council’s Strategic Litigation Project injects fresh thinking into how governments and practitioners can apply legal tools to advance human rights and democracy around the world.

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New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2021

The US needs better tools to fight transnational repression. Here’s where to start.

By Gissou Nia

As autocrats reach beyond their borders to punish their opponents, the United States must meet the challenge by preparing effective, forward-thinking policy.

Human Rights International Organizations

MENASource

Jul 13, 2021

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: What does its closure mean for Lebanon?

By Nicholas Blanford, David Daoud, Gissou Nia, Reem Salahi

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is set to cease operations at the end of July due to lack of funds as Beirut sinks deeper into economic and political crisis. Atlantic Council experts react to what the closure means for Lebanon.

Lebanon Middle East

In the News

Jul 8, 2021

Nia in Just Security: “Will Iran’s New President be Held Accountable?”

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Elections

In the News

May 5, 2021

Nia quoted in the Star Observer on 20 year-old gay man killed in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Human Rights

In the News

Apr 7, 2021

Nia quoted in Al Jazeera on whether Clubhouse promotes democracy in Iran

Iran Media

In the News

Feb 4, 2021

Nia quoted in Newsweek on U.S. sanctions against Myanmar

East Asia Indo-Pacific

In the News

Jan 28, 2021

Nia quoted in The Hill on the renewal of the JCPOA and related human rights concerns

Human Rights Iran

In the News

Jan 27, 2021

Nia joins BBC News Farsi to discuss how the Biden administration can factor human rights into its approach towards Iran

Europe & Eurasia European Union

IranSource

Jan 8, 2021

Will the families of PS752 ever receive justice?

By Gissou Nia

The efforts undertaken on behalf of those aggrieved include diplomatic efforts, arbitration, civil litigation, and the possibility of criminal inquiries.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Dec 16, 2020

Nia in Dawn MENA: Can Mohammad bin Salman Be Held Accountable in Canadian Courts?

Iran Politics & Diplomacy