Strategic Litigation Project

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.

Upcoming Events

Public Event Fri, September 15, 2023 • 9:30 am ET

One year on: The Mahsa Amini protests and the road ahead for Iran

A distinguished group of experts and civil society leaders analyze the anniversary of the ongoing protests prompted by the death of Mahsa Jina Amini.

Human Rights Iran Middle East Resilience & Society

Public Event Tue, September 19, 2023 • 3:30 pm ET

From holding the line to a robust international response to the atrocities against the Uyghurs

An event on the margins of the UN General Assembly reflecting and reexamining international action after the UN’s Uyghur report.

In-Depth Research & Reports

Issue Brief Apr 19, 2023

Holding the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for atrocity crimes

By Celeste Kmiotek, Alana Mitias, Nushin Sarkarati

Under the principle of universal jurisdiction, certain domestic justice systems allow prosecutions in national courts for crimes committed abroad, regardless of the victim’s or perpetrator’s nationality. This manual outlines the universal jurisdiction process in selected European states for those pursuing prosecutions of crimes committed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Human Rights International Norms

Issue Brief Jun 14, 2022

Attacks on hospitals from Syria to Ukraine: Improving prevention and accountability mechanisms

By Elise Baker, Gissou Nia

When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, it soon began implementing one of its frequent—and criminal—tactics that it had already been using in its military intervention in Syria: bombing healthcare and medical facilities.

Europe & Eurasia Human Rights

Report Dec 10, 2020

Closing the accountability gap on human rights violators in the Islamic Republic of Iran through global litigation strategies

By Gissou Nia

Gissou Nia presents recommendations for new laws, amendments to existing laws, and the creation of enforcement mechanisms to aid in the effort to combat impunity for the IRI’s human rights violations and atrocity crimes.

Human Rights International Norms

Timely Commentary & Analysis

IranSource Aug 17, 2023

The Levinson Act means all Americans must return home—not just citizens

By Celeste Kmiotek

Shahab Dalili, Afshin Sheikholeslami Vatani, and Jamshid Sharmahd are all considered US nationals under the Levinson Act.

Human Rights Iran

New Atlanticist Jul 28, 2023

Any possible US-China ‘thaw’ must not leave Uyghurs out in the cold

By Rayhan Asat

The United States should demonstrate its unwavering support for the Uyghur community and a staunch commitment to safeguarding global human rights standards.

China Human Rights

IranSource Jul 26, 2023

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: UK designates the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

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