Open Society Foundations
@OpenSociety

We work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable to their people. Community guidelines: osf.to/CG

 Worldwide
opensocietyfoundations.org
Joined January 2008
4,517 Photos and videos
On October 9, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) itself—the court of last resort for victims of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. This was the latest step in a rolling series of sanctions against individual judges, prosecutors, and human rights actors who have worked for and with the ICC. The Open Society Foundations are fighting the sanctions regime in federal court. The sanctions are part of an escalating campaign which, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in July, is intended to “dismantle the ICC—brick by brick, if necessary.” Already concerned about the sanctions in place since 2025, we, together with the American Friends Service Committee @afsc_org, the Center for Constitutional Rights @theCCR, and Human Rights Watch @hrw, filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York on August 11, 2026. The case argues that the sanctions regime exceeds presidential authority, violates constitutional protections of free expression and association, and is unconstitutionally vague. The ICC is where victims of the gravest crimes—from Gaza to Ukraine to the Philippines—can turn when their own governments will not act, and where even heads of state can be made to answer. The Trump administration’s sanctions are designed to close that door, and to punish anyone who helps keep it open.
Why We’re Suing to Defend the International Criminal Court

ALT Why We’re Suing to Defend the International Criminal Court

The Trump administration's ICC sanctions have forced us to suspend work with sanctioned partners. We've sued to defend the court—a system of international justice that millions of people around the world count on. Victims of the gravest crimes—from Gaza to Ukraine to the Philippines—can turn to the ICC when their own governments won't act.

ALT The Trump administration's ICC sanctions have forced us to suspend work with sanctioned partners. We've sued to defend the court—a system of international justice that millions of people around the world count on. Victims of the gravest crimes—from Gaza to Ukraine to the Philippines—can turn to the ICC when their own governments won't act.

The administration is trying to dismantle what took half a century to build. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s governments have joined the court, and its cases span four continents.

ALT The administration is trying to dismantle what took half a century to build. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s governments have joined the court, and its cases span four continents.

"The rule of law rests at the core of what it means to be an open society. It is not coincidental that we are using legal action at a time when courts and judges are under threat. Under the new sanctions, many of the organizations and people who depend on the ICC cannot afford the risk of standing up for it. We can. Justice is a long game, and we will defend the court for as long as it takes." Mariana Pena and Esti Tambay, Open Society Justice Initiative

ALT "The rule of law rests at the core of what it means to be an open society. It is not coincidental that we are using legal action at a time when courts and judges are under threat. Under the new sanctions, many of the organizations and people who depend on the ICC cannot afford the risk of standing up for it. We can. Justice is a long game, and we will defend the court for as long as it takes." Mariana Pena and Esti Tambay, Open Society Justice Initiative

16
19
51
14,607
Read more: opensocietyfoundations.org/v…

Why We’re Suing to Defend the International Criminal Court

Open Society is fighting the Trump administration’s sanctions regime.

opensocietyfoundations.org
4
2
7
6,329
Open Society Foundations retweeted
Open Society Justice Initiative@OSFJustice
Oct 15
The Trump administration’s sanctions on the ICC as an institution create additional harms for those seeking justice for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, and threaten fundamental freedoms. We’ve joined with others to defend the ICC. thehill.com/opinion/criminal…

Trump’s new sanctions could dismantle the International Criminal Court

On Oct. 9, in the clearest escalation to date of its contempt for the rule of law, the administration sanctioned the court.

thehill.com
6
3
11
6,676
The Open Society Foundations today condemned the Trump administration’s announcement of new sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an institution, an unprecedented escalation of its campaign against the independent court dedicated to ensuring accountability for the gravest crimes. “Since its establishment, the International Criminal Court has served as a court of last resort, delivering justice and accountability for victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide when they have nowhere else to turn. The Trump administration’s actions are a direct attack on the victims’ right to pursue accountability for crimes against Ukrainians, Palestinians, the Rohingya, Darfurians, and women and girls in Afghanistan,” said Binaifer Nowrojee @NowrojeeOSF, president of the Open Society Foundations. “The attack on the ICC punishes the people seeking justice instead of the perpetrators. These actions threaten to create a new era of impunity, where grave crimes go unpunished, and the perpetrators are free to repeat them. No one should be beyond the reach of the law, no matter how powerful. Open Society is committed to a world where human rights are protected, power is constrained by law, and justice is available to all.” Open Society supported the campaign to establish the ICC following the genocides in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s to prevent those responsible from evading justice. As a court of last resort for victims who have nowhere else to turn, the ICC investigates and prosecutes individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression when national authorities are unwilling or unable to do so. Nearly two-thirds of UN member states have joined the court. Its work spans the globe; it has initiated 18 investigations in countries including the Philippines, Sudan, Venezuela, and Ukraine. Open Society has long supported the ICC’s engagement with civil society and has consistently opposed efforts to undermine the court’s independence. In August, the Open Society Institute, a part of the Open Society Foundations, joined three human rights groups in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s previous sanctions targeting individuals and organizations affiliated with or assisting the work of the ICC. In 2025, the Open Society Justice Initiative joined more than 70 civil society and faith-based organizations in warning against the potential use of sanctions to attack the court. The group argued that the ICC performs a vital role in international affairs by investigating crimes that shock the conscience of humanity and that “it does so in a manner that protects the due process rights of the accused, the sovereignty of states, including the United States, and the rights of victims.” Open Society is committed to the independent and impartial pursuit of international justice wherever crimes that violate international law have been perpetrated.
9
15
48
37,046
How can the multilateral system better reflect Global South leadership? How can we center human rights and dignity in the age of AI? How is the U.S. war on Iran reshaping Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea geopolitics? As world leaders and decision makers gathered for UNGA 81, Open Society convened a diverse group of civil society voices and local and regional policymakers to share innovative approaches and creative solutions from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.     Together we discussed how we can reshape multilateralism to better reflect the realities of the new world order but remain grounded in rights, dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.   We are working with our partners to help build a multilateral future that reflects our open society values and the realities of a global order, in which power is shifting in a more representative and democratic direction. It is a future that must answer the needs of our shared humanity and the planet—and empower the states that will bring those aspirations to life.
18
19
63
43,185
Emma Bonino, the pioneering Italian politician, trailblazing human rights advocate, and a former Open Society board member, died on September 11, 2026, at the age of 78. She was committed to the humane treatment of all, from those in jail to migrants to women seeking safe abortions and beyond, writes Aryeh Neier, president emeritus of the Open Society Foundations. Bonino first gained prominence in her native Italy by leading the campaign to legalize abortion. She drew national attention after turning herself in to the police for seeking a clandestine abortion and helping other women do the same. She later became involved in the Radical Party, which was dedicated to advancing civil rights. Her political career included leading Italy’s ministries of trade and European affairs and serving as the country’s foreign minister. She also served as a member of the European Commission and helped drive efforts to establish the International Criminal Court. Despite decades of supporting abortion, divorce, and assisted dying in opposition to the Catholic Church, she counted Pope Francis among her close friends. Francis called her “one of Italy’s greats.” Conservative Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said of Bonino, “Our stories and sensibilities have been distant, but this has never prevented me from recognizing her weight and role in our nation’s public life.”
A Tribute to Emma Bonino, a Trailblazer for Human Rights. Bonino, a former Open Society board member, Italian government minister, European commissioner, and abortion rights activist, died this month at age 78.

ALT A Tribute to Emma Bonino, a Trailblazer for Human Rights. Bonino, a former Open Society board member, Italian government minister, European commissioner, and abortion rights activist, died this month at age 78.

“Emma had first become known in Italy in the 1970s for leading the struggle, in a country where the Catholic Church was politically powerful, to legalize medical abortion. As an unmarried recent college graduate, she had become pregnant, and she had found a physician who performed clandestine abortions. She then started assisting other women who needed abortions. Emma also reported herself to the police for committing a crime and spent a few weeks in jail. Her efforts culminated in legalization of the procedure.”

ALT “Emma had first become known in Italy in the 1970s for leading the struggle, in a country where the Catholic Church was politically powerful, to legalize medical abortion. As an unmarried recent college graduate, she had become pregnant, and she had found a physician who performed clandestine abortions. She then started assisting other women who needed abortions. Emma also reported herself to the police for committing a crime and spent a few weeks in jail. Her efforts culminated in legalization of the procedure.”

“Although Emma took stands on many issues that were far outside the mainstream in Italy, her commitment to humanity earned her high regard from the general public and across the political spectrum.” —Aryeh Neier, president emeritus of the Open Society Foundations

ALT “Although Emma took stands on many issues that were far outside the mainstream in Italy, her commitment to humanity earned her high regard from the general public and across the political spectrum.” —Aryeh Neier, president emeritus of the Open Society Foundations

6
9
38
33,787
Read more of Neier’s tribute to her: osf.to/4xPHsWh

Tribute to a Radical: Emma Bonino

Emma Bonino, who died in September, fought the Church on abortion and counted a pope among her friends. Aryeh Neier on a friend and ally of three decades.

opensocietyfoundations.org
1
4
12
8,142
Open Society Foundations retweeted
GWL Voices@GWLvoices
Sep 28
At the recent #GWLVoices high-level event at #UNGA81, senior policymakers and multilateral leaders came together to reflect on the future of global governance and the importance of representation. @SusanaMalcorra @HelenClarkNZ @nmusar
3
5
14
5,736
Seven months into the U.S. war on Iran, fighting has widened and the consequences have spread far beyond Iran’s borders. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, rising insecurity in the Red Sea, and pressure on energy markets are felt in the Gulf, Lebanon, Syria, and the Horn of Africa.
The expanding consequences of the U.S. war on Iran

ALT The expanding consequences of the U.S. war on Iran

As the U.S. war on Iran enters its seventh month, the consequences have extended well beyond the immediate conflict. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, rising insecurity in the Red Sea, and pressure on energy markets are felt by people in the Gulf, the Horn of Africa, and throughout the world.

ALT As the U.S. war on Iran enters its seventh month, the consequences have extended well beyond the immediate conflict. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, rising insecurity in the Red Sea, and pressure on energy markets are felt by people in the Gulf, the Horn of Africa, and throughout the world.

12
8
29
23,679
Violence in the Black Sea restricting grain exports and a strengthening El Niño are further compounding food insecurity in already vulnerable communities. In response, a new multilateral system is emerging with the rising influence of an expanding group of middle powers, including ones in the Gulf and Africa, who are advancing new approaches to security. Discussions at UNGA 81 called on the international community to address the war’s compounding shocks and repercussions.
Violence in the Black Sea restricting grain exports and a strengthening El Niño are further compounding food insecurity and economic turmoil in already vulnerable communities.

ALT Violence in the Black Sea restricting grain exports and a strengthening El Niño are further compounding food insecurity and economic turmoil in already vulnerable communities.

“In order to produce food, you need a good climate, good weather, and good soil. You also need inputs like fertilizer. You also need energy. And that's where the geopolitical situation starts to put more and more sand in the gears. People are having to make more choices and sometimes choices that will impact their health meaning that a one-time crisis can have many consequences.” David Laborde, Director of Agrifood Economics Division, FAO

ALT “In order to produce food, you need a good climate, good weather, and good soil. You also need inputs like fertilizer. You also need energy. And that's where the geopolitical situation starts to put more and more sand in the gears. People are having to make more choices and sometimes choices that will impact their health meaning that a one-time crisis can have many consequences.” David Laborde, Director of Agrifood Economics Division, FAO

4
2
12
7,785
Open Society Foundations retweeted
Binaifer Nowrojee
@NowrojeeOSF
Sep 23
I gathered with local leaders and peace builders from Kenya, the Netherlands, Mexico, Colombia, and Spain to talk about local multilateralism for peace and safety. At Open Society, we hold a simple conviction: security that is not built on human rights is not security at all. Lasting peace cannot be designed from above and delivered to people. It has to be built with them.
3
7
44
6,790
More than 1,500 academics and economists from over 100 countries support an International Panel on Inequality, saying in a joint letter, “Extreme concentrations of income and wealth translate into undemocratic concentrations of power, unravelling trust in our societies and polarizing our politics.”
Jayati Ghosh@Jayati1609
Sep 18
Global leaders urged to join initiative to fight extreme inequality theguardian.com/inequality/2…
5
8
22
50,853
Too often, the human rights movement has preferred rights in the negative: no to torture, no to censorship, no to detention without trial. But there must also be an affirmation of something positive—a vision of what could be. As global decisionmakers gather in New York for UNGA 81, Open Society hosted events exploring new ideas and perspectives on the opportunity to reimagine the future of human rights.
The future of human rights must be rooted in dignity

ALT The future of human rights must be rooted in dignity

Too often, the human rights movement has preferred rights in the negative: no to torture, no to censorship, no to detention without trial. These are fundamental refusals. But there must also be an affirmation of something positive—a vision of what could be.

ALT Too often, the human rights movement has preferred rights in the negative: no to torture, no to censorship, no to detention without trial. These are fundamental refusals. But there must also be an affirmation of something positive—a vision of what could be.

We must connect human rights to inclusive development and shared prosperity so that every person can lead a life with dignity where they don’t just survive—but thrive.

ALT We must connect human rights to inclusive development and shared prosperity so that every person can lead a life with dignity where they don’t just survive—but thrive.

6
6
24
19,904
It isn’t about weakening universal protections already secured in law, but about enriching them and rebalancing the scales for future generations. Economic, social, and environmental rights need to be placed alongside civil and political rights—they are conditions that make freedoms real. The future of human rights must be rooted in dignity, freedom, and opportunity for all.
Reimagining human rights requires rebalancing the scales: placing economic, social, and environmental rights alongside civil and political rights, not beneath them. Land, work, food, care—these are not secondary to freedom of expression, association, and assembly. They are the conditions that make freedoms real.

ALT Reimagining human rights requires rebalancing the scales: placing economic, social, and environmental rights alongside civil and political rights, not beneath them. Land, work, food, care—these are not secondary to freedom of expression, association, and assembly. They are the conditions that make freedoms real.

4
5
13
6,738
Open Society Foundations retweeted
Open Society-Africa@OpenSocietyAfr
Sep 23
Earlier this year in March, the UN adopted a landmark resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans “the gravest crime against humanity.”
2
2
1
4,447
The current multilateral world order has struggled against the double standards of great powers, who have stripped multilateral institutions of their influence, shaped the rules to their advantage, and follow them only when it suits. Today at UNGA 81, Open Society hosted conversations with municipal government officials, civil society and philanthropy leaders, policymakers, and more to tackle some of the central questions facing the international system. A new model of multilateralism is emerging as new coalitions of middle powers and countries of the Global South come together around demands for shared prosperity and sovereignty. Discussions focused on exercising their leadership in regional security, international financial reform, and rights reform, and advancing local models of peace, public safety, and reconstruction shaped by communities.
What comes next for multilateralism

ALT What comes next for multilateralism

The current multilateral world order has struggled against the double standards of great powers, who have stripped multilateral institutions of their influence, shaped the rules to their advantage, and follow them only when it suits.

ALT The current multilateral world order has struggled against the double standards of great powers, who have stripped multilateral institutions of their influence, shaped the rules to their advantage, and follow them only when it suits.

A new model of multilateralism is emerging as new constellations of states, civil society, and social movements come together around demands for shared prosperity and sovereignty.

ALT A new model of multilateralism is emerging as new constellations of states, civil society, and social movements come together around demands for shared prosperity and sovereignty.

5
8
27
16,929
A multilateral system built on minimal states has left governments with little room to respond to people’s needs; when states are able to deliver at home, they have more of a voice abroad. We’re working to support a shift in multilateral systems from instruments of fiscal discipline and constraints on public policy to enablers of a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
“People think that mathematics or music are the universal languages. But the universal language is the language spoken by civil servants who have to deal with everyday life, challenges, which are very similar.” Felip Roca, Director of International Relations, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona-District 11 District 11 is an initiative led by the Barcelona City Council aimed at strengthening and effectively directing cooperation with Palestinian cities

ALT “People think that mathematics or music are the universal languages. But the universal language is the language spoken by civil servants who have to deal with everyday life, challenges, which are very similar.” Felip Roca, Director of International Relations, Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona-District 11 District 11 is an initiative led by the Barcelona City Council aimed at strengthening and effectively directing cooperation with Palestinian cities

Redistributing care means also redistributing power and responsibility.” Bandana Rana, Expert Member, CEDAW Committee

ALT Redistributing care means also redistributing power and responsibility.” Bandana Rana, Expert Member, CEDAW Committee

1
19
5,986
Open Society Foundations retweeted
Open Society Justice Initiative@OSFJustice
Sep 21
A Norwegian court has allowed a lawsuit we’re supporting against Telenor to proceed as a class action. It seeks damages over the sharing of sensitive user data with Myanmar’s military. justiceinitiative.org/litiga…

Justice and Accountability Initiative v. Telenor ASA

The Justice Initiative is advising plaintiffs and partners to hold telecommunications giant Telenor to account for sharing customer data with the Myanmar military in the wake of the 2021 coup,...

justiceinitiative.org
2
5
4,506
Can tech workers take on the oligarchs? In 2022, after Elon Musk bought Twitter, tech workers turned union organizers JS Tan and Clarissa Redwine @clarissaredwine made a failed attempt to unionize the company’s workers. “It wasn’t just an attack, but a celebration of dominance,” shares Redwine, describing how Musk turned Twitter into a stage to discipline his workforce. The organizers’ new book, Against Tech Oligarchy, describes what went wrong in that campaign and what tech workers can learn from it. With AI already serving as a pretext for mass layoffs, Tan and Redwine argue tech workers can’t afford to defer a confrontation with their bosses any longer.
Can Tech Workers Take on the Oligarchs?

ALT Can Tech Workers Take on the Oligarchs?

2
3
14
28,772
Read more: opensocietyfoundations.org/v…

Can Tech Workers Take on the Oligarchs?

Why strikes are difficult in tech, and how tech workers can find their leverage.

opensocietyfoundations.org
1
1
9
5,871
Load more