Institute for the Advancement of Justice and Human Rights
The United States' Paris Principles–organized civil society body for the comprehensive monitoring, investigation, and documentation of human rights violations by domestic authorities — applying the Istanbul Protocol alongside the full range of treaty frameworks binding on the United States.
A California 501(c)(3) non-profit • Independent of government funding and direction • EIN 99-2887013
What Is the IAJ?
The IAJ is an independent non-governmental organization performing, in institutional practice, the functions that a Paris Principles–compliant National Human Rights Institution would perform for the United States — in the continuing absence of any such institution. Driven by the types of complaints it receives, the IAJ currently investigates violations occurring within judicial processes, family courts, child protective services, law enforcement, and administrative agencies. It reports its findings to the United Nations Committee Against Torture, UN Special Procedures, the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), and other competent international treaty bodies.
The United States does not have a GANHRI-accredited NHRI — a structural compliance failure under international law. The IAJ exists because of that failure, and to document it.
Read the Full Institutional StatementOur Services and Functions
Standards-Based Investigations
Systematic investigations into patterns of human rights non-compliance, judicial violations, and barriers to access to justice. Findings are grounded in the US Constitution and treaty law: UNCAT, CRPD, ICCPR, ICERD, CEDAW, CRC, ICESCR, and the Genocide Convention.
View InvestigationsIndependent Tribunal
An independent tribunal issuing model rulings on court disability accommodation requests based on UNCAT, CRPD, and ICCPR standards, and domestic statutes including the ADA. The Tribunal seeks to eliminate disability discrimination in judicial processes across all US courts.
Tribunal ServicesResearch & Analysis
Evidence-based research on judicial violations, accommodation effectiveness, and systemic barriers to access to justice. Findings inform policy development and support the IAJ's reporting to UN treaty bodies and Special Procedures.
View ResearchStandards Development
Developing and publishing national and international standards for court accessibility and human rights compliance, grounded in treaty obligations and the Paris Principles mandate for breadth across all human rights.
View StandardsEvidence Database
A secure repository of documented human rights violations, judicial violations, and accommodation denials. The database supports research, advocacy, and the IAJ's communications to competent international bodies.
Access DatabaseTraining & Resources
Educational materials and training programs for legal professionals, government personnel, judges, and law enforcement on human rights obligations, accommodation requirements, and international standards.
Browse ResourcesPublications and Reports
The IAJ publishes findings, standards, and model rulings based on its investigations and tribunal proceedings. These publications are submitted to UN treaty bodies and made available to the public.
Court Accessibility Standards
Model standards for disability accommodation in judicial proceedings, grounded in UNCAT, CRPD Art. 13, ICCPR Art. 14, and the ADA.
View Standards →Research on Judicial Violations
Comprehensive analysis of systemic judicial violations, accommodation denials, and barriers to access to justice across US court systems.
View Research →Investigation Findings
Model findings from IAJ investigations into patterns of non-compliance, documented under the Istanbul Protocol and treaty standards.
View Investigations →News & Updates
Human rights news relevant to the IAJ's work, including US judicial system developments, UN treaty body proceedings, and international human rights reporting.
Read News →Treaty Framework
Consistent with the Paris Principles' requirement that an NHRI's mandate be as broad as possible covering all human rights, the IAJ investigates violations across the full range of treaty obligations binding on the United States.
Note: Treaties signed but not ratified bind the United States under VCLT Art. 18 not to defeat their object and purpose. Jus cogens norms, including the absolute prohibition on torture, bind the United States regardless of ratification status. Read the full legal framework →
Get Involved
The IAJ relies on volunteers with expertise in human rights law, medicine, research, and investigation. We also welcome those who have experienced or witnessed human rights violations and wish to participate in our research or submit a complaint or witness report.
Submit a Complaint
Register to submit a complaint about judicial human rights violations for IAJ review and documentation.
Register →Request a Tribunal Ruling
Submit a court disability accommodation request for independent review under UNCAT, CRPD, and ADA standards.
Sign In to File →Volunteer
We seek human rights experts, medical professionals, researchers, court observers, and independent investigators. Every volunteer contributes to the on-going evolution and quality assurance of the IAJ's standards in their track.
See Volunteer Roles → Apply to Volunteer →Support Our Work
The IAJ is entirely independent of government funding. Your donation supports investigations, tribunal services, and publications.
Donate →"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." — Together, we can accelerate this bend through compassionate action and unwavering commitment to human rights.
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