While the matter of jurisdiction has always been an important hurdle for affected communities to hold multinational corporations accountable, there has been over the past few years an increase of lawsuits brought against those companies before courts in home States. Despite some being dismissed, more and more cases are allowed to proceed, opening new doors for victims.
The article identifies on-going international lawsuits against MNCs, i.e. lawsuits brought in a country that is not the country where the alleged harm occurred.
Out of 63 identified cases:
- 29 cases are filed with French courts;
- 11 cases are brought against extractive companies;
- 6 cases relates to the colonisation of Palestine;
- 6 cases are brought against BNP Paribas.
Cases are classified by regions: Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia & Oceania.
Comparative tables (Last update: 22 March, 2026)
Ten of the aforementioned cases have been summarised on this blog: