The U.N. Convention on Genocide 1948
The U.N. Convention on Genocide 1948
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, 9 December 1948.
The Genocide Convention was one of the first UN treaties dealing with humanitarian issues. Adopted in 1948 in response to the atrocities committed during World War II, G.A. In Resolution 180 (II) of 21 December 1947, the United Nations acknowledges that “genocide is an international crime with domestic and international responsibility for individuals and nations.” Since then, the treaty has been widely accepted by the international community and ratified by the overwhelming majority of countries.
The International Court of Justice’s law considers the ban on genocide to be a peremptory norm of international law (see Reservation of the Genocide Convention, 1951 ICJ Rep. 15, 23; BarcelonaTraction, Light and Power Co. (Belg). v. Spain), 1970 I.C.J., Rep. 3, 32). In addition, the ICJ recognizes that the underlying principles of the Convention are those recognized by civilized nations and that they bind the state without traditional obligations.
It is noteworthy that the Convention provides an accurate definition of genocide crime, with respect to particularly necessary intentions and prohibited acts (Article 2). It also stipulates that genocide crimes can be committed during times of peace or war.
SEE ALSO:
The Eichmann Trial (1961);
The International Criminal Court (2002).
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