War Crime

War Crime is a serious violation of the laws and customs of war giving rise to individual criminal responsibility. Examples of such conduct include "murder, the ill-treatment or deportation of civilian residents of an occupied territory to slave labor camps", "the murder or ill-treatment of prisoners of war", the killing of prisoners, "the wanton destruction of cities, towns and villages, and any devastation not justified by military, or civilian necessity".

Definition

A War Crime is an act that constitutes a serious violation of the law of war that gives rise to individual criminal responsibility. Examples of war crimes include intentionally killing civilians or prisoners, torturing, destroying civilian property, taking hostages, performing a perfidy, raping, using child soldiers, pillaging, declaring that no quarter will be given, and using weapons that cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering.

History

The concept of war crimes emerged at the turn of the twentieth century when the body of customary international law applicable to warfare between sovereign states was codified. Such codification occurred at the national level, such as with the publication of the United States' Lieber Code, and at the international level with the adoption of the treaties during the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907.

Types of War Crimes

There are several types of war crimes, including crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, and traditional war crimes.

Crimes Against Peace

Crimes against peace include the planning, initiation, and waging of wars of aggression, or wars in violation of international treaties, agreements, or assurances.

Crimes Against Humanity

Crimes against humanity are certain acts that are purposely committed as part of a widespread or systematic policy, directed against civilians, in times of war or peace. They are not isolated or sporadic events, but are part either of a government policy or of a wide practice of atrocities tolerated or condoned by a government or a de facto authority.

Traditional War Crimes

Traditional war crimes can be divided into two categories: those that breach the rules of how war should be waged (jus in bello), and those that define who and what can be a legitimate target of military action.

See Also

• Genocide
• Crimes against humanity
• Nuremberg Trials
• International Criminal Court
• War Crime Tribunals

References

War Crime Resources
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