---
title: "erga omnes — Definition & Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "Erga omnes obligations are duties every state owes to the international community, crucial for understanding international law and state responsibilities."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/erga-omnes"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed July 7, 2026

TL;DR

- Erga omnes obligations are duties under international law that are owed by every state to the international community as a whole, meaning all states have a legal interest in their enforcement.
- This concept was articulated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the 1970 Barcelona Traction case (Belgium v.
- Which ICJ case originated the concept of erga omnes obligations?
- How does erga omnes differ from jus cogens?
- What is the difference between erga omnes and erga omnes partes?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated July 7, 2026

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In 2019 The Gambia invoked obligations erga omnes partes under the 1948 Genocide Convention to sue Myanmar at the ICJ over the Rohingya, despite not being directly injured; the Court upheld its standing in July 2022.

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