Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

Certain widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, including murder, enslavement, torture, and persecution.

The unlawful coercion of an individual into marriage during armed conflict, recognized as a violation under international criminal law.

The unlawful seizing or detaining of individuals to compel actions from others during armed conflict, prohibited under international humanitarian law. It constitutes a serious violation subject to prosecution.

A permanent court that prosecutes individuals for crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.

A UN court established to prosecute persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law in Rwanda in 1994.

A UN court established to prosecute serious crimes committed during the conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990s.

A legal doctrine attributing criminal responsibility to individuals who participate collectively in a common plan to commit crimes under international criminal law.

Post-World War II military tribunals prosecuting prominent Nazi leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Allows states to prosecute certain serious international crimes regardless of where they occurred or the nationality of perpetrators or victims.

War crimes jurisdiction is the legal authority to prosecute individuals accused of serious violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts.

A court established to prosecute individuals accused of serious violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts. It may be ad hoc or permanent.

Zero tolerance policy in international humanitarian law mandates strict prohibition and punishment of grave breaches such as torture or targeting civilians.