What is the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide?
The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide is a major human rights instrument that is binding under international law. The Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 and came into force in 1951. The Convention defines genocide as actions intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. It makes the commission of genocide a crime under international law and lays out the legal principles and measures that states must take to prevent and punish perpetrators of genocide. In Virginia, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, as well as other human rights treaties, are incorporated into the Virginia Human Rights Act, which is enforced by the Virginia Department of Human Rights (VDHR). The VDHR is responsible for monitoring, investigating and resolving complaints of human rights abuses in the State of Virginia. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide is a powerful tool for protecting human rights worldwide. Not only does it help to hold governments accountable for their actions, but it is an important reminder of our obligation to respect the rights of all individuals regardless of ethnicity, religion, or race.
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