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.
Related FAQs
What is the right to leisure and holidays with pay?What is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights?
What is the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment?
What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?
What is the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights?
When did human rights law develop?
What is the right to freedom of expression?
What is the right to education?
What is the right to work?
What is the principle of reciprocity in international human rights law?
Related Blog Posts
Protecting Human Rights: An Introduction to the International Law of Human Rights - July 31, 2023Exploring Human Rights: Your Guide to Understanding Human Rights Law - August 7, 2023
Who Is Protected By Human Rights Law? - August 14, 2023
The Human Rights Act: Understanding the UK’s Domestic Legal Framework - August 21, 2023
Human Rights in the European Union: An Overview - August 28, 2023