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 an international treaty that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1948. The Convention defines genocide as "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group". It also outlines the duties of signatories to prevent and punish such acts of genocide. Signatories of this convention, such as the state of Maryland, are required to take steps to prevent genocide, punish those responsible, and provide reparations to the victims. This includes making genocide a punishable crime under their own domestic law. In Maryland, the Genocide and Mass Atrocities Prevention Act (GMAPA) was signed into law in 2018. This legislation makes it a crime to commit, order, or conspire to commit genocide or mass atrocities, as defined in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Convention also calls on signatories to mobilize the international community and provide assistance to countries that are experiencing or are at risk of genocide. This includes supporting the prevention or investigation of genocide by providing information or legal, financial, and technical assistance. In Maryland, this can include the Maryland Human Rights Commission, which is tasked with educating the public about human rights issues, developing policies to protect civil rights, and working with other organizations to prevent and respond to violations of human rights.
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