War crime meaning

A war crime is a serious violation of the laws and customs of war, such as intentionally targeting civilians or using weapons that cause excessive suffering.


War crime definitions

Word backwards raw emirc
Part of speech noun
Syllabic division war-crime
Plural The plural of the word "war crime" is "war crimes."
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,i,e
Consonants (4) w,r,c,m

War crimes are serious violations of international humanitarian law committed during armed conflicts. These crimes include actions such as targeting civilians, torture, using child soldiers, and indiscriminate attacks on non-combatants. The purpose of labeling certain acts as war crimes is to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to deter future violations.

Types of War Crimes

War crimes can take many forms, including but not limited to genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of the laws of war. Genocide refers to the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group. Crimes against humanity involve widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, including murder, rape, and forced displacement. Violations of the laws of war, also known as the laws of armed conflict, encompass actions that are prohibited during wartime, such as targeting civilian populations or using banned weapons.

Accountability for War Crimes

Individuals who commit war crimes can be held accountable through various mechanisms, including international tribunals, national courts, and hybrid courts. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a key institution responsible for prosecuting individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. National courts may also have jurisdiction over war crimes committed on their territory or by their nationals. Additionally, hybrid courts, which combine international and domestic elements, can be established to prosecute war crimes in specific countries.

Preventing War Crimes

Preventing war crimes involves a combination of legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and international cooperation. International humanitarian law, which includes the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, sets the standards for acceptable conduct during armed conflicts. States that are party to these conventions are obligated to adhere to these rules and hold individuals accountable for war crimes. International cooperation among states, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations is essential for preventing war crimes and ensuring justice for victims.

War crimes are egregious violations of international law that have severe consequences for individuals and societies. By holding perpetrators accountable and upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, the international community can work towards preventing future atrocities and promoting peace and justice.


War crime Examples

  1. The international community condemned the use of chemical weapons as a war crime.
  2. The soldiers were charged with committing various war crimes during the conflict.
  3. A tribunal was established to investigate allegations of war crimes committed by both sides.
  4. The documentary highlighted the devastating impact of war crimes on civilians.
  5. Her testimony served as crucial evidence in the trial for war crimes.
  6. The United Nations called for accountability for those responsible for war crimes.
  7. The soldier was found guilty of violating the laws of war and committing war crimes.
  8. The investigation uncovered a systematic pattern of war crimes in the region.
  9. The prosecutor vowed to bring those accused of war crimes to justice.
  10. The survivor shared her story of witnessing horrendous war crimes during the conflict.


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  • Updated 28/03/2024 - 17:49:22