History of Genocide
The United Nations has, over the years, been working on peace operations by fighting off cases of genocide. It explains the creation of the genocide convention, which was formed in 1948 and implemented in 1951. The Convention aimed at handling cases of genocide by creating international laws that would be used in crimes related to genocide. The history of genocide sates back to when this Convention was formed as great losses seen on humanity, and as a way of resolving it, the United Nations had to intervene in the matter[1]. Through international co-operation, the UN believed they would be able to liberate humankind and eradicate some of the inhuman acts that were taking place. These involved the use of these laws that applied to every nation, thus encouraging their peacekeeping operations.
Based on the terms of the Convention, genocide was, at the time, considered a form of a criminal act that would happen during times of wars and peace. The Convention, therefore, described it as a form of crime that was committed for purposes of destroying a country’s racial, ethnic, or national group. The definition was based on a reflection of negotiation processes that involved the United Nations in coming up with the Convention. State parties with this were given the power to take measures of preventing cases of genocide and even punishing individuals who engaged in criminal acts. Relevant legislation, as well as punishment for the criminals, were formulated, which worked on everyone, whether they were public officials, responsible rulers in the government or private individuals. By having punishments included in the Convention, the UN was looking up to getting to eradicate nations from engaging in the acts.
Importance of the Genocide Convention
Encouraged Commitment
With the adoption of the 1948 Convention, it acted as a crucial step in facilitating the adoption of international human rights, where it would be used as a treaty to be used by the UN. The conventions were equally expected to be applicable in the General Assembly in international criminal law, which would act to create commitment within the community. The definition of the acts involved in the genocide were represented both in the national and international level where they were to be used in making different statutes for nations. These include hybrid and international tribunals that were to respect the International Criminal Tribunals and statutes used in fighting off the crimes. The statutes were considered applicable in promoting commitment to some of the fundamental principles of the UN.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) was also involved where it would look at the genocide crimes having been given jurisdiction. Similarly, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) also had jurisdiction as it governed some of the principles that applied in the customary international law. They both had statutes that prohibited genocide as well as punish criminals involved in acts. Obligations from these laws were binding to all nations whether or not they were mentioned in the Genocide Convention. The Convention was created to represent all nations which were compulsory that all nations abided by its terms in fighting genocide in the states. Article I of the Genocide Convention targeted all states as long as they had the capacity to influence others into preventing genocide eve for cases that would occur outside their territorial bodies.
Established a Proper Basis of Action
As a way of encouraging affirmations of the commitment laid by the United Nations, the Genocide Convention had the ability to look into crimes. Here, the international security and overall security of nations were observed, encouraging the Convention to get commitments on the principles of the United Nations. A proper basis of action was equally established where risk factors would be identified and measures taken in addressing them. In this case, legal tools, as well as policies, were, introduced which worked in handling some of the early signs that would appear in the prevention of genocide cases. Every individual was given a moral obligation to take care of humanity by getting involved in acts that supported the overall good of their nations. The different States, in this case, were given the ability to take full responsibility for their citizens by showing respect to those who were not involved in the criminal acts. By having recognition of their populations, it made it manageable for the nations to account for different acts that were engaged in their territories, thereby supporting the fight for humanity.
Supported Peaceful Operations
Appeals were also made as member states, and the civil society was involved, thus encouraging the UN’s efforts in facilitating peaceful operations. The Convention engaged member states who acted to ensure that the legislation put in place were abided, and policies were implemented successfully. This process involved the use of structures that were developed for purposes of enhancing the implementation of the appeals made to the nations. The United Nations also played a role in encouraging the Member States to work together with the Human Rights Council, where co-operation was enhanced with inter-governmental bodies in facilitating peacekeeping[2]. The civil society, on the other hand, was encouraged to take part in raising awareness of the roles of the Convention and promote the need to supporting the effort by the UN. These entailed use of human rights mechanisms that encouraged the prevention of genocide and supported the development of policies initiated to promote humanity.
Lastly, state obligation was created by the Convention, which enhanced the involvement of the United Nations in preventing genocide. Different states were issued with the obligations of not committing genocide, where they were made aware that it was a form of crime. The states were also obligated to understand the punishment for engaging in genocide as per the terms of the International Criminal Justice Court. States were equally expected to come up with legislations that would work in making the provisions of the Convention effective. According to Article V of the Genocide Convention, the state involvement in this legislation was considered essential as it would help in enforcing rules that would ensure the terms of the Convention are met in each nation. The Convention insisted that any individual charged with going against the laws in protecting human rights would be punished by their state for their action.
Roles of the United Nations
As a way of fighting genocide, the United Nations plays a role in uniting nations across the world into joining its universal ratification of the Convention. Here, the UN works to encourage different States into signing for its adoption to promote activities of peacekeeping across the world. It entails the use of appeals made in the previous years for purposes of making the launching of the Convention in 2017 successful. A number of nations supported the operations globally, with a total of 149 states ratifying it. In this case, the UN functions as a universal body that works towards encouraging the nations to consider the need for fighting for humanity through discouraging cases of cultural and political genocide. It entails creating a negotiation process that allows all nations across the world to come together, and each member state was taking part in implementing the Genocide Convention.
The UN also has the responsibility of preventing genocide and stopping it in any country where it is being committed[3]. These crimes are usually preventable, where measures can be taken to help nations overcome the possibilities of having to face them. However, in cases where it occurs, the UN affirms that the criminal acts cannot be justified, which work in ensuring that the criminals face the international laws put in place. Usually, there can be situations where the cases are extreme where the United Nations steps in by working towards protecting the citizens of the nation and bringing in new practices that can help in stopping the acts. An example of how the UN handles genocide cases is by enforcement of armies who are usually used to prevent incidents of violence or mediators used to resolve the conflicts between the groups involved.
With the Genocide Convention, the UN plays a significant role in fighting for humanity. It is the duty of the United Nations to ensure that genocide is prevented by all costs for the sake of protecting lives. Considering one of the adverse results of genocide, which is the loss of lives, the Convention indicates that human life is very important, and nobody has the right to take it away from anyone. This makes it the number one priority of the United Nations to protect human lives by coming up with legislation for the member states encouraging them to engage in preventing cases of genocide. This includes the formation of campaigns that seek to encourage awareness among civil society and warn them of the effects of taking part in the acts. In addition to that, the UN, through its member states, work towards familiarizing them with ways of handling warning signs that lead to genocide before they can become a reality to the nations[4].
As a way of preventing the inhuman acts associated with genocide, the UN works towards addressing the humanitarian issue. It explains the reasons for the adoption of the 1948 Convention, which was formed to respond to Atrocities that get associated with a national crisis such as wars. By making it known that engaging in genocide is a serious crime punishable under international law, the United Nations looks up to ensuring that nations abide by the obligations of the Convention by promoting peace. This entails taking action on by supporting nations that have undergone such cases to remember the victims of the incident and remember the happenings of the tragic event. By taking such action, the UN manages to remind the world of the effects of genocide and why they should work towards making peace in every action. Getting to remind the world of the effects of such happenings works towards encouraging individuals to avoid selfish acts and focus on building their nations.
In the fight against genocide ideology, the United Nations also has a duty to discourage the violation of human rights. This explains the efforts such as marking events where the UN acknowledges the violation of these rights and works towards sharing their responsibilities and reminding the world that they are protecting nations under these risks. Here, the UN encourages the government as well as the civil society to avoid violence and factors that incite division[5]. This strategy is part of commemorating the UN in the fight of Genocide ideology through using nations such as Rwanda who have been victims to explain the evil that resides in these acts. It works as a way of encouraging respect of humanity, thus supporting individuals into living a life of security and dignity to all regardless of their race or ethnic group. The UN, with this, seeks reconciliation by fighting off genocide crimes and assisting the works in understanding the need to respect human rights.
Prevention of Genocide by the UN
The UN takes part in preventing genocide considering its effects, and how it affects humanity, it calls for a need to have appropriate action taken to help in preventing it. It explains some of the roles the UN has been working to achieve through ensuring that deliberate strategy is adopted to help in controlling nations and their engagement in such activities[6]. Through understanding the causes and how genocide happens, the United Nations takes part in recognizing some of the early signs and working towards preventing its happenings. It is an important aspect as, through recognition, the efforts of the UN become useful in discouraging the inhuman experiences from happening in any count. Following the Rwandan genocide, the UN came out with an action plan which looks at some of the ways that can be adapted in preventing genocide
Prevention of Armed Conflict
In managing ways of preventing genocide, the United Nations works towards reducing the chances of it happening, especially during war. Nations get exposed to the risks of having different groups of people fight each other during cases of political instability, which has, in most instances, considered being the cause of violence and conflict among the citizens. With this, the UN targets to prevent the dehumanizing acts such as racism and tyranny by fighting for the rights and dignity of the people. Here, it works by addressing some of the inequalities by looking at prevention strategies that apply well in facilitating peace of the nations. This involves the support of national efforts by the UN, such as humanitarian, political, and institutional activities. Conflict resolution also applies within the national governments on the member states to help in reducing the possibilities of having genocide. In this case, social and economic developments take part in making contributions toward preventing national conflicts.
Protection of Civilians through UN Peacekeepers
The United Nations makes use of its peacekeepers whenever they fail in their efforts to prevent conflicts within nations. The first priority is normally given to the civilians, where, as a way of protecting their lives, the UN works by targeting a specific community and using its peacekeepers to bring in peace among them and prevent the risks of genocide. There have been efforts that have worked in expanding the operations of the UN, such as giving the peacekeepers more mandate, which allows them to protect civilians against any violence. One of the primary goals of the peacekeepers is to help in making necessary arrangements for investigating cases of genocide and prosecuting those that violate the law. Similarly, this group of peacekeepers has come up with special measures such as protection of girls and women from any violence and in crimes against humanity.
Use of Judicial Action to End Impunities
As a way of discouraging individuals from engaging in genocide, the UN plays a responsibility in fighting for justice to be able to deter individuals from committing crimes. The United Nations fights impunities by setting up expectations that criminals of genocide get held accountable, which supports their effort to prevent the crimes[7]. The International Criminal Court (ICC) also helps in ensuring any State that fails to exercise jurisdictions against the perpetrators of genocide are investigated and prosecuted within the parameters of the Statutes. Special tribunals existed before the establishment of the ICC, which functioned to prosecute those held responsible for crimes against humanity. Special courts also exist in nations where judicial activities are usually handled by facilitating an agreement between the United Nations and the Member States depending on their jurisdiction over genocide cases.
Use of Early Warning Systems
Based on the experiences that the UN has had in dealing with genocide in nations such as Rwanda, it uses its experiences in fighting genocide. This involves the use of an international community that seeks to have a special advisor who analyzes the risks of genocide. By being able to predict these crimes, it becomes easier for the UN to deploy its sensitive nature by assigning different roles and focusing more on the country and ways of bringing peace. Through managing to assess the public, it becomes easier for the UN to come up with ways of reducing risks and crimes related to genocide. Being aware of how to initiate peace in these countries makes it possible to work in maintaining the stability of the nations. In addition to that, the special advisor brings matters to the UN Secretary-General who forwards it to the Security Council when in need of making a recommendation of how to prevent genocide.
Taking of Swift Actions
The United Nations prevents genocide by taking part in handling domestic situations by working with the UN Charter, which determines its response. The Charter handles mass crimes by working towards protecting the population and ensuring that decisions made are timely to help in ensuring peace is restored on nations. Through the international community, the UN works by involving the governments in fighting against having citizens kill their fellow citizens through the use of a coalition that intervenes in different circumstances[8]. The UN also uses military force where they protect civilians from violence and preventing their loss of lives. Engagement of the peacekeepers also serves to enable the government to support the safety of its citizens and take action against the perpetrators of the law. Through protecting these citizens, the UN manages to unify them by encouraging the nations to work together for the overall good.
Bibliography
Genser, Jared. “The United Nations Security Council’s Implementation of the Responsibility to Protect: A Review of Past Interventions and Recommendations for Improvement.” Chi. J. Int’l L. 18 (2017): 420.
Oswald, Bruce, Helen Durham, and Adrian Bates. Documents on the law of UN peace operations. Oxford University Press, USA, 2019.
Quigley, John. The genocide convention: An international law analysis. Routledge, 2016.
Rai, Mani Ram. “UN Peacekeeping: Role of Nepal A Term Paper.” (2018).
Strauss, Ekkehard. “The UN Secretary-General’s Human Rights Up Front Initiative and the Prevention of Genocide: Impact, potential, limitations’.” Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal 11, no. 3 (2018): 48-59.
Sugawara, Y. “Effectiveness of Early Warning by International Organizations: Empirical Analysis of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.”
Verdeja, Ernesto. “Predicting genocide and mass atrocities.” Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal 9, no. 3 (2016): 5
[1] Quigley, John. The genocide convention: An international law analysis. Routledge, 2016.
[2] Oswald, Bruce, Helen Durham, and Adrian Bates. Documents on the law of UN peace operations. Oxford University Press, USA, 2019.
[3] to Genser, Jared. “The United Nations Security Council’s Implementation of the Responsibility to Protect: A Review of Past Interventions and Recommendations for Improvement.” Chi. J. Int’l L. 18 (2017): 420.
[4] Sugawara, Y. “Effectiveness of Early Warning by International Organizations: Empirical Analysis of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.”
[5] Rai, Mani Ram. “UN Peacekeeping: Role of Nepal A Term Paper.” (2018).
[6] Strauss, Ekkehard. “The UN Secretary-General’s Human Rights Up Front Initiative and the Prevention of Genocide: Impact, potential, limitations’.” Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal 11, no. 3 (2018): 48-59.
[7] Strauss, Ekkehard. “The UN Secretary-General’s Human Rights Up Front Initiative and the Prevention of Genocide: Impact, potential, limitations’.” Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal 11, no. 3 (2018): 48-59.
[8] Verdeja, Ernesto. “Predicting genocide and mass atrocities.” Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal 9, no. 3 (2016): 5