ΕΚΘΕΣΙΑΚΟ ΠΕΡΙΠΤΕΡΟ Ε.Πο.Ν.Α

Content of Exhibition Stand of Pontian Youth Union of Attica in English

GENOCIDE: THE ULTIMATE CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY

Genocide constitutes the gravest form of crime against Humanity and is prohibited under the framework of the United Nations. War crimes and crimes against humanity belong to the category of crimes that are neither extinguished nor subject to statutory limitations. By their very nature, structure, and legal definition, they possess retrospective applicability.

The crime of genocide is unique in human behavior. It occurs when an entire targeted group, or part thereof, is killed or subjected to irreparable harm and destruction of its existence and future, including through the prevention of births. It is carried out pursuant to an organized plan or policy directed against the victim group, and the act inflicts irreversible physical and psychological harm upon both the victims and any potential survivors.

The United Nations General Assembly first recognized genocide as a crime under international law in 1946. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted on 9 December 1948, coming into force on 12 January 1951.The 1948 Convention codified genocide as an autonomous crime for the purpose of its condemnation and prevention. As of April 2022, the Convention had been ratified by 154 states. Genocide is now recognized as an international crime, punishable by the most severe penalties, within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.