Ph.D in international public law of Imam Reza International University and lecturer at Judicial Sciences and Administrative Services University
Abstract
Genocide is recognized as an international crime, prohibition of which, is accepted as jus cognes by international law. Genocide is deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular nation or ethnic group. Such crime is in obvious contrast with most fundamental human right, namely, “the right to life” which works as a base for other human rights. Genocide is committed with the intention of destroying whole or part of national, religious or racial groups. Therefore, genocide is not only a crime against the right to life but also a crime against human rights. Genocide by abusing the right to life, either directly or indirectly, violates other human rights. Inhuman nature of genocide puts it against human rights, thus, from international law perspective, prohibition of it as jus cogens is a necessity for protecting human rights in general and, right to life, in particular, and also it works as guarantee of human dignity and world peace and security.
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