Concepts - Chapter 14/15

crime against peace

planning/initiation of a large-scale act of aggression

crime against humanity

acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population

war crimes

crimes violating the international laws of war

branches of the un

security council, economic and social council, general assembly, secretariat, international court of justice

security council responsibility

maintain international peace

economic and social council responsibility

promote international, economic and social cooperation and development

who are members of general assembly

all 193 un member states

general assembly responsibility

makes decisions about peace, new members

how are decisions made within the general assembly

2/3 majority makes decisions

secretariat responsibility

provides studies, information and facilities needed by UN bodies for their meetings

international court of justice responsibilities

settle in accordance with international law

humanitarian intervention examples

committee of the red cross - improves the lives of vulnerable people

is the un effective in achieving its goals

the un can be effective in setting norms, but generally speaking, it’s unable to provide concrete solutions to deep-rooted issues - war in syria (member states cant agree), agreements fall short (rwanda), don’t have the power to enforce laws on any country

what is international humanitarian law

rules that apply in times of armed conflict in order to protect civilians and restrict warfare methods

sources of international law

un treaties, customs, decisions of courts

international law

set of rules recognized as binding between states to promote justice

international criminal court vs international court of justice

criminal court will prosecute individuals and court of justice hears disputes between countries

issues related to international law

human rights (north korea), environmental laws (australia), treatment of prisoners (Iran), refugees (Ukraine)

debate and discussion topic

sentencing and the death penalty - norway (rehabilitation), iran (overuses capital punishment), usa (uses capital punishment in some states)

what is important about children’s rights

they fall into a unique category and are vulnerable

omar khadr case

omar is a canadian citizen who joined al-qaeda and pleaded guilty to several war crimes despite being a minor

he was held at guantanamo bay for 10 years

lawyers began the process of recognizing Omar as a young offender

international criminal court importance

to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes