Genocide is the deliberate, systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group. It represents a profound crime against humanity, aiming to erase a people's very existence. Such acts are unequivocally condemned under international law.
The recognized categories typically include acts against ethnic, racial, religious, or national groups. While the legal definition focuses on these specific groups, discussions often extend to the destruction of cultural heritage, sometimes referred to as cultural genocide, which aims to eradicate a group's identity.
Historical Examples
Throughout history, numerous tragic events have been recognized as genocides, illustrating the devastating impact of such acts. Notable examples include the Holocaust, the Armenian Genocide, the Cambodian Genocide, and the Rwandan Genocide. These events serve as stark reminders of the importance of vigilance and international efforts to prevent future atrocities.
