Recruiting children to fight on the frontline, using rape or forced prostitution as weapons of war, indiscriminate attacks and the denial of food or medicine to civilian populations are all examples of war crimes. The International Criminal Court prosecutes perpetrators of these core international crimes that violate fundamental human rights and a state’s legal obligations under the laws of war.
While many forms of violence are legitimate, war crimes can never be justified. Prior to World War II, armies commonly abused their enemy soldiers and non-combatants with impunity; whether they won the war or lost did not necessarily affect how brutally they treated civilians. Leaders and commanders were not punished for their actions unless they were found guilty of war crimes at the Nuremberg trials.
Today, war crimes and other forms of mass atrocities have become less common than in the past; however, there is still much work to be done. In order to prevent mass atrocities, efforts must be aimed at addressing latent social conflict, the conditions that often lead to armed conflict and atrocities.
Supporting recovery after atrocities can also be a crucial step in breaking the cycle of tit-for-tat violence. This might include establishing justice and accountability, supporting healing and reconciliation, and facilitating political transition or economic reconstruction. Education and advocacy are other key strategies for preventing atrocities. Educate yourself and others about the causes of atrocities, their consequences, and warning signs. Be aware that any information source may have inherent bias, but reputable sources provide unbiased information and analysis.