This document is an excerpt from the EUR-Lex website
Genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes: investigation and prosecution
Genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes: investigation and prosecution
Genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes: investigation and prosecution
Genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes: investigation and prosecution
SUMMARY OF:
WHAT DOES THE DECISION DO?
It lays down a framework to improve cooperation between EU countries in the investigation and prosecution of actual or suspected perpetrators of genocide*, crimes against humanity* and war crimes*.
KEY POINTS
FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?
It has applied since 14 May 2003.
BACKGROUND
Following the genocide, crimes and against humanity and war crimes that took place in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Tribunals have been investigating, prosecuting and bringing to justice the perpetrators. However, successful outcomes of the investigation and prosecution of such crimes require close cooperation at international levels.
KEY TERMS
* Genocide: acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
* Crimes against humanity: acts committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against civilian populations.
* War crimes: acts committed that violate the law of war (e.g. the Geneva Conventions). Examples include mistreating prisoners-of-war, killing hostages, or deliberately destroying cities, towns or villages.
MAIN DOCUMENT
Council Decision 2003/335/JHA of 8 May 2003 on the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes (OJ L 118, 14.5.2003, pp. 12–14)
last update 28.06.2016