Widespread or systematic attacks directed against any civilian population. Unlike genocide, these do not require the intent to destroy a specific group; they include murder, torture, and enslavement.
This treaty created the International Criminal Court (ICC) , the first permanent court capable of trying individuals for international crimes when national courts are unwilling or unable to do so. Individual Responsibility and Immunity An Introduction to International Criminal Law a...
Following WWII, the Allies established a tribunal to try Nazi leaders. This was the first time "individual criminal responsibility" was enforced on a global scale. It established that "just following orders" is not a valid defense for atrocities. The Principle of Complementarity
“International Criminal Law (ICL),” Thorne began, pacing slowly, “is not about property disputes or contract breaches. It is the world’s collective response to the unthinkable. It is the legal bridge between the sovereign power of a nation and the universal rights of a human being.” The Core Pillars: The "Core Crimes" using forbidden weapons
Thorne explained that ICL focuses on four specific categories of crimes that are so grave they affect the international community as a whole.
Serious violations of the laws and customs of war. This includes targeting civilians, using forbidden weapons, or mistreating prisoners of war.
Leaders can be held liable if they knew (or should have known) their subordinates were committing crimes and failed to prevent them. The Principle of Complementarity