PYQ Relevance:

Q) To what extend can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. (UPSC CSE 2015)

Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has always focused on World Wars (2015) and India’s relations with Israel (2018).

On January 27, 1945, Soviet soldiers liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau (network of Nazi concentration and extermination camps), finding 8,000 starving prisoners and remnants of the 1.1 million, mostly Jewish, who perished there. With Nazi records destroyed, exact figures are uncertain. On this anniversary, survivors and world leaders gather to honor the victims and renew the commitment to prevent genocide.

Today’s editorial talks about Genocide in the world and laws related to Genocide. It will help in GS Paper 2 Internqtional relation and GS Paper 1 World History.

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

World leaders will gather in Poland to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a Nazi concentration camp.

What is Holocaust?

The Holocaust, known in Hebrew as the Shoah , refers to the systematic, state-sponsored genocide of approximately six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II, primarily between 1941 and 1945.
This atrocity was characterized by mass murders carried out through various means, including mass shootings and the use of extermination camps, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau and Treblinka.

What is Constitutes Genocide?

Genocide is defined under international law as a series of acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. This definition is codified in Article II of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention).

How is it Recognized Internationally?

Legal Frameworks: The 1948 Genocide Convention defines genocide and obligates signatory states to prevent and punish the crime. This convention has been incorporated into the statutes of various international tribunals, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), establishing a legal basis for prosecution and accountability for genocidal acts.
International Courts and Tribunals: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other tribunals have jurisdiction to adjudicate cases related to genocide.
- They interpret and enforce the provisions of the Genocide Convention, allowing for legal proceedings against individuals or states accused of committing genocide.
Recognition by States and Organizations: Various countries and international organizations have formally recognized specific events as genocides, which can influence diplomatic relations and international responses.
- For example, numerous nations have acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, while the European Parliament has recognized the actions of ISIS against Yazidis as genocide.

Why do global powers often remain silent or inactive in the face of genocidal acts?

Geopolitical and Strategic Interests: Global powers often prioritize alliances and regional influence over humanitarian intervention. For example: Rwanda Genocide (1994): Despite clear warnings, the UN and major powers failed to act decisively as Rwanda was not strategically significant to their interests, leading to the massacre of over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Economic Dependencies and Trade Priorities: Economic ties, such as energy or trade partnerships, often deter powers from addressing genocidal acts. For example: China’s Treatment of Uyghur Muslims: Countries like the U.S. and EU hesitate to impose strong measures against China due to its role as a major trading partner, despite widespread reports of atrocities in Xinjiang.
International Bureaucratic Deadlock: Global institutions like the UN are often hindered by vetoes and a lack of consensus among major powers. For example: Syrian Civil War: Allegations of genocide and mass atrocities in Syria were met with inaction, as Russia and China vetoed resolutions in the UN Security Council, paralyzing international intervention.

What responsibilities do nations have to prevent and respond to genocide?

Primary Responsibility to Protect: States have the primary obligation to protect their own populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
- This responsibility is affirmed by the 2005 United Nations World Summit Outcome, which emphasizes that national governments must take proactive measures to prevent such atrocities within their territories.
International Cooperation and Support: The international community is obligated to assist states in fulfilling their protective responsibilities. This includes providing diplomatic, humanitarian, and other peaceful means to help protect populations at risk of genocide. If a state is manifestly failing to protect its citizens, the international community must be prepared to take collective action, including potential military intervention, in accordance with the UN Charter.
Early Warning Systems and Preventive Measures: Nations and international organizations should establish early warning systems to identify signs of potential genocidal acts. This involves gathering information, promoting human rights, addressing root causes of conflict, and implementing strategies that foster social cohesion and prevent discrimination.

Way forward:

Strengthen International Accountability Mechanisms: Nations must collaborate to reinforce the effectiveness of international courts and tribunals to ensure swift and impartial prosecution of genocidal acts. This includes reforming veto power in the UN Security Council to prevent deadlocks in responding to atrocities.
Invest in Prevention and Early Intervention: Establish robust early warning systems and prioritize diplomacy, economic aid, and social cohesion initiatives to address the root causes of conflicts, reducing the risk of genocidal acts before they escalate.

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