A war crime is a serious violation of international humanitarian law committed during an armed conflict. Under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, war crimes include intentional attacks on civilians, deliberately causing starvation as a method of war, destroying objects indispensable to civilian survival, and attacks that cause disproportionate civilian harm. National and international courts can prosecute individuals for war crimes, including military commanders and heads of state. The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed by nationals of member states or within member state territories. The United States is not an ICC member.
War crimes prosecutions hold military leaders and decision-makers accountable for serious violations of international law. Without the possibility of prosecution, commanders might feel free to deliberately target civilians or use starvation as a weapon. The threat of prosecution creates real deterrence.
People often think only losing sides get prosecuted for war crimes. In fact, any nation—winning or losing—can face prosecutions by international courts, regional courts, or national courts. The International Criminal Court can investigate crimes by ICC member-state nationals regardless of outcome.
War crimes prosecutions hold military leaders and decision-makers accountable for serious violations of international law. Without the possibility of prosecution, commanders might feel free to deliberately target civilians or use starvation as a weapon. The threat of prosecution creates real deterrence.
People often think only losing sides get prosecuted for war crimes. In fact, any nation—winning or losing—can face prosecutions by international courts, regional courts, or national courts. The International Criminal Court can investigate crimes by ICC member-state nationals regardless of outcome.