Starvation (crime)

Starvation (crime)

Starvation as a crime refers to the deliberate act of causing severe suffering or death by depriving someone of food. This act is considered a crime against humanity under international law.

Historical Context

Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where starvation has been used as a weapon of war or a means of punishment. Some notable examples include the Holodomor in Ukraine, the Great Famine in Ireland, and the Siege of Leningrad during World War II.

Legal Framework

Starvation as a crime is recognized under various international legal instruments. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court explicitly lists starvation as a war crime and a crime against humanity when used as a method of warfare. Similarly, the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols prohibit the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

Prosecution

The prosecution of starvation as a crime has been carried out by various international courts and tribunals. The International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) have all dealt with cases involving starvation.

Prevention and Response

Efforts to prevent and respond to starvation crimes are led by various international organizations and non-governmental organizations. The United Nations plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to prevent and respond to starvation. The World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are among the organizations that provide emergency food aid to populations at risk of starvation.

See Also

• Crimes against humanity
• War crimes
• International humanitarian law

References

• Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. (1998). United Nations.
• Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols. (1949, 1977). International Committee of the Red Cross.
• United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations.

External Links

• International Criminal Court
• International Committee of the Red Cross
• World Food Programme