The Evolution of Human Rights and the Legal Framework for Genocide Prevention: From the Holocaust to Rwanda

Abstract

Human rights are inherent entitlements that individuals possess by virtue of their humanity. Throughout history, various atrocities and inhumane acts have occurred, with the First and Second World Wars exemplifying the most severe massacres. The crime of genocide was first legally addressed in the United Nations Genocide Convention within the framework of International Law. Genocide is considered one of the gravest violations of human rights under international humanitarian law. The Holocaust during the Second World War, perpetrated by the Nazis, and the genocide in Rwanda are prominent examples that elicited significant international backlash, prompting legal sanctions against such heinous acts. This article aims to elucidate the concept of genocide and its historical evolution, examining the rulings of international criminal courts on genocide. By analyzing the Holocaust and the Rwanda genocide, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of genocide as a crime against humanity influenced by international issues, geopolitical dynamics, and colonialism.