What are war crimes

What are war crimes?

War crimes are serious violations of the international rules of war, such as seriously mistreating captured enemy soldiers or killing, raping, torturing or deporting civilians during an armed conflict.

International rules of war law are based on fundamental principles to save lives and reduce suffering, including by prohibiting military actions that may cause excessive injury, death or damage in relation to the anticipated military advantage; distinguishing between combatants and civilians; and avoiding or minimizing harm to the civilian population. An act that violates these principles is a war crime.

War crimes can be committed against civilians, civilian property and combatants, including those no longer directly involved in fighting.

For more detailed information, see the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Court’s Elements of Crimes.