The Russian Approach: The Fight Against Genocide, War Crimes, and Crimes Against Humanity

Despite some ambiguous periods in Russia’s history, its record in affirming the foundations of humanism in international relations is unquestionable. The new democratic Russia, which is faithful to traditions of humanism and mercy, is making strong efforts to defend victims of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The experience of the international community in combating genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity indicates that the fight against these evils is bound with efforts to support international peace and security. Post-World War II history indicates that it is the United Nations that is the central figure in the struggle for peace and reinforcement of human dignity. The U.N. Charter provides great possibilities for improvement of international cooperation in fighting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Entering the new millennium, the international community should efficiently use those possibilities while adhering to the solid basis of the U.N. Charter and international law in general. The first section of this article examines international codification of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The second section of this article examines modern developments in the fight against genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The third section of this article focuses on preventing these crimes. The fourth section of this article focuses on humanitarian intervention. The fifth section of this article discusses punishing for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.