Persecuting

Persecuting refers to the act of subjecting individuals or groups to systematic mistreatment or oppression, often on grounds such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. It encompasses actions ranging from discrimination and social exclusion to violence, detention, deportation, and other violations of civil or human rights. Persecution can be committed by governments, armed groups, or any actors who target civilians as a method of control or coercion. In historical use, the term has described religious persecutions, ethnic crackdowns, and political repressions that seek to eradicate or suppress a group’s identity or rights.

In international and human rights law, persecution is recognized as a defining element of various crimes and as a basis for protection. The 1951 Refugee Convention links persecution to grounds for asylum, requiring a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The crime of persecution is also an element of crimes against humanity when part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians, for example in acts of ethnic cleansing or political repression. States may be held accountable for permitting or enabling persecution, and international bodies may impose sanctions or pursue redress.

Efforts to prevent persecution include legal safeguards for minority rights, mechanisms to document abuses, and asylum or refugee protection for those at risk. Addressing persecution remains a core concern of human rights advocacy and international law.