stríðsglæpi

Stríðsglæpi is the Icelandic term for war crimes. It refers to grave breaches of the laws and customs applicable in international armed conflict. These are acts committed by individuals during wartime that violate established international humanitarian law. Examples of war crimes include intentional killing, torture, inhuman treatment, extensive destruction and appropriation of property not justified by military necessity, compelling prisoners of war or other persons protected by the Conventions to serve in the forces of a hostile power, intentionally depriving a civilian of a fair and regular trial, unlawful deportation or transfer, or unlawful confinement of a civilian population, taking of hostages, and intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population or individual civilians not taking part in hostilities.

The concept of war crimes is rooted in international treaties and customary international law. The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols are central to the definition and prosecution of war crimes. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court further elaborates on the definition of war crimes and establishes mechanisms for their international prosecution. War crimes can be committed by combatants and non-combatants alike. Prosecution of war crimes can occur before national courts of any state, or before international tribunals like the International Criminal Court. The aim is to hold individuals accountable for the most serious violations of international law and to deter future atrocities.