Deadly War Crimes Explained: Definition, Examples, and International Law

an image from World War 1

WHAT ARE WAR CRIMES ?

A war crime is a serious violation of the laws of the war, committed during a war or an armed conflict, that intentionally harms civilians, prisoners of war, or other protected people, or destroys civilian property without military necessity. Simple example:

Hurting people who are not fighting, or destroying homes and hospitals, is a war crime.

EXAMPLES WHEN SERIOUS WAR CRIMES WERE COMMITTED

The Holocaust (1941–1945, World War II)

The Holocaust

During World War II, Nazi Germany committed one of the most serious war crimes in history known as the Holocaust. From 1941 to 1945, about six million Jewish people, along with millions of others, were systematically killed in concentration and extermination camps across Europe. This genocide was carried out by the Nazi government and is considered a crime against humanity and a war crime.

The Nanjing Massacre (1937–1938, Second Sino-Japanese War)

The Nanjing Massacre

In December 1937, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Japanese troops captured the Chinese city of Nanjing. Over the next six weeks, tens of thousands of civilians and prisoners of war were killed. Widespread violence and destruction occurred, making this event one of the most notorious war crimes in Asian history.

The My Lai Massacre (March 16, 1968, Vietnam War)

My Lai Massacre

During the Vietnam War, U.S. soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians in the village of My Lai on March 16, 1968. The victims included women, children, and elderly people. The massacre later became public and led to investigations, highlighting the importance of accountability for war crimes.

WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL LAW SAYS ABOUT IT ?

International law clearly states that war crimes are illegal and punishable offenses, and it sets strict rules to protect civilians, prisoners of war, the wounded, and other non-combatants during armed conflict. These rules are mainly found in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, which require all parties in a war to treat people humanely and to avoid unnecessary suffering. International law forbids acts such as killing civilians, torturing prisoners, attacking hospitals, schools, or aid workers, using prohibited weapons, and carrying out collective punishment. Individuals who commit or order such crimes can be held personally responsible, even if they were following orders. Courts like the International Criminal Court (ICC) have the authority to investigate and prosecute those accused of war crimes, regardless of their rank or position. The purpose of international law is not to stop wars entirely, but to limit cruelty, protect human dignity, and ensure justice for victims by making it clear that serious violations will not go unpunished.

a simple diagram showing war laws

International law goes further by making it clear that preventing and punishing war crimes is a duty of all states, not just international courts. Under the Geneva Conventions, countries must train their armed forces in the laws of war and must search for and prosecute individuals accused of serious war crimes, or hand them over to another state or international court for trial. This principle is known as universal jurisdiction, meaning war criminals can be tried anywhere, regardless of where the crime was committed. International law also emphasizes key principles such as distinction (fighters must distinguish between civilians and combatants), proportionality (military attacks must not cause excessive harm to civilians), and military necessity (force must be used only to achieve legitimate military goals). Violating these principles can turn even a lawful military action into a war crime. Together, these rules aim to reduce suffering during war, protect vulnerable populations, and reinforce the idea that no one is above the law, even in times of armed conflict.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME WAR CRIMES WERE COMMITTED IN LARGE AMOUNT ?

The most recent large-scale instance of war crimes committed in great numbers has been during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began with a full-scale assault in February 2022. This conflict continues to be widely documented by governments, international bodies, and human rights organizations as a source of tens of thousands of alleged war crimes.

Since the invasion started, Ukraine and independent observers have recorded extremely high numbers of violations of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks on civilians, summary executions, torture, sexual violence, attacks on infrastructure, and mistreatment of prisoners of war. According to Ukrainian officials, over 130,000 to more than 180,000 incidents potentially qualifying as war crimes have been documented throughout the conflict and investigations continue to grow as evidence is collected.

Russia and Ukraine

CONCLUSION

War crimes are some of the most serious actions that can happen during times of conflict, and understanding them helps us better understand why international rules exist in the first place. These crimes are not just violations of laws written in books; they are actions that cause deep pain, loss, and long-lasting suffering for individuals, families, and entire communities. Civilians, children, prisoners of war, and the wounded are meant to be protected during war, and when that protection is ignored, the consequences can last for generations.

International law plays an important role in reminding the world that even during war, humanity must come first. The Geneva Conventions and international courts were created to limit cruelty, protect innocent lives, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. While justice can sometimes be slow and difficult to achieve, the existence of these laws sends a strong message: serious crimes should not be forgotten or ignored.

Learning about war crimes is not about spreading fear or blame—it is about awareness. When people understand what war crimes are and why they are wrong, they are better equipped to stand up for human rights, support victims, and encourage peaceful solutions to conflicts. Education helps future generations recognize the value of empathy, fairness, and respect for life.

In the end, the goal of discussing war crimes is hope. Hope that by remembering past mistakes, strengthening international cooperation, and teaching the importance of human dignity, the world can move toward fewer conflicts and less suffering. Peace may be difficult, but understanding and compassion are powerful first steps toward a safer and more just future for everyone.