Jumping Hurdles Backwards: The Armenian Genocide and the International Criminal Court
International Criminal Law Review 14 (2014) 274-290
Grotius Centre Working Paper 2014/032-ICL
24 Pages Posted: 31 Oct 2014
Date Written: October 29, 2014
Abstract
This article discusses whether the ICC could be considered as a possible avenue to address the Armenian genocide. In light of the jurisdictional limits of the Court it is argued that it is unlikely that it will ever be a suitable forum in this respect. Indeed, not only are the alleged perpetrators all deceased, but the ICC does not have retroactive jurisdiction. Moreover, it might be the case that some factual aspects of the events might make the crimes against humanity characterisation more adequate. The article concludes on the necessity to accept the limitations of law, notably criminal law, in addressing past events of such magnitude. Ignorance of these limitations makes the operation of trying to get the ICC to address the issue akin to the impossible task of jumping hurdles backwards.
Keywords: Genocide, Armenia, ICC, legality
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