Historical Events tagged with "international law"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Adolf Eichmann sentenced to death in Israel

December 15th, 1961 63 years ago

Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death by an Israeli court after being found guilty of 15 charges, including crimes against humanity and crimes against the Jewish people. The trial, held in Jerusalem, had garnered worldwide attention as it shed light on the atrocities of the Holocaust and the Nazi regime. Eichmann, who played a key role in organizing the logistics of the Holocaust, was captured in Argentina and brought to Israel to face justice. His sentencing marked a significant moment in post-war accountability for war crimes.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Supplementary Convention on Abolition of Slavery

April 30th, 1957 67 years ago

The Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery entered into force to reinforce efforts against slavery and human trafficking. This international treaty aimed to enhance existing measures towards the abolition of all forms of slavery. It built on the foundation laid by previous conventions, acknowledging the ongoing relevance of slavery-like practices. The significance of this convention lay in its comprehensive approach, addressing not only traditional slavery but also servitude and forced labor, underscoring a global commitment to eradicating these practices.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre of American POWs by North Korean Forces

July 16th, 1950 74 years ago

In July 1950, during the Korean War, over 100 American prisoners of war were executed by North Korean soldiers near the town of Taejon, South Korea. This organised massacre came after the UNC forces retreated under heavy pressure from North Korean troops. The POWs were primarily medical personnel and chaplains who had been captured, and their executions were seen as a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions. This incident further escalated the brutality of the conflict, impacting American and international perceptions of North Korean forces.

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Politics & Government

United Nations Adopts Arms Control Resolution

January 17th, 1950 75 years ago

The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 79, emphasizing the urgent need for arms control to foster international peace and security. This resolution calls for a prohibition on the development of atomic weapons and stresses the importance of preventing arms races. Initially proposed by the United States, the resolution garnered broad international support, signaling a collective commitment to reducing military threats amid the early tensions of the Cold War. The resolution highlighted a significant moment in UN efforts to adopt measures for global disarmament and establish frameworks for arms control.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Adoption of Anti-Trafficking Convention

December 2nd, 1949 75 years ago

The Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others was adopted in December 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly. This significant resolution aimed to combat human trafficking and exploitation, recognizing the need for international cooperation to address these issues. The convention called for member states to take necessary steps to suppress both the trafficking of persons and the exploitation of others within their borders. By establishing a framework for legal accountability and prevention measures, the convention sought to enhance the protection of individuals against exploitation.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

United Nations Adopts Universal Declaration of Human Rights

December 10th, 1948 76 years ago

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris. This landmark document articulated a common standard of human rights for all people, outlining fundamental freedoms relevant to their dignity and worth. The declaration was drafted as a response to the atrocities of World War II, reflecting the international community's commitment to promoting and protecting human rights globally. It was a collaborative effort involving many countries, each contributing to the formulation of the text.

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Politics & Government

Genocide Convention Establishes International Law

December 9th, 1948 76 years ago

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, marking a significant milestone in international law. This convention defined genocide and mandated signatory states to prevent and punish the crime of genocide. It was adopted on December 9, 1948, in Paris, France, following the atrocities of World War II and a growing recognition of the need for legal frameworks to protect human rights. This legally binding treaty represented a commitment from the global community to prevent future genocides.

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Crime & Law

Japan's War Leaders Sentenced in Tokyo

November 12th, 1948 76 years ago

In Tokyo, the International Military Tribunal for the Far East sentenced seven prominent Japanese military and government officials, including General Hideki Tojo, to death for their significant roles in World War II. This landmark decision followed extensive trials that aimed to hold wartime leaders accountable for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, reflecting the global shift towards justice and accountability after the devastation of the war.

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Crime & Law

International Tribunal Indicts Hideki Tojo

April 29th, 1946 78 years ago

The International Military Tribunal for the Far East convened to hold leaders accountable for wartime actions. Among those indicted was Hideki Tojo, the former Prime Minister of Japan, along with 28 other notable figures. The tribunal's purpose was to address war crimes committed during World War II, focusing on aggressive warfare, human rights violations, and wartime atrocities, particularly against the neighboring nations and prisoner of war populations. The proceedings took place in Tokyo, marking a significant attempt to render justice post-war.

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