Definition
Command responsibility
In international criminal law, command responsibility allows for commanders to be held liable for crimes (e.g. war crimes) committed by their subordinates.
Show MoreIn September 2011, ECCHR sent an advisory opinion to the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. The statement seeks to draw the commission’s attention to the cases of two persons who suffered severe injuries on 25 March 2011. Referencing the principle of command responsibility, the report emphasizes that the findings do not only pertain to the immediate perpetrator, but rather to the chain of command as a whole. Supervisors and commanders should not be excluded from the investigations. The report further notes that accepted standards of international criminal law should be respected throughout the process of evaluating the evidence, identifying suspects and producing key recommendations.
Two men – both of whom are being represented by ECCHR – were shot at by Bahraini security forces before being forcibly removed from hospital, imprisoned, and abused. ECCHR concludes in its report that the crimes committed in Bahrain constitute crimes against humanity under international law. It calls upon the Commission of Inquiry to comprehensively investigate all of the accusations listed, and to conduct a thorough evaluation of the evidence put forward.
Both cases exemplify the diverse human rights violations committed against protesters by Bahrain’s security forces in spring 2011. The violent attacks carried out against demonstrators, journalists, and doctors treating peaceful protesters constitute systematic criminal offenses. In addition, demonstrators were arbitrarily imprisoned and women were both threatened with, and subjected to, severe sexual violence.
The Commission of Inquiry was initiated by the King of Bahrain to investigate the excessive violence used against demonstrators during the uprisings in February and March 2011. It is authorized to produce recommendations for further action.
In international criminal law, command responsibility allows for commanders to be held liable for crimes (e.g. war crimes) committed by their subordinates.
Show MoreCrimes against humanity are grave violations of international law carried out against a civilian population in a systematic or widespread way.
Show MorePublic international law is the system of laws governing relations between states and other subjects of international law.
Show MoreIn international criminal law, command responsibility allows for commanders to be held liable for crimes (e.g. war crimes) committed by their subordinates.
Show MoreSince its independence, the Kingdom of Bahrain faced waves of protests, repeatedly met by the ruling elite with repression and fundamental human rights violations. No inquiry has been conducted against high profile public figures accused of being responsible for torture neither in Bahrain nor abroad.
Show MoreCrimes against humanity – defined as a systematic attack on a civilian population – tend to be planned or at least condoned by state authorities: heads of government, senior officials or military leaders. In some cases, companies also play a direct or indirect role in their perpetration.
Show MoreDecision makers in Western democracies often apply double standards when it comes to human rights. While the Global North will condemn and in some cases prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Global South, there is little appetite to examine the role played by Western politicians, military leaders and corporations in crimes against international law.
Show MoreThe law is clear: torture is prohibited under any circumstances. Whoever commits, orders or approves acts of torture should be prosecuted. This is set out in the UN Convention against Torture which has been ratified by 146 states.
Show MoreSince its independence, the Kingdom of Bahrain faced waves of protests, repeatedly met by the ruling elite with repression and fundamental human rights violations. No inquiry has been conducted against high profile public figures accused of being responsible for torture neither in Bahrain nor abroad.
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