WORDS AND CRIMES.

• Date: 01 January 2022
• Published date: 01 January 2022
• Author: Sands, Philippe
• Author: Sands, Philippe

In recent times the horrendous treatment of the Uighur community has received the attention it requires. Some assert that a genocide is being perpetuated by China, by reported sterilisations, displacements, mass incarcerations and other inhumanities. Voices are raised, demarches prepared, a complaint lodged with the International Criminal Court.

The use of the word 'genocide' attracts attention like no other. It is unique, in opening the imagination, the pinnacle of criminal horrors, the desire to destroy a group in whole or in part. Other terms, including 'crimes against humanity', which focuses instead on the protection of individuals, do not carry the same dread resonance, or attract headlines. The focus on the G word--almost a reverence - is regrettable. It skews our responses to other acts of mass atrocity, leaving the unfortunate impression that 'crimes against humanity' or war crimes are somehow less terrible. How did this happen?

It was seventy-five years ago that Rafael Lemkin, a remarkable Polish jurist, invented the term 'genocide'. He amalgamated the Greek word genos (tribe or race) and the Latin word cicle (killing), to create an obligation to protect groups. His focus was on Jews, Poles and Roma. He hoped to introduce the word into the charter of the Nuremberg tribunal, alongside 'crimes against humanity', but failed...