Explanation: The Genocide Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, is a significant international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. It entered into force in 1951 and has been ratified by over 150 countries. The primary goals of the Genocide Convention are to prevent acts of genocide and to punish those who commit such acts.
Genocide is defined in the convention as any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group:
1. Killing members of the group.
2. Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group.
3. Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.
4. Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.
5. Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
The convention aims to prevent genocide by establishing a legal framework that obligates states to prevent and punish acts of genocide. It requires states to enact legislation to criminalize genocide, to take necessary measures to prevent acts of genocide, and to cooperate with other states in the prevention and punishment of genocide. The convention also establishes the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows any state to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, regardless of where the crime was committed or the nationality of the perpetrator or victims.
The punishment aspect of the convention is equally important. It mandates that states enact laws to punish those who commit acts of genocide, and it provides for the possibility of international prosecution through the International Criminal Court (ICC) or other international tribunals. The convention also includes provisions for extradition and the protection of witnesses and victims.
The Genocide Convention is a cornerstone of international law and human rights, emphasizing the importance of both prevention and punishment in addressing the crime of genocide. It underscores the international community's commitment to preventing and responding to acts of genocide, thereby promoting global peace and security.
In summary, the correct answer is (C) Prevent & punish, as the Genocide Convention aims to prevent acts of genocide through legal and cooperative measures and to punish those who commit such acts through international and national legal mechanisms.