The Treaty of Westphalia (1648)
Often hailed as the birth of modern international law, the Treaty of Westphalia marked the end of the Thirty Years’ War. It established the principle of state sovereignty, asserting the right of each state to govern itself without interference from other states. This treaty laid the foundation for the modern international system, emphasizing territorial integrity and non-intervention.
The Treaty of Versailles (1919)
Following World War I, the Treaty of Versailles aimed to establish a lasting peace in Europe. It imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and reparations payments. The treaty also created the League of Nations, an international organization intended to prevent future wars. While the League of Nations ultimately failed, the Treaty of Versailles had a profound impact on the international order.
The United Nations Charter (1945)
Established after World War II, the United Nations Charter is the foundational document of the United Nations. It outlines the principles of international cooperation, such as sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the use of force only in self-defense or with UN Security Council authorization. The Charter also established the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and Secretariat, which are the primary organs of the UN.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
Adopted by the UN General Assembly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a landmark document that outlines the fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. While not legally binding, the Declaration has had a profound influence on the development of international human rights law. It has inspired numerous human rights treaties and conventions.
The Geneva Conventions (1949)
The Geneva Conventions provide a comprehensive framework for the protection of victims of armed conflict, including civilians, prisoners of war, and wounded or sick soldiers. They establish rules for the humane treatment of individuals during wartime, such as the prohibition of torture, summary executions, and cruel treatment. The Geneva Conventions have been ratified by almost all countries and are considered customary international law.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998)
The Rome Statute established the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has jurisdiction over the most serious crimes of international concern, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The ICC is an independent, permanent court that can prosecute individuals for these crimes, regardless of their nationality or the nationality of the state where the crimes were committed.
The Paris Agreement (2015)
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change, adopted by nearly 200 countries. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement sets out a global action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.