A Duty to Prevent Genocide: Due Diligence Obligations among the P5

John Heieck successfully argues why the duty to prevent genocide is not only a customary, but also an absolute norm of international law, and analyses the scope of the due diligence standard regarding the duty to prevent genocide. In doing so, he considers the ramifications of this on the actions of the P5 members of the Security Council, both within and outside of this eminent body. Significantly, Heieck proposes a legal test for identifyingjus cogensnorms, and explores the effect of these on the actions and omissions of specifically identified members of the United Nations (UN).

Topical and insightful,A Duty to Prevent Genocidewill be an important read for both academics and students of international law and politics who wish to further understand the legal nature of the duty of the P5 members to prevent genocide. It will also provide valuable insights for policymakers of the P5 member states.