[New publication] Rethinking genocide law: Exploring the legal right of groups to exist

A new publication, ‘Genocide and the Right of Groups to Exist: An International Criminal Law Account’ (Asser Press) by Dimitrios Kourtis, re-examines genocide as a legal concept, offering a fresh perspective on the rights of groups under international criminal law. The book presents a novel approach to the Genocide Convention by exploring the recognition of groups as rights-holders, challenging conventional interpretations and providing deeper insights into the legal framework protecting vulnerable communities.  

The publication contains a thorough analysis of both theoretical and practical dimensions of genocide law. By investigating group rights through international legal mechanisms, Kourtis highlights how these legal principles can be adapted to the evolving landscape of human rights protection. The author further provides a critical assessment of competing legal theories and reconciles them with the dynamic nature of international law. 

A key contribution of this volume is its use of previously unused material, offering new evidence on the drafting of the Genocide Convention. The inclusion of case studies, such as the underexplored case of the Greek children, provides new insights into historical legal debates and helps to resolve longstanding uncertainties in genocide prosecution. 

Controversial issues 
The book examines some of the most controversial issues surrounding genocide law, including the nature of genocidal intent, whether group protections should be expanded to include new categories such as political or gender-based groups, and how international legal norms should be developed to address these challenges. By providing a new perspective on how we can examine the approach to genocide, this work calls for a more comprehensive and adaptable framework that responds to both historical and contemporary questions.  

This book is an essential resource for scholars, legal practitioners, policymakers and students in the fields of international law, international criminal law, human rights and genocide studies. Its interesting theoretical frameworks and recommendations will be valuable to anyone working to strengthen the legal mechanisms preventing genocide. 

About the Author 
Dimitrios Kourtis holds a PhD and is a post-doctoral researcher and teaching fellow in the department of International Studies at the Faculty of Law of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. His research expertise spans international criminal law, human rights, and genocide studies. 

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