Raphael Lemkin (1900–1959)
Raphael Lemkin was a Polish-Jewish lawyer who became a key figure in fighting against genocide, which is the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation. He was deeply affected by the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust, which sparked his lifelong mission to prevent such horrific events from happening again.
In 1944, Lemkin coined the term "genocide" by combining the Greek word "genos" (meaning race or tribe) with the Latin suffix "-cide" (meaning killing). This term was meant to describe the systematic destruction of a group of people based on factors like their ethnicity, nationality, religion, or race. Lemkin believed that it was crucial to recognize and punish such acts under international law.
Following World War II, Lemkin played a vital role in creating the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948. This convention established genocide as a punishable international crime.
Lemkin's efforts laid the groundwork for prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite facing personal hardships and professional obstacles, his unwavering dedication to combating genocide has had a profound impact on human rights discussions worldwide. His legacy continues to inspire ongoing efforts to prevent genocide and promote peace and justice globally.