Genocide

Genocide is an international crime defined by a special intent to destroy a protected group, in whole or in part, as such. Protected groups are national, ethnic, racial and religious groups. The prohibited acts include killing members, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting destructive living conditions, preventing births and transferring children. The mental element makes genocide distinct from other mass atrocities. Switzerland criminalizes genocide and may cooperate with international and foreign proceedings, subject to ordinary jurisdictional and human-rights safeguards.