What are war crimes and how are they persecuted?

As reports of war crimes in Ukraine cause international alarm, Fannie Lafontaine, Canada Research Chair on International Criminal Justice and Human Rights, explains how the allegations are being investigated and might be brought to trial.

Hundreds of bodies were discovered in mass graves and strewn on streets and buildings in Bucha, a town outside of Kyiv that was recently wrested from Russian forces. Some of the bodies had their wrists bound. Officials in Ukraine allege Russian forces retreating from the town shot civilians as they left, though Russian officials deny the charge.

Several world leaders, including Canada and the United States, have promised support to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into war crimes in Ukraine.

But what constitutes a war crime?

According to the United Nations (UN), a war crime is a serious breach of international law committed against civilians or “enemy combatants” during an international or domestic armed conflict.