| Abstract [eng] |
This master’s thesis examines crimes against humanity, war crimes, and political-social genocide committed by the USSR in Lithuania, as well as international crimes currently being committed by the North Korean regime. The legal qualification and assessment of these crimes are provided in the context of international law. The thesis addresses key historical, legal and political issues related to the impunity of these regimes and emphasizes the importance of public education in ensuring symbolic justice for the victims of the Soviet regime and in efforts to halt ongoing human rights violations in present-day North Korea. The study analyses existing accountability mechanisms – including universal jurisdiction in national courts, the roles of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, as well as the significance of international sanctions. By identifying the limitations of these mechanisms, the thesis concludes that they are insufficiently effective in securing accountability for the crimes of communist regimes. Finally, the thesis presents strategies for enhancing accountability – including reforms of the International Criminal Court, such as expanding its jurisdiction and amending the Rome Statute, as well as the idea of establishing an ad hoc international tribunal dedicated to crimes committed by communist regimes. The conducted analysis leads to the conclusion that current mechanisms remain insufficient, and the lack of accountability contributes to the repetition of historical mistakes and the emergence of new threats. Therefore, it is essential to seek more effective legal measures to ensure accountability for the most serious international crimes and to achieve justice. |
