A treaty is null and void if it is in violation of a peremptory norm. These norms, unlike other principles of customary law, are recognized as permitting no violations and so cannot be altered through treaty obligations. These are limited to such universally accepted prohibitions as those against the aggressive use of force, genocide and other crimes against humanity, piracy, hostilities directed at civilian population, racial discrimination and apartheid, slavery and torture, meaning that no state can legally assume an obligation to commit or permit such acts. COUNT 5
QSN1 What will a treaty be if it is in violation of a peremptory norm? ANS1 null and void QSN2 What type of norm is recognized as permitting no violations and so cannot be altered through treaty obligations? ANS2 peremptory norm QSN3 What is true of acts such as genocide and piracy in regard to treaty law? ANS3 no state can legally assume an obligation to commit or permit such acts QSN4 What distinguishes peremptory norms from other principles of customary law? ANS4 permitting no violations and so cannot be altered through treaty obligations QSN5 What is an example of a type of universally prohibited action that no state can legally assume an obligation to commit or permit through a treaty? ANS5 genocide