erga omnes

obligations owed by states towards the community of states as a whole. An erga omnes obligation exists because of the universal and undeniable interest in the protection of critical rights (and the prevention of their breach). Consequently, any state has the right to complain of a breach. Examples of erga omnes norms include piracy and genocide. The concept was recognized in the International Court of Justice's decision in the Barcelona Traction case (Belgium v Spain)