0 a very serious crime, for example murder, committed against a civilian or group of civilians, usually ordered by a government or other people who have political power :
They tried to facilitate trials of warlords who had committed crimes against humanity.
Unlike war crimes, crimes against humanity can take place during war or peace.
The concept of holding leaders accountable for crimes against humanity was born out of the Nuremberg trials.
Amnesty International has documented serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity by the country's government.