Jus Cojens is also known as compelling law, it is a fundamental principle of general

international law which is accepted and recognized by the international community from which
no derogation is permitted, and it can be modified only by a subsequent norm of general
international law having the same character. It is also called peremptory norm. The emergence of
jus cogens can be traced to the late 60s and rests upon the idea that a certain category of law that
derives from reason and humanity should prevail over man-made law.

If a treaty that had been concluded between States violates or is inconsistent with the principles
of jus cogens, such treaty can be invalidated and become void ab initio. The same rule is
applicable to local or special customs.

Though there are questions about jus cogens, it is still widely accepted by the international
community. There are questions because there is no rule as to how a norm could reach the status
of jus cogens, there are also no solid list that specify what are these jus cogens. But generally it
includes the prohibition on the use of force, prohibition of genocide, maritime piracy, crimes
against humanity, war crimes, wars of aggression, torture, and slavery. Because it is an accepted
doctrine in international law, all countries have jurisdiction over perpetrators of such crimes.