word
Latin
erga omnes
ER-gah OM-nayz
ˈɛrɡɑ ˈɒmneɪzListen
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Syllable breakdown
ergaomnes
Dictionary meaning
Obligations owed by states towards the international community as a whole, as distinct from obligations owed only to specific states
History and origin
Latin: erga = towards; omnes = all
Examples
- The right to self-determination creates erga omnes obligations for all states.
- States may invoke erga omnes obligations even without direct injury.
Pronunciation tips
Latin legal phrase; final 's' in 'omnes' sounds like 'z' in English usage
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