Definition
Peremptory norms of general international law accepted and recognised by the international community of states as a whole as norms from which no derogation is permitted.
TERMINOLOGY NOTE
Distinction: jus cogens denotes peremptory status; erga omnes denotes duties owed to the international community as a whole.
Theoretical Context
Such norms may be modified only by a later norm of the same character. The concept concerns a norm's superior legal status, not simply the seriousness of its breach.