International Obligations Erga Omnes: Their Moral Foundation and Criteria of Identification in Light of Two Japanese Contributions1

Abstract This chapter examines the moral foundation and criteria of identification of international obligations erga omnes related to international criminal law in light of two Japanese contributions. It discusses the specific conclusions on the moral foundation of obligations erga omnes, and on the usefulness of the tentative criteria of identification of these obligations in assessing any new candidate. It suggests that reliance on the moral foundation of obligations erga omnes does not, in itself, open the door to an easy multiplications of obligations erga omnes.