Abstract
The basic purpose of this article is to analyze the theoretical and practical aspects of the concept of «geno-cide» as an independent legal category in the context of the universal UN Convention of 1948 and beyond. The author, using also the decisions of specialized international judicial institutions, the doctrinal developments of scientists, and applying, together with them, general scientific and special research methods, formulates appropriate conclusions regarding the historical and modern understanding of the definition of this in-ternational socially dangerous act. It is substantiated that genocide, taking into account new forms and met hods of its commission, is not only a crime against a person, a certain demographic community and humanity, but also against international law. The main conclusion is that, in view of the fact that law enforcement prac-tice is ahead of the existing norms, the normative content of the definition of genocide and the cl osely related provisions of the Convention should be objectively interpreted in accordance with existing realities. In conclusion, as a result, attention is drawn to the fact that genocide, both as a concept and as a crime, requires fu r-ther comprehensive scientific development, including within the framework of the development and systema-tization of knowledge in certain areas of Kazakhstani law.