Published Online:July 2024
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Law Review
Product Type:Article
Product Code:
Author Name:Iftikhar Hussain Bhat
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Law
Download Format:PDF
Pages:25
The intersection of armed conflicts and environmental degradation has given rise to a critical and evolving field of study known as eco-crimes. This paper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of eco-crimes during armed conflicts, examining the challenges in defining and prosecuting these offenses under international criminal law. It underscores the deficiencies in existing international legal frameworks and the necessity for specialized attention. Through a scrutiny of case studies, the paper analyzes instances of environmental violations during armed conflicts, including deliberate ecosystem destruction, use of hazardous substances, and natural resource exploitation. The paper further proposes enhanced mechanisms for information-sharing, capacity-building, and joint responses to prevent, prosecute, and remediate eco-crimes. The study concludes with comprehensive recommendations, urging a global commitment to address eco-crimes through legal reforms, international collaboration, and public awareness.
Environmental degradation resulting from armed conflicts has increasingly become a matter of global concern. The term “eco-crimes” refers to the intentional harm and destruction of the environment during times of armed conflict, encompassing activities that lead to significant ecological damage. The definition of eco-crimes in the context of armed conflicts is multifaceted, involving deliberate actions that cause severe harm to the environment and its ecosystems. This includes, but is not limited to, the deliberate destruction of forests, pollution of water sources, and the use of environmentally harmful weapons. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in its Environmental Protection in Armed Conflicts (EPA) program, identifies eco-crimes as violations that go beyond the immediate human impact of warfare, acknowledging the interconnectedness between human conflict and the environment