International lawyers are drafting plans for a legally enforceable crime of ecocide – criminalising destruction of the world’s ecosystems – that is already attracting support from European countries and island nations at risk from rising sea levels. The panel coordinating the initiative is chaired by Prof Philippe Sands QC, of University College London, and Florence Mumba, a former judge at the international criminal court (ICC). The aim is to draw up a legal definition of “ecocide” that would complement other existing international offences such as crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has also championed the idea and the Belgian government has pledged support. Criminalising something at the ICC means that nations that have ratified it have to incorporate it into their own national legislation.

Source: The Guardian November 30, 2020 10:12 UTC