The Protection of the Environment in Times of Armed Conflict: International Criminal and Human Rights Law Perspectives
Keywords:
Armed conflict, International Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental protection, International Humanitarian Law.Abstract
The rising tide of technological progress has led to an increase in technological disasters that harm the environment, prompting global concern. Initially, the response to these disasters was centred on relief and compensation, but the focus has now shifted to preventive measures for environmental protection. Environmental protection involves a multifaceted strategy, encompassing various legal agreements, public engagement, and penalty enforcement. Social and economic consequences are also significant aspects of environmental preservation. Criminal law plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the environment. Environmental and human rights issues often overlap, as human well-being and access to basic needs are linked to the environment's state. Preserving the environment is vital for maintaining acceptable living conditions and safeguarding human rights, which are already covered by international legal frameworks. International criminal liability is closely linked to international humanitarian law and human rights law. After World War II, the Tokyo and Nuremberg Tribunals addressed serious offences, and later developments included the Genocide Convention and Adhoc Tribunals for Rwanda and Yugoslavia, expanding the scope of international criminal liability. This article is separated into two main portions. The initial examines international criminal law from the perspective of environmental protection, while the second explores environmental safeguarding during armed conflicts within the background of international human rights.
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