Anmol Kapoor, B.A. L.L.B. (Hons.), St. Xavier's University, Department of Law, Kolkata
ABSTRACT
The introduction to the paper begins by providing us with a definition of what the term ecocide shall mean and how the definition is coined. Ecocide can be defined as damage or destruction that is caused to the environment that is long term, it can be of various categories and sub categories. Some prominent examples of ecocide such as the Vietnam War and Bhopal Gas leak are discussed. The paper seeks to establish and support extensively the idea of establishing ecocide as an International Crime and its recognition which fits below the moral red line. Actions by countries to establish ecocide as a crime and incorporate that in their constitutions have been weighted upon, along with a look upon the legal cases pertaining to the wrong. Harming the environment and causing ecocide, harms us humans. The concept of ecocide causes indirectly an action of forced assimilation of the indigenous population. Thus, it is to be noted that ecocide results in direct destruction of the environment, and there is no harm done to the ecosystem, without an equal and opposite risk that we are posing for ourselves.
Keywords: Ecocide, Environment, Humans, Recognition, International Crime
