ICC Consultation + Massive EU News

Recent weeks have brought a host of extremely positive news from the world of ecocide law!

There have been so many significant moments, it's difficult to know where to start…

We could begin with the overwhelming response to the public consultation held by the office of the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan KC. Major figures such as Vanuatu’s Climate Change and Environment Minister, Ralph Regenvanu, Co-president of Club of Rome, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, and human rights lawyer Michael Mansfield KC, among many others, answered the call from the Office of The Prosecutor.

In one of the most visible endorsements to date of the global movement for ecocide law, they highlighted the limited protection for the environment currently offered by the Rome Statute and urged the court to introduce a new standalone international crime of ecocide.

Read more here →

Tuesday (26 March) saw the European Council formally adopt a revised Environmental Crimes Directive, which includes provision to criminalise cases ‘comparable to ecocide’. The vote marks the conclusion of the Directive’s lengthy legislative journey, and a milestone moment with implications, not only for environmental safeguarding in Europe, but for humanity as a whole: connecting the regional to the global and sending a strong signal of political support for international legal recognition of ecocide that will undoubtedly be felt around the globe.

See below for more recent breaking news - including your chance to purchase your very own one-of-a-kind piece of sustainable couture and simultaneously support Stop Ecocide International!

Prominent members of the international legal community, politicians, academics, businesses and NGOs have responded to a public consultation held by the office of the Chief Prosecutor of the ICC, calling for a new crime of ecocide to be introduced into the Rome Statute.

The European Council has formally adopted a new environmental crime directive, which includes provision to criminalise cases ‘comparable to ecocide’.

The Joint Global Statement of Major Groups and Stakeholders, presented at the Sixth United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6), stated that working 'towards the universal recognition of ecocide as an international crime' would serve as a 'powerful deterrent' against the most severe environmental harms.

In an open letter published by Aktuell Hallbarhet, six CEOs, including Jenny Rundbladh of pensions giant SPP, called for the establishment of an international crime of ecocide under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Launched at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, the Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth charter, has been drafted. The charter creates a comprehensive Islamic framework on ecological and moral responsibility, urging collective action for the protection of our planet.

Belgium’s Federal Parliament adopted a new penal code for the country, which, for the first time in Europe, includes recognition of ecocide as an international-level crime.

We are thrilled to collaborate with the trailblazing British sustainable couture fashion label Tammam on the One Dress: PLANET project.

Unlike typical fashion collections designed to sell replicas of a range of outfits, this project features a single, artisan-created dress, showcased over two seasons, breaking away from the traditional fashion formula of constant newness in favour of a bold statement about endangered ecosystems and the law that could protect them. The dress will tour key global events in 2024-25 to raise awareness.

Supporters of Stop Ecocide International can purchase an embroidery to be added to the dress, thus sponsoring a small piece of a unique, ecologically produced artisan couture gown with a global mission. A portion of the funds raised go to support the global movement for #EcocideLaw. Win win!

Stay tuned for details of the catwalk show revealing the completed dress, which will take place during London Fashion Week in September 2024.

Help us to keep things moving in 2024! A regular donation of just one hour’s wage per month – or whatever you can afford – will make all the difference as we continue to build on every victory to help secure the next.