‘Unprecedented’ report on environmental impact of Ukraine conflict recommends ecocide investigation units
Summary:
A new report, ‘The Environmental Compact for Ukraine’, has been published by the country’s High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War.
The report highlights the presence of the crime of “ecocide” in Ukraine’s penal code (Article 441), notes the recent increase in the incorporation of the crime into domestic legislation across the globe and makes special reference to the Independent Expert Panel’s 2021 definition of ecocide.
In an effort to increase the capacity of those investigating and prosecuting the environmental and ecological consequences of the war, the report recommends (p.12) the creation of new special investigative units dedicated to environmental war crimes and ecocide.
In a press release, Andriy Yermak, Head of the President's Office, said the compact ‘will be passed on to all world leaders for consideration and will be a topic of discussion at international forums and conferences.’