S T O P E C O C I D E F O U N D A T I O N ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME DIRECTIVE
POSTION PAPER
SUPPORT EU RECOGNITION
OF A CRIME OF ECOCIDE
The 2008 EU Directive on protection of the environment through criminal law is currently being revised. In the current draft, ecocide is mentioned in the preamble, but not in the main operative part where offences are listed.
We believe ecocide should be added as a new criminal offence, creating an enforceable deterrent to the most severe and either widespread or long-term harms to nature. Recognizing ecocide as a crime in the directive will:
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support and strengthen existing environmental laws in all EU member states
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create a much-needed “outer boundary” guardrail for economic activity
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empower strategic positive change and innovation in policy and industry
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This is a legal and moral opportunity for the EU to lead the world in protecting life on Earth: for us, for our children and for all living beings.
Let’s tell them to seize it.
Demonstrate your support by endorsing the position paper below.
Stop Ecocide Foundation Position paper
with regard to the revised EU Directive on Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law
Summary:
Strengthening the international and European legal framework in the context of crimes that affect the environment: recognising “ecocide” to provide an essential guardrail against the worst harms…….
…………the urgency of taking action commensurate with the global crisis we face has been spelled out to the international community in no uncertain terms. Recognition of a crime of ecocide in the context of the revised 2008 Directive will reinforce existing laws, providing a foundational piece which is currently lacking. It will show both leadership and compassion, help to establish a moral as well as legal “red line” and create a timely steer for industry leaders and policy-makers in this crucial period, since economic and governance decisions taken now will affect not only ourselves and our loved ones but millions of species and many, many generations to come.
We therefore invite the European Union to approach this strategic legislative opportunity as the most powerful - indeed perhaps the defining - legacy issue of our time.
Want to do more?
Sign the petitionWeMove Europe
In partnership with Stop Ecocide International and Rise for Climate Belgium
EU mobilisation for the recognition of the crime of ecocide :
