Well attended event at PRI

Ecocide law was in focus at a recent event at Principles for Responsible Investment, PRI. The PRI, a UN-supported network of investors, works to promote sustainable investment through the incorporation of environmental, social and governance factors into their investment and ownership decisions.
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Caroline Mofors, board member of the Ecocide Law Alliance, introduced the proposal to criminalize mass destruction of the environment to an interested audience.

The focus of this occasion was the definition for ecocide proposed by a panel of twelve experts in international criminal law and environmental law. It succinctly defines ecocide as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.”

This definition has become known as the consensus definition and is a critical step forward in addressing environmental crimes. The audience gave it the attention it deserves.

Polly Higgins, barrister and author, dedicated over a decade of her life to advocating for the criminalization of ecocide before her passing in 2019. Her vision was simple yet profound: a legal framework founded on the principle of “first, do no harm,” a law that would curb the dangerous activities causing environmental devastation and guide us toward a safer future.

Caroline Mofors’ presence at the PRI event echoed the spirit of Polly Higgins, continuing to raise awareness about the quest for legal protection for the Earth by making ecocide a crime before the ICC. Clearly, Higgins’ legacy continues to inspire individuals and communities worldwide, fostering a renewed commitment to safeguarding our planet.

The manifest interest of the participants at the PRI event marks yet another step toward a future in which the environment is better protected, and those who jeopardize it can be held accountable for their actions.

Read more, https://nordsip.com/2023/04/28/crime-without-punishment/

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