THE VICTIMS IN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMINAL LAW

Abstract

Capitalistic engines of the modern economy, led by states and multinational corporations, have operated and perpetrated, directly and indirectly, many international environmental crimes with impunity and remained unsanctioned due to the weaknesses of the Rome Statute in overlooking destruction of the environment in peacetime. A critical survey of basic international legal instruments relative to victims’ role, protection and access to justice found that international environmental crime victims virtually invisible. It was further discovered that the context in which victims of international environmental crime can be found is only within the perimeters of international armed conflict. Victims of egregious environmental destruction in peacetime are unknown, unseen and unheard. This has spawned injustice across localities and communities in many nations particularly those in the margins of society. It is hoped that if the invisible victims of international environmental crime are given their right and role, it will mitigate the hardship and suffering of many people and communities across the world.