ECOCIDE AS CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME

Abstract

This article discusses the effect of Ecocide on the environment. The human activities have led to the destructionof the ecosystem. As a result of this destruction, the vegetation that plays a vital role in supporting the healthyand peaceful existence of human in their natural habitat has been greatly affected by the pollutant arising fromthese human activities. These activities arise from nuclear warfare exploitations of resources, dumping ofharmful chemicals and other human activities that negatively impact on the ecosystem. This paper is of theopinion that the globe should come out with enabling law to persecute individuals and nations. Currently, thereis only one provision in the Rome Statute which mentions environmental damage. It is Article 8 (2) (b) (iv).Article 8 is concerned with war crime. Ecocide is part of several domestic criminal codes, but it has not yet beenaccepted as an international crime by the UN. Stop Ecocide foundation strives to make ecocide an internationalcrime by recommending amendments to the Rome Statute of international criminal court. Ecocide should bemade the fifth crime against humanity. There should be an award of fine and penalties against defaulters as thiswill go a long way in protecting the environment.