On September 19th, 2024, an impactful event took place at the intersection of environmental justice and human rights advocacy, hosted at the American University Washington College of Law. The discussion, titled "Human Rights and Ecocide: A Crucial Discussion," brought together students, academics, and human rights advocates to explore the groundbreaking concept of criminalizing ecocide, the mass destruction of the environment—as a tool to enhance accountability and protect vulnerable ecosystems.

The event featured a keynote presentation by Professor Rebecca Hamilton from the Washington College of Law, who shared insights from her latest publication, Criminalizing Ecocide. Professor Hamilton’s work delves into the pressing need to recognize environmental destruction as a crime under international law, aiming to establish a legal framework that holds perpetrators accountable for actions leading to significant harm to the planet. Her presentation illuminated the ways in which ecocide’s recognition could serve as a transformative measure to address environmental harm, framing it not only as an ecological issue but also as a critical human rights concern.

Adding depth to the discussion, Professor Juan Méndez, a renowned advocate for human rights and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, provided thought-provoking commentary. Professor Méndez emphasized the profound implications of criminalizing ecocide for international legal systems, drawing connections between environmental justice, the protection of future generations, and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights. His commentary underscored the necessity of innovative legal mechanisms to address the global environmental crisis.

The event was structured to foster meaningful engagement, featuring an interactive Q&A session where students and attendees posed thoughtful questions about the challenges and opportunities of implementing ecocide as an international crime. Discussions ranged from the practicalities of enforcement to the broader societal and ethical implications of such a legal transformation. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how environmental degradation intersects with human rights violations and how the law can be mobilized to address these interconnected issues.

Beyond the intellectual exchange, the event served as a powerful call to action for students and advocates to engage in the global movement toward recognizing ecocide as a crime. It highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together perspectives from law, human rights, and environmental science to tackle one of the most urgent challenges of our time.

This pivotal discussion is part of the Center’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue and action at the forefront of human rights and humanitarian law. The Center remains dedicated to exploring innovative approaches that advance environmental justice and strengthen the legal protections for ecosystems and communities worldwide.