Seminar on Protection of the Environment in Relation to Armed Conflict

Oct 18, 2018 | Environmental Peacebuilding Association
New York, NY

Responding to the proposal of the UN Environment Programme, the International Law Commission began the work on the topic of the "Protection of the environment in relation to armed conflict" in 2013. The words "in relation to" indicate that the temporal scope of the topic is not limited to during armed conflict, but covers the whole conflict cycle: before, during, and after an armed conflict. The Commission has so far adopted 18 draft principles which address questions of environmental protection in all three phases. This year, three new draft principles relative to situations of occupation were provisionally adopted by the Drafting Committee. The Commission intends to bring the work on the topic to conclusion in first reading in 2019. Purpose of the seminar The seminar, convened with the support of UN Environment and the Environmental Peacebuilding Association, will address:

  • protection of the environment in non-international armed conflicts, including how the international rules and practices concerning natural resources may enhance the protection of the environment during and after such armed conflicts;
  • the responsibility and liability for environmental harm in relation to armed conflicts; and
  • the consolidation of a complete set of draft principles will have to be considered.
 This one-day seminar will be held at the UN Headquarters in New York from 10 am to 18 pm.  It is open to experts and UN (Sixth Committee) delegates.  Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended. 

Organizer: Environmental Peacebuilding Association

Location: New York, NY

Date: 18 October, 2018