PERAC: A Voice for Environment and Indigenous Peoples in Conflict’s Grip

Jun 28, 2022 | Elizabeth B. Hessami
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The harm that comes to the environment during armed conflict is often permanent, yet the lack of advocates to fight for its protection as they happen creates a deafening stillness. Indeed, this state of affairs has led to the environment to be seen as the “silent victim of war.” Vietnam, Kuwait, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and several more nations have been permanently damaged due to the destruction of the environment during armed conflict which can persist long after hostilities have ceased.

Environmental harm across the conflict lifecycle (before, during, and after)—and the silence surrounding it—has further impacts as well. War’s impact on civilians can cause human displacement, destruction of crops, loss of livelihoods, and global food shortages. As an example, unexploded landmines not only terrorize civilians during and shortly after the conflicts in which they are deployed, but they contaminate agricultural lands for decades after a war is over.