Rights Groups Call for Greater Attention to Environmental Security in Armed Conflicts

Nov 7, 2018 | Erik Slobe, Jurist
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Amnesty International released two public statements on Tuesday regarding environmental security during war and armed conflicts. One statement addressed to the Chair of the UN General Assembly First Committee called upon the Chair to address environmental impacts of particular weapons and military practices and identify measures to minimize harm. The statement notes that in addition to the cost of human life, weapons destroy water, sanitation, and energy infrastructure and creates hazardous waste that has further impacts on human health. Weapons are also used to prevent communities from accessing natural resources like oil ad mines that the communities often depend on.  The First Committee is called upon to create an initiative to further analyze the impacts weapons and military practices have on the environment.