Calls for international criminal court to end ‘impunity’ for environmental crimes

Campaigners say activities leading to severe environmental harm usually also violate human rights and must face sanction from the International Criminal Court

Since it was set up 22 years ago, the International Criminal Court has mostly ruled on cases of genocide and war crimes. The UN-backed court, based in The Hague, has long been criticised for its reluctance to investigate big environmental crimes. File photo: AP/Peter Dejong

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been urged to start investigating and prosecuting individuals who harm the environment.

Academics, lawyers and campaigners from around the world have sent expert opinions to the court outlining what they call its current regime of “impunity” for serious environmental crimes.