Expert Consultations Report on Future Guidelines on the Documentation & Investigation of Environmental International Crimes
In June, in partnership with TRIAL International, the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, Physicians for Human Rights, Source International, more than 40 legal practitioners, scientists, human rights defenders, civil society representatives, academics and other international and grassroots stakeholders met in Geneva for a one-day Expert Consultation on the development of practitioner-focused Guidelines on the Documentation and Investigation of Environmental International Crimes. This report synthesises the key findings and insights from the participants during the Expert Consultation.
This comes timely as experts across the globe recognise the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to the perpetration of crimes under international law committed by means of, or resulting in, environmental damage. Together, they launched a joint initiative to develop practical, multidisciplinary Guidelines for documenting and investigating environmental international crimes.
The Guidelines aim to equip investigators, prosecutors, civil society actors, affected communities, and other frontline actors who play crucial roles in responding to environmental harm with practical tools and methodologies for effectively documenting and investigating environmental international crimes. Their primary goal is to support strategic litigation and case-building efforts that advance accountability and justice in this critical field.