Belgium Recognises ‘Ecocide’ as a Crime

Context: 

Belgium has become the first European Union country to recognise ‘ecocide’ as a national as well as an international crime.

Belgium Becomes First European Country to Recognise Ecocide

• The Federal Parliament of Belgium voted in favor of a new penal code that makes ecocide a national and international crime.
• Provision: It will apply to individuals in the highest positions of decision-making power and to corporations. 

About Ecocide

• It, derived from Greek and Latin, translates to ‘killing one’s home’ or ‘environment’. 
• According to the Stop Ecocide Foundation in 2021” Ecocide is any unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment.”
• Existing Countries having an Ecocide law:

Ecuador; Vietnam; Uzbekistan; Russia; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Republic; Tajikistan; Georgia; Belarus; Ukraine; Moldova; Armenia.

News Source: DTE

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