Ecocide as a Separate Crime under the Rome Statute: A Legal Analysis of the Discourse

Abstract

This article explores the evolving concept of ecocide within international criminal law, focusing on its normative development and potential deterrent function. Although not formally recognized under the Rome Statute, ecocide's growing presence in legal and political discourse reflects a broader shift in how environmental harm is conceptualized. The analysis considers national legislative efforts, ICC discourse, and complementary approaches such as transitional justice and symbolic legislation. It also highlights structural limitations, including enforcement gaps and the focus on individual responsibility. The article argues that ecocide, rather than being a fully codified crime, currently stands at a critical normative juncture shaped by legal experimentation, global advocacy, and expanding expectations of accountability in the face of ecological destruction.