Contemporary International Legal Regime For Environmental Protection During Armed Conflicts

Abstract

Introduction. The article is devoted to defining the features of the contemporary international legal regime for environmental protection during armed conflicts. It analyzes the main international treaties and acts of a recommendatory nature related to the protection of the environment from its destruction during hostilities. Based on the views of domestic and foreign scientists, the author made proposals to improve the international legal regime for environmental protection in relation to armed conflicts. \nThe aim of the article. The purpose of scientific research is to determine the features of the contemporary international legal regime for environmental protection during armed conflicts by conducting a comprehensive analysis of international treaties and acts of a recommendatory nature relevant to the protection of the environment during hostilities.\nResults. International treaties that directly or indirectly regulate environmental issues in relation to armed conflicts canʼt ensure its effective protection. Of course, the international legal regime for the protection of the environment during hostilities requires improvement in order to preserve the environment for present and future generations. This study is especially relevant in the context of Russian military aggression against Ukraine. There is a looming threat of a ecological disaster on the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. \nConclusions. The contemporary international legal regime for environmental protection during armed conflicts has both advantages and disadvantages. In order to ensure effective mechanisms for environmental protection during armed conflicts, itʼs necessary to develop and adopt an universal international treaty that would resolve all disputes in this area and establish international legal responsibility for the crime of ecocide. From our point of view, the main task for Ukraine is to bring Russia and its officials to justice for the damage caused to the environment since the beginning of the military aggression against our state and restore the affected regions with the support of European states.