The Promise of International Law in the Face of Ecological Crises

The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA

This conference seeks to explore and harness law’s transformative power, reimagined through the lens of racial and environmental justice.

Hotel Arena

The past few years have seen striking developments in international human rights law, in the concept of rights of nature, as well as around a new crime of ecocide, at both national and international levels. Significant attention to the legacies of colonialism and slavery has revealed the extent to which the ecological crisis is a racial justice crisis. Attention to the devastating ecological impact of war, meanwhile, is breathing new life into underused elements of the law of armed conflict.This year, 2024, marks a high point as we anticipate advisory opinions from three international courts on state obligations in the face of climate change: the Inter-American Court of Human Rights; the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, and the International Court of Justice. The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, meanwhile, is preparing his first ever policy on environmental crimes.Please join us and leading voices from across these initiatives at our conference to explore the Promise of International Law in the Face of Ecological Crises, from May 27-29 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.The official launch of The UCLA Law Promise Institute Europe will take place during the conference opening ceremony in the evening of May 27th.The launch of the Promise Institute Europe marks a new commitment to addressing our most pressing human rights challenges, engaging UCLA students, faculty and research more directly with the institutions of international law and human rights in Europe. We are delighted to be collaborating in this endeavour with the University of Amsterdam, our co-organiser for this conference. The UCLA Law Promise Institute Europe and the University of Amsterdam Law School are honoured to be partnering with the Republic of Vanuatu, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and a host of esteemed academic collaborators to bring this conference to life. !!! If any of the days you wish to attend are sold out, please send an email to thepromiseconference@gmail.com to be added to the waiting list. Please use "Waiting List Promise Conference" as the subject line and don't forget to specify which day(s) you would like to attend."

Monday 27th of May

The first day delves into the evolving role of international criminal law in safeguarding the environment, particularly in conflict zones. It will examine how legal mechanisms can be employed to prevent environmental degradation and protect vulnerable ecosystems, food sovereignty and cultural rights in times of conflict. 

Join us after the panel to celebrate the official launch of The Promise Institute Europe and its partnership with the University of Amsterdam. The Institute aims to harness the transformative potential of international law to address the pressing challenges of our time. The partnership with UvA will foster collaborative research, education, and advocacy to advance these goals.

International Criminal Law and Environmental Protection

Opening Reception

Tuesday 28th of May

On the second day, the focus shifts to the pending advisory proceedings on climate change before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, and the International Court of Justice. Discussions will center on the intersecting justice dimensions of legal issues at stake, with special attention to the role of various types of evidence relating to health justice and the right to health.

Advisory Opinions and Climate Change

Wednesday 29th of May

The final day brings together experts to consider the relationship between science and law. How should we conceptualise, gather and present the evidence needed to drive positive change? The goal of this day is to share experiences, forge alliances, raise ambition and strategize towards a future where international law serves as a cornerstone for human rights and ecological justice.

Science and the Law: Collaborative Strategies for Future Progress 

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

The Promise of International Law in the Face of Ecological Crises

More events from The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA

Discover more events from The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA, from Government to other experiences you might love.

The Promise of International Law in the Face of Ecological Crises

More events from The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA

Discover more events from The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA, from Government to other experiences you might love.

You might also like...

Browse more events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.