Ecocide Law (SEI-UK)

Environmental Protection Trainings and Development Organization

Memorandum of Understanding  (MOU) was signed between Stop Ecocide International Organization (SEI) (UK Company) and the Environmental Protection Training and, Development Organization – Environmental Volunteer Network (EPTDO-EVN) in Afghanistan.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Stop Ecocide International Organization (SEI) (UK Company) and the Environmental Protection Training and, Development Organization – Environmental Volunteer Network (EPTDO-EVN) in Afghanistan was held on March 7, 2023 in the EPTDO HQ office in Kabul Afghanistan.

SEI and EPTDO-EVN agree to collaborate in the shared mutual aim of making “ecocide” (mass damage and destruction of nature) an international crime. The areas of cooperation include, subject to mutual consent, any activity which would further this goal.

Stop Ecocide International Ltd, a non-profit company limited by guarantee, was set up in the UK in 2017 (original name: Ecological Defence Integrity Ltd) to launch a public campaign to make ecocide a crime at the International Criminal Court (ICC).  SEI is the driving force behind the global conversation to make “ecocide” – mass damage and destruction of ecosystems – a 5th crime at the ICC sit alongside Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes of Aggression and Crimes Against Humanity.

Ecocide law is a key lever that will catalyse positive system change by sending a powerful message to the world – and key decision makers – that causing severe and either widespread or long-term harm to nature and climate is no longer morally or legally acceptable, planetary boundaries must be respected and future generations must be protected.

EPTDO-EVN is a non-political, NGO and non-profit organization in Afghanistan working exclusively on climate change, environmental safety, livelihood approaches, agriculture, water and sanitation, climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation, gender inclusion and equality, education and ecological issues in the country.  EVN has 1400+ volunteer male and female members throughout Afghanistan who are working on environmental education through public awareness programs, scholarly lectures, partnerships, and city clean-up actions.

Both organizations have their own ToRs and areas of work, they will work to make an ecocide law proposal to the ICC feel safe, necessary and inevitable to governments. And for that to happen, the global conversation around ecocide must resonate as widely and confidently as possible. The more obvious, visible and accepted it is, the more inevitable it becomes.

Considering EPTDO-EVN core objectives to include women in all areas of decision and leadership processes. The MOU was signed on behalf of EPTDO-EVN by Ms. Freshta Faizi, Head of Gender Equality and Women Inclusion Unit. Many women attended this signing ceremony and they stated that women are critical part of this country and they have integral roles in the development of Afghanistan.

The EPTDO-EVN will provide its endeavors and efforts to implement the commitments that are included in the MOU. The organization will hire 15 unpaid interns to work for implementing the signed MoU throughout Afghanistan. At the same time EPTDO members are so excited to get this approach and be part of the Stop Ecocide International dynamic and professional global team.

Report on Public Awareness Campaigns about Ecocide Law in Kabul

Date: 02 June, 2023

Introduction:

This report provides an overview of the public awareness campaigns conducted by EPTDO-EVN in Kabul, Afghanistan, to educate students and community members about Ecocide law. The campaigns aimed to raise awareness about the impacts of Ecocide on the environment and to promote students and community members understanding about Ecocide as a crime.

EPTDO-EVN is partnered with Stop Ecocide International Organization (SEI) (UK Company) and both organizations are collaborating to make “ecocide” (mass damage and destruction of nature) an international crime. The areas of cooperation include trainings, workshops, actions, and other relevant programs in the world and in Afghanistan to raise awareness and advocate for ecocide to be included in the international criminal court (ICC).

In the latest training sessions, EPTDO-EVN volunteers conducted public awareness campaigns for students from different schools in Kabul. The sessions were held to educate students about the impacts of Ecocide on the environment and to raise awareness about Ecocide as a crime. The training sessions were conducted for both male and female school students, and the volunteer members of EPTDO-EVN delivered presentations and held discussions to educate the students about the importance of protecting the environment. The sessions were interactive, and students were encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts on the topic.

Methodology:

The public awareness campaigns were conducted through workshops, lectures, and awareness campaigns in different locations across Kabul. The campaigns focused on educating students and community members about the concept of Ecocide, recognizing it as a crime, and how to advocate for its inclusion in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The training session was conducted in-person, and hundreds of students from different schools in Kabul participated.

Results:

All training sessions were successful in raising awareness about Ecocide and its impacts on the environment. The students were engaged and participated actively in the discussions. The sessions covered the definition of Ecocide, its impact on the environment, and how individuals and communities can take action to prevent Ecocide.

The session also focused on recognizing Ecocide as a crime and how to advocate for its inclusion in the ICC. The participants were educated on the need for international legal mechanisms to address Ecocide and how to raise awareness among policymakers and the public.

Most of the participants of this training were female students, which reflects the importance of empowering women and girls in environmental education and advocacy.

Conclusion:

The public awareness campaigns for educating students and community members about Ecocide in Kabul are an important step towards building a sustainable future. By raising awareness and promoting understanding of Ecocide as a crime, individuals and communities can take action to prevent its harmful impacts on the environment. The latest training session held on 27 May 2023 was successful in engaging students and promoting understanding of Ecocide, its impact, and how to advocate for its inclusion in the ICC. The focus on engaging female students is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects the importance of empowering women and girls in environmental education and advocacy.

Overall, the ongoing public awareness campaigns for Ecocide education in Kabul are a valuable contribution towards building a sustainable future and promoting environmental justice. It is essential to continue these efforts and to empower individuals and communities to take action on environmental issues and to advocate for a sustainable future for all.

1: Ms. Soma Nabizada has conducted the trainings session for hundreds of female students in Kabul city. Session photos

Mr. Zabihullah Akhtari has conducted training session in a private education institute and educated hundreds of students about ecocide law. Trainers group photos after the session.

Mr. Sharif Hashimi has conducted training sessions for community’s people in Bamyan province and he shared information about ecocide law and the inclusion of ecocide in ICC.  Session photos

The End