Protection of the Environment During War: A New Perspective.
Abstract
More than a decade after a presidential rejection, the United States is again considering ratification of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The product of an international conference convened in 1974 to further enhance humanitarian law of war, Protocol I also provides specific protections to the environment during war. At the request of the White House, the Department of Defense within the last year has undertaken a review of Protocol I. This analysis examines three options for the Department of Defense to consider in conducting its review. The three options were evaluated using the following criteria: military implications, environmental ramifications, national and international politics, and the application and enforcement of international law. Option A-Recommend that the U.S. maintain the existing U.S. position relating to Additional Protocol I of Geneva Convention IV; that is, continue to reject ratification of Protocol I even though the United States is a signatory to the convention. Option B-Reject Protocol I; Recommend the U.S. Propose the Development of a another International Treaty which Exclusively Addresses Environmental Law of War Issues Option C-Recommend Ratification of Protocol I With Specific Understandings and Reservations. The United States should undertake a more proactive course of action to ensure the environment receives adequate protection during war, with the President calling for a new international convention to craft a treaty that exclusively addresses environmental law of war issues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328026
Entities
People
- Andrew T. Chmar
Organizations
- United States Army War College