R45: Emergency Resolution: Ecocide in the Kakhovka region - Global Greens stand in undivided solidarity with the people in Ukraine against the Russian war of aggression

The document referred in the resolution is this one: https://europeangreens.eu/sites/europeangreens.eu/files/news/files/1.%20Adopted%20-%20Stop%20Russias%20war%20of%20aggression%20against%20Ukraine.pdf

This is the text from EGP:

The Global Greens fully support the resolution formulated by the European Green Party during the EGP Congress in Copenhagen 2022 “European Greens continue to stand in undivided solidarity with Ukraine” in its stance against Russian aggression and its undivided solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Furthermore, the Global Greens state:
The destruction of the Kakhovka dam as well as the general environmental impacts of the Russian war of aggression must be considered as ecocide and condemned as war crimes.
The international community must assist the communities affected from the destruction of the dam as quickly as possible!
We strongly condemn the Russian attack on Ukraine as a fundamental violation of international law and the UN charter.
We stand in undivided solidarity with the people in Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.
We demand the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

RESOLUTIONS SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSAL OF NEW TEXT:

NEW TITLE:
Emergency Resolution: Recognition of ecocide as an international environmental crime
Resolution

NEW RESOLUTION TEXT:
The Global Greens strongly oppose severe and widespread or long-term damage to the environment caused by war and aggression, called ‘ecocide’.
The Global Greens support the recognition of ‘ecocide’ as an environmental crime in international law.

NEW REASONING:
The Global Greens have called for a strong, peaceful, unified, international response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and an immediate cessation of violence as set out in the Statement of February 28, 2022 which expressed undivided solidarity with the people in Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression. [https://globalgreens.org/news_statement/global-greens-stand-with-ukraine/]
Relatedly but distinctly, the Global Greens oppose damage to the environment caused by war and aggression, and therefore strongly support the recognition of ‘ecocide’ in international law as an environmental crime.
This resolution has been triggered by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam at the Dnipro river in Southern Ukraine. The damage to the dam has caused between 600 and 800 tons of oil to flow into the Dnipro River, which has caused a range of environmental and social consequences. In summary these are:
Severe damage to the region’s environment and water supply.
Adverse impacts on nature and biodiversity, including flora and fauna.
Oil is highly toxic to aquatic and terrestrial life, with even small amounts having the ability to contaminate soil and water.
The water is pouring out from the dam at relatively high speeds and flooding low lying areas, including nature areas which are not usually flooded so quickly or at such heights, which is compounding the damage.
Severe flooding in the surrounding areas causing destruction to thousands of houses and farms.
Additional pollution stemming from overflow of industrial wastewater.
Threats to and loss of human and animal life (16,000 people are estimated to be within the danger zone, and thousands more are at risk).
The breakdown of local waste disposal systems.
White this resolution has been triggered by the specific circumstances related to the Kakhova dam, the Global Greens intend that this resolution should express a general and united view in opposition to the crime of ecocide in any circumstances.
This reflects the Global Greens strong support for the protection of the environment.
More information
The consensus definition of ecocide is provided by the Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecocide (June 2021) -
‘Ecocide’ means unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.
‘Wanton’ means with reckless disregard for damage which would be clearly excessive in relation to the social and economic benefits anticipated;
‘Severe’ means damage which involves very serious adverse changes, disruption or harm to any element of the environment, including grave impacts on human life or natural, cultural or economic resources;
‘Widespread’ means damage which extends beyond a limited geographic area, crosses state boundaries, or is suffered by an entire ecosystem or species or a large number of human beings;
‘Long-term’ means damage which is irreversible or which cannot be redressed through natural recovery within a reasonable period of time;
‘Environment’ means the earth, its biosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, as well as outer space.

A more detailed description of the particular circumstances of the destruction of the Kakhova dam at the Dnipro river in Southern Ukraine is set out below:
In the morning of June 6th the Kakhovka dam at the Dnipro river in Southern Ukraine was heavily damaged by explosions.
While there are no confirmations yet about the responsibility for this, it is likely that Russia was responsible due to their control over the dam since almost the start of Russia’s extended invasion against Ukraine in February 2022.
Flooding of the surrounding areas caused destruction of thousands of houses and farms as well as the death of probably millions of animals.
So far at least 16 deaths were confirmed while numerous people are still missing. More than 16,000 inhabitants in the region had to be evacuated during which they were partly attacked by Russian forces.
Striking negative impacts on the environment of the region such as the destruction of farmland and forests.
Damage to the dam which leads to struggles with the energy production of the connected hydro power plant and with the irrigation canals for Southern Ukraine and Crimea.
The lack of water and the destruction of warehouses as well as dead animals intoxicate the groundwater supply which severely endangers the drinking water supply in the region. Since the Kakhovka reservoir supplies cooling water to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, this also endangers the safety of the power plant which has been under constant threat since the start of the extended Russian invasion against Ukraine.
The long term effects of the destruction cannot be estimated yet. However, the attack is in line with Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine with the goal of breaking the spirit of Ukrainians in their defence against Russian aggression. Attacking such infrastructure is a war crime since the effects are indiscriminate and target especially civilians in the region.
Besides that, the war has affected millions of acres of agricultural land, devastated national parks in Ukraine and led to drinking water shortage for more than 4 million people. This is accelerating the global food crisis and further prevents the export of urgently needed grain from Ukraine.

NEW TEXT FROM THE PROPOSERS OF THE RESOLUTION, AFTER REVIEWING THE ALTERNATE VERSION:

Emergency Resolution: Ecocide in the Kakhovka region - Global Greens stand in undivided solidarity with the people in Ukraine against the Russian war of aggression

On June 6th the Kakhovka dam at the Dnipro river in Southern Ukraine was heavily damaged by explosions. This flooded the surrounding areas and destroyed thousands of houses, farmland and forests as well as killed probably millions of animals. At least 16 people died, numerous are still missing and more than 16.000 had to be evacuated under Russian artillery fire.

Moreover, the explosions crippled the energy production of the connected hydro power plant and destroyed the irrigation canals for Southern Ukraine and Crimea. The leaking of toxic substances as well as dead animals severely threatens the drinking water supply in the region. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is endangered by a lack of cooling water and it has been under constant threat since the start of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

While there are no confirmations yet about the responsibility for this and we support the call for an independent investigation, the attack is in line with Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine with the goal of breaking the spirit of Ukrainians in their defence against Russian aggression. Attacking such infrastructure is a war crime under the Geneva Convention since the effects are indiscriminate and target especially civilians in the region. Besides that, the war has already affected millions of acres of agricultural land, devastated national parks in Ukraine and led to drinking water shortage for more than 4 million people. This is accelerating the global food crisis and further prevents the export of urgently needed grain from Ukraine.

The impact of these attacks on the environment amounts to the crime of ecocide!

The Global Greens fully support the resolution formulated by the European Green Party during the EGP Congress in Copenhagen 2022 “European Greens continue to stand in undivided solidarity with Ukraine” in its stance against Russian aggression and its undivided solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Furthermore, the Global Greens state:
The destruction of the Kakhovka dam as well as the general environmental impacts of the Russian war of aggression must be considered as ecocide and condemned as war crimes.
The international community must assist the communities affected from the destruction of the dam as quickly as possible!
We strongly condemn the Russian attack on Ukraine as a fundamental violation of international law and the UN charter.
We stand in undivided solidarity with the people in Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.
We demand the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

Amendment suggestion from Ricky:
to add in the second last sentence:

We stand in undivided solidarity with the people in Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression, as well as Russians who bravely oppose to their own country’s invasion.

First, I would like to express my solidarity to the Ukrainians who are suffering greatly from the war of aggression. I pray for peace in Ukraine.

I have a concern about this resolution. Despite many doubts, the announcement is cautious, as the dam blasts have not yet been confirmed to be Russia's responsibility. Rather than condemning Russia for the dam blasts, citing the EGP's statement about Russia's apparent war of aggression, why not focus on demanding a thorough fact-finding of ecocide and supporting the restoration of the affected areas. (I would appreciate it if you let me know if I am not aware of the situation that has already been revealed.)

In addition, I think it is necessary to discuss whether the Green Party's promised support and solidarity include arms support, and if so, whether it meets the value of peace that the Green Party aims for, or whether it helps end the war. Therefore, I hope that this resolution will be reconsidered.

먼저, 침략 전쟁으로 크나큰 고통을 겪고 있는 우크라이나 분들께 연대의 말씀을 드립니다. 우크라이나의 평화를 간절히 빕니다.

저는 이 결의안에 대한 우려 의견이 있습니다. 많은 의구심에도 불구하고, 댐 폭파 건은 아직 러시아의 소행으로 확정되지는 않았기에, 발표가 조심스럽습니다. 러시아의 명백한 침략 전쟁에 대한 EGP의 성명을 인용하여 댐 폭파에 대해 러시아를 규탄하기보다는, 생태학살에 대한 철저한 진상 규명을 요구하고 피해 지역 복구를 지원하는 데 중점을 두면 어떨까 합니다. (만약 이미 밝혀진 상황에 대해 제가 잘 모르고 있는 것이라면 알려주시면 감사하겠습니다.)

또한, 녹색당이 약속하는 지원과 연대에 무기 지원까지 포함되는 것인지, 그렇다면 그것이 녹색당이 지향하는 평화의 가치에 부합하는 것인지, 전쟁 종식에 도움이 되는 것인지 논의가 필요하다고 생각합니다. 때문에, 이번 결의안은 재고되었으면 합니다.

First and foremost, the Green Party of Korea expresses its peaceful solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Green Party, who must be going through a difficult time as victims of war. The Green Party of Korea condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demands its immediate withdrawal. With that said, we have the following comments on this resolution.

1. This resolution is confusing: it is not clear whether this is about Ecoside, a condemnation of the country that started the war, or a resolution in support of Ukraine. We believe that the key points of the resolution should be clarified.

2. If the focus of the resolution is ecocide, as the title suggests, then it is appropriate to address the harms of war from the universal perspective of human rights. It is excessive to include collateral effects such as higher food prices and grain exports.

3. It is also inappropriate at this time to focus on blaming the dam destruction on the specific country, especially when there is a lack of substantive clarity on how the dam was destroyed.

4. Finally, support for Ukraine is labelled as comprehensive, which creates ambiguity as to whether this includes humanitarian or military assistance. The Green Party of Korea is in favour of peaceful assistance to Ukraine.

먼저 한국녹색당은 누구보다 전쟁 피해자로서 어려운 시간을 보내고 있을 우크라이나 국민과 우크라이나 녹색당에 대한 평화의 연대의 마음을 표시합니다. 한국녹색당은 러시아의 우크라이나 침공을 규탄하며 즉시 철군할 것을 요구합니다. 그와 함께 이 결의안에 대해 다음과 같은 의견을 표합니다.

1. 이 결의안은 혼란스럽습니다. 이것이 에코사이드에 관한 것인지, 전쟁 발발국에 대한 규탄인지, 우크라이나 지원 결의안인지. 결의안의 핵심 지점을 분명히 해야 한다고 봅니다.

2. 결의안의 촛점이 제목처럼 에코사이드라면 인권이라는 보편적 관점에서 전쟁의 피해를 언급하는 것이 적절한 것입니다. 식량가격 상승이나 곡물 수출 같은 부수적 파급효과까지 다 포괄하는 것은 과도합니다.

3. 특히 댐의 파괴 과정에 대한 실체적 규명이 부족한 상태에서 댐 파괴와 관련하여 특정국에 대한 비난이 촛점이 되는 것 또한 현재로서는 부적절합니다.

4. 마지막으로 우크라이나에 대한 support가 포괄적으로 표시되어 있어서, 인도적 지원인지 군사적 지원을 포함하는 것인지에 대한 모호함이 있습니다. 한국녹색당은 우크라이나에 대한 평화적 지원을 찬성합니다.