Tue, Nov 19
|Hybrid
Hybrid workshop: Litigation and dispute resolution in Transnational ecological conflicts
A hybrid workshop in Arusha (Tanzania) on the role of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms in solving transnational ecological conflicts. The workshop will take place on the 19th, 20th and 21st of November 2024.
Time & location
Nov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – Nov 21, 2024, 11:00 PM
Hybrid
About
Workshop Presentation and Call for Papers
The ERC Curiae Virides Research Project hosted by the Brussels School of Governance (Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)), and funded by the European Research Council (ERC) of the European Union, in collaboration with the Public Law Department of the Law & Criminology Faculty of the VUB, the International Peace Information Service (IPIS), Avocats sans Frontières, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), and the Global Network of Human Rights and the Environment (GNHRE) are organising a hybrid workshop in Arusha (Tanzania) on the role of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms in solving transnational ecological conflicts. The workshop will take place on the 19th, 20th and 21st of November 2024.
Background
The growth of litigation related to climate and ecosystems’ protection (also framed in human rights terms) draws attention to the need of understanding the factors driving this development. It also underscores the need to assess the effectiveness of litigation in achieving its objectives, particularly concerning environmental justice and access to remedies for people, ecosystems and territories affected or threatened by environmental degradation.
The workshop will focus on transnational ecological conflicts and related litigation. These conflicts can occur at multiple scales or governance levels (from local to international and transnational), being the result of cross-border environmental impacts (such as biodiversity loss, water pollution, and global warming) or activitiesinvolving actors under multiple state and/or international jurisdictions (e.g., multinational corporations, international NGOs, or development/investment banks).
A central theme of inquiry and discussion will revolve around identifying the courts and dispute resolution mechanisms that serve as forums for the tentative resolution of these conflicts. The workshop seeks to understand what kinds of mechanisms are used (judicial or non-judicial), what are their main advantages and drawbacks, as well as whether transnational litigation (bringing cases to other territorial jurisdictions) has granted effective remedies for victims who have been unable to obtain redress in the country where the harm occurred.
Participants
We invite experts, researchers, citizens, civil society representatives, social movements and associations, and other stakeholders (including governments, development banks, companies, multistakeholder initiatives) etc. interested in assessing how ecological conflicts transform into litigation and what are the results of triggering courts. We encourage the participation of members of judicial and quasi-judicial bodies such as members of the Human Rights Commissions, National Courts, National Contact Points of the OECD, or representatives of Accountability Mechanisms. Each panelist will bring a unique perspective and expertise to the discussion, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the topics.
Apply to the call for Papers/ Presentations
SUBMISSION INFORMATION:
Submissions should include an abstract of no more than 300 words and a short bio of the author(s)/ presenter(s). Abstracts may relate to one of the proposed themes, or may develop other questions related to these themes. Panel proposals are welcome, in that case, the submission form should include an abstract of the panel and an abstract of each presentation. Please submit your abstracts and bios via the form below by 10th September. Accepted authors/ presenters will be notified by September 15th.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Deadline for applications: 10th September 2024
Deadline for formal decisions on acceptance: 15th September 2024
Deadline for registrations (after acceptance): 30th September 2024
Final Programme Available: 5th October 2024
Event Date: 19th-21st November 2024
DISCLAIMER:
The filling of this form does not guarantee the enrolment of a prospective speakers or presenters in the conference. The formal acceptance of candidates may occur on a rolling basis to expedite their ability of securing travel and accommodation arrangements in Arusha. The conference organisers charge an administrative fee of 50€* to in-person participants to help support conference costs such as venue rental, the conference materials, coffee, tea & snacks, lunches throughout the conference, and dinner on one of the days of the conference. Travel and accommodation are not covered by the fee and need to be arranged by participants.
*Participants affiliated to an institution or organisation in a low, lower-income or upper-middle-income country may request a fee waiver. The country where the participant works determines eligibility for the reduced fee for participants in a low, lower-middle, or upper-middle-income economy according to World Bank classification 2022. If you need a fee waiver kindly indicate your requirement in the enrolment form.