Giving a voice to the unheard victims of environmental crime
A Talk by Amanda Whitfort , Prof Ray Jansen , Alastair MacBeath , Diana Chilambwe , Edward Banda (ACAZ, LLB, Cert) and Ashleigh Dore
About this Talk
Animals and other species are often voiceless victims of environmental crimes. Such crimes were often marginalized in the legal sphere, treated as minor infractions with little regard for the impact on species and ecosystems. However, a new legal approach is reshaping how these offences are prosecuted and perceived. Species victim impact statements articulate the harm caused by environmental crimes from an animal rights perspective, the detrimental effects on species populations, the broader ecological damage as well as the associated impact on human populations.
This in an innovative approach that introduces eco-centric concerns into anthropocentric legal systems. It has grown into an effective body of practice, leading to increased sentences for environmental crimes in countries where academics and civil society organizations promoting this tactic are operating. The GI-TOC recently published a guide on the experience of those who have successfully developed and used species victim impact statements in Hong Kong, South Africa and Zambia.
This event brings together these experts to discuss why species victim impact statements are necessary, the particular challenges for their respective jurisdictions while offering guidance to assist those looking to develop these statements for use in court.
About The Speakers
Professor, University of Hong Kong (Faculty of Law)
Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Hong Kong
South East Asia Coordinator, GI-TOC
Analyst, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime
Programme Manager, Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) Zambia
An Advocate of the Superior Courts of Zambia with six years of experience dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and the ecosystem.
Legal Officer, Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) Zambia
Edward is a Legal Practitioner currently holding the position of Legal Officer in Wildlife Crime Prevention Zambia (WCP) and an Advocate of the Court of Appeal of Zambia.