Transitional Justice Mechanisms in Combating Ecocide: Protecting Vulnerable Communities

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D Student at Islamic Azad University South of Tehran branch

2 Faculty of Law and Political Science, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch

3 Association Professor at Kharazmi University

10.22099/jls.2025.52205.5288

Abstract

Ecocide in vulnerable communities leads to ecosystem destruction and ultimately socio-cultural structural collapse. This widespread and systematic environmental devastation, constituting social death, simultaneously destroys livelihood resources and cultural heritage of vulnerable communities, necessitating comprehensive multidimensional responses through transitional justice mechanisms. The absence of effective mechanisms for addressing ecocide and compensating damages to vulnerable communities stems from inefficiencies in existing legal systems (both traditional and modern) primarily designed for individual claims; hence, employing innovative transitional justice mechanisms with holistic approaches facilitates socio-cultural damage remediation. This research addresses the fundamental question: "How can transitional justice mechanisms effectively combat ecocide and rehabilitate vulnerable communities?" by examining five principal transitional justice mechanisms—truth-seeking, justice, reparations, reconciliation, and guarantees of non-recurrence. These mechanisms prove effective in identification, documentation, legal prosecution of violators, victim compensation, and structural reform. The methodology employs a descriptive-analytical approach. Research findings indicate that coordinated implementation of these mechanisms can transform societies from environmental degradation tolerance toward active ecosystem protection and environmental rights respect.

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Journal of Legal Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 August 2025

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