The Reynolds Lecture 2024 – From genocide to ecocide: international justice and its discontents

Cambridge University

June 6

Emmanuel College

In this third annual Reynolds lecture, Philippe Sands examines how the legal concept of ‘Genocide’ was developed and evolved, from its invention in 1944 by the Polish jurist Raphael Lemkin to its use in recent cases before the International Court of Justice, such as the Rohingya (The Gambia v Myanmar) and Gaza. He will also address the manner in which the term has inspired calls for a fifth international crime, ‘Ecocide’, and a move away from anthropocentrism, to address massive harm to the environment. Philippe’s talk will look into the following questions: What is the role of international criminal law? What have been its unintended consequences? Where should we head next? Biography Philippe Sands KC FRSL FBA is Professor of the Public Understanding of Law at University College London Faculty of Laws and Samuel and Judith Pisar Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. He is a practising barrister at 11 King’s Bench Walk (11KBW) and appears as counsel before the International Court of Justice and other international courts and tribunals. He sits as an arbitrator in international investment disputes and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. About the Reynolds Lecture Series Lord Richard Wilson established this annual lecture series in honour of Dame Fiona Reynolds, his successor as Master of Emmanuel College.