The Effectiveness of Environmental Litigation in Promoting Environmental Peace: A Case Study of Iraq

Section: Research Paper
Issue
Vol. 20 No. 69 (2026): Regional Studies Journal
Pages
253-274

Abstract

Research Idea: This research is based on the premise that environmental courts do not contribute to peace merely through constitutional recognition of environmental rights, but rather when they generate procedural justice and enforceable decisions that balance implementation requirements with the rights of affected communities, while also addressing power asymmetries between the state and key environmental actors and impacted populations.


Objective: The research aims to explore the role of specialized environmental judiciary in achieving environmental justice and promoting community peace. It addresses a central question: how can environmental litigation effectively contribute to peacebuilding in societies exposed to potential environmental conflicts?


Methodology: The research adopts a descriptive-analytical and comparative approach, drawing on both peacebuilding literature and legal scholarship.


Results: The research finds that environmental litigation in Iraq continues to suffer from the absence of specialized environmental judicial bodies, despite clear constitutional obligations requiring the state and its institutions to ensure the highest level of environmental protection.


Conclusion: The research concludes that environmental legislation, despite its importance, acquires binding force only when supported by effective implementation conditions, foremost among which is an active environmental judiciary capable of issuing clear and enforceable rulings, backed by institutional and technical mechanisms that ensure compliance.

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Author

Oday T. Mahmood

Center for Peace Building and Peaceful Coexistence / University of Mosul

Identifiers

DOI: 10.33899/rsj.v20i69.62901

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The Effectiveness of Environmental Litigation in Promoting Environmental Peace: A Case Study of Iraq. (2026). مجلة دراسات إقلیمیة, 20(69), 253-274. https://doi.org/10.33899/rsj.v20i69.62901
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How to Cite

The Effectiveness of Environmental Litigation in Promoting Environmental Peace: A Case Study of Iraq. (2026). مجلة دراسات إقلیمیة, 20(69), 253-274. https://doi.org/10.33899/rsj.v20i69.62901