ICJ

Specialized Body

International Court of Justice

Aerial Herbicide Spraying

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Actually, it's herbicides. Beginning in the 1970s, the herbicide industry has grown significantly, and with it, the evolution of herbicides being sprayed aerially has become a popular way to distribute vegetation killing chemicals. Herbicides are deadly to plants, animals, humans, and other living organisms, bringing serious illness and in extreme cases death, upon exposure. In 2008, the case of Ecuador v Colombia was brought to the International Court of Justice, under the accusation of Colombia intruding on Ecuadorian soil through the acts of aerial herbicide spraying. The issue presented to the court wasn’t just about the questionable acts of aerial herbicide spraying, but questioned the long standing respect towards nation's borders and sovereignty. Additionally, this case tests countries' ability to adhere to international law and policy established by the United Nations. In our modern world, we simply need modern solutions. In this committee, delegates will be challenged to reexamine this case with an updated lens and recent developments that may inevitably change the holding brought upon by the court. Delegates will need to work together to negotiate a resolution to these fumigations, respond to recent updates within the case, call as well as examine witnesses to the stand, and most importantly set a precedent that will determine the future of international law.

Chairs

Emily Lee

Samuel Avendano

Ashlyn Kim

Megan Guerrero

Alana Cable

Kelli Teraji

Staff

Jazmine Ponciano

Christopher Asmussen

Veronica Hannalla

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ICJ Specialized Procedure Slides:

ICJ Specialized Procedure - VRMUN 2025
ICJ