climate change
taking
to the world’s highest court
We are Pacific Island students whose vision is to live with dignity and without fear of climate change denying us and our children of that freedom.
We are campaigning to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on climate change and human rights.
Our Journey to the ICJ
UNGA Resolution Adopted!
ICJAO Alliance
The Witness Stand
We believe in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of all women and all men, and of all nations, large and small.
The 2018 IPCC report on 1.5 degree warming confirms that unless drastic action is taken globally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Pacific Islands Countries will cease to exist.
We do not accept this fate. We choose to retain hope, not only that our countries prove resilient, but also that international law and its institutions remain a global beacon of respect for a just and peaceful international order.
We appeal to people everywhere, especially those whose human rights are already being affected by climate change, to join us.
Submissions to the ICJ
We are advocating for strong and robust submissions to be made before the ICJ that:
Focus on Human Rights and the Rights of Future Generations.
Argues for an understanding of state obligations under all international law and not just the Paris Agreement.
Reinforce the scientific consensus that global warming needs to be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Advocates for ambitious consequences flowing from a breach of obligations that include reparations, compensation, cessation, loss and damage among others.
After the historic adoption of the UNGA Resolution, the ICJ has set timelines for states and approved International Organisations to make submissions on the legal question.
22 March 2024 - Written Submissions Deadline
States and approved organisations have already submitted their written statements
15 August 2024 - Written Comments Deadline
States and organisations that have made written comments will submit written comments on other submissions.
2 to 13 December 2024 - Oral Hearings Concluded
States and organisations presented their legal arguments, evidence, and oral pleadings to the Judges of the ICJ.
Oral Hearings
Statement to the ICJ
Cynthia’s
On 02 December, Cynthia Houniuhi (President of PISFCC and founding member) delivered a powerful statement to the ICJ calling for climate justice and the recognition of the principle of intergenerational equity. She highlighted the crucial role played by young people from all over the world and highlighted the urgent need to reign in the climate crisis and hold polluters accountable.
Watch the full statement
Photo Credit : SPCVishal’s
Statement to the ICJ
On 13 December, Vishal Prasad, (Director PISFCC), delivered a compelling statement to the ICJ, urging for climate justice and the acknowledgment of the voices of those directly witnessing the impacts of climate change. The People's Petition was also submitted to the ICJ judges. He also spoke about the important role youth played in decision making, and the need to prioritise the well-being of future generations. He called for urgent action to halt greenhouse gas emissions and hold polluters accountable, asserting that true climate justice can only be achieved by safeguarding the rights and futures of those most vulnerable to the climate crisis.
Watch the full statement
Photo Credit : SPCOn socials!
Trending
#ClimateJusticeAtTheICJ
‘This is for the world’s most vulnerable, for all of humanity, and our collective future. This is about what we must save, not what has been lost. This is a campaign to build ambition, not division. This is a campaign to uplift the goals of the Paris Agreement. This is the young generations’ call for justice to the world’s highest court’.
— Bob Loughman
Former Prime Minister, Republic of Vanuatu
