The Youth Climate Justice
Handbook
A comprehensive climate justice handbook for an advisory opinion on climate change and human rights.
On March 29th 2023, the UNGA adopted a Resolution seeking an ICJ advisory opinion on climate justice.
The ICJ is now called upon to deliver this historic opinion.
We want the call for human rights and intergenerational equity to be heard by the ICJ. We want states to include these in their submissions before the ICJ.
The Youth Climate Justice Handbook aims to be the single most authoritative legal document that would guide the youth and civil society campaign in the second phase of the campaign. It also aims to contribute to the preparations of states and intergovernmental organisations in their submissions before the ICJ.
the
handbook
The Youth Climate Justice Handbook consists of 3 separate documents that are aimed at specific audiences and purposes.
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The Policymaker’s Summary succinctly explains core material designed to assist policymakers’ decisions regarding whether, and how, their governments should contribute to the ICJ climate advisory proceedings.
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The Memorandum presents the Youth and Civil Society Alliance responses to the questions contained in UNGA Resolution 77/276, supported by legal argument drawing upon established principles of international law, treaty provisions, judgments of international and national courts and tribunals, and the work of esteemed legal scholars.
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This Status Report presents a detailed discussion of the Court’s advisory function, and a detailed and neutral analysis of the existing principles of international law relevant to the request.
It includes an assessment of the advisory proceedings before the ICJ, including the Court’s jurisdiction and procedure, and key legal principles relevant to the request for an advisory opinion, including principles of international environmental law and international human rights law.
Drafted by the Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law
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Young people were instrumental in securing a victory by pushing governments at the UN to endorse a resolution seeking an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently. Continuing with this leadership, they are now taking the work to the next level and launching a handbook that will guide state submissions to the ICJ, putting human rights and intergenerational equity at the heart of their demands. This is a crucial next step of a long campaign to get a progressive outcome from the ICJ on climate change and the legal clarity on the responsibilities of governments to protect their citizens from increasing impacts."
Tasneem Essop
Executive Director - Climate Action Network -
The upcoming proceedings offer an extraordinary and unique opportunity for all States to have a say in shaping the development of international law and ensuring the protection of human rights in the face of the climate crisis. The Handbook will provide a deeper understanding of the legal issues in question and support States and international organisations in their preparations and decision-making during their participation in the International Court of Justice proceedings.
Katrina Bullock
General Counsel - Greenpeace Australia Pacific -
The Youth Climate Justice Handbook will provide guidance to states and international organizations on how to formulate the strongest and most compelling legal arguments to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the ICJ considers the legal questions submitted to the court by the UN General Assembly. We hope that this would prompt states and international organizations to push for a stronger outcome from the ICJ - in the form of an advisory opinion that not only catalyzes climate action; but ensures climate justice, the protection of human rights, and intergenerational equity.
Lavetanalagi Seru
Regional Coordinator - Pacific Islands Climate Action Network
my story is what
i leave behind for my children
and their children
may they won't be scared
to retell our story
so that others know
about who we are
and where we come from
this is what climate change cannot take from us
the Pacific warriors
of change
- Tolu Muliaina
Founding Member - PISFCC