We are excited to launch the #ClimateICJAO Petition, as Pacific youth, we are at the forefront of this movement, determined to drive action ahead of the oral hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from December 2 to 13, 2024. 

This petition seeks to gather worldwide support, amplifying the urgent need to address climate change and its deep impact on human rights.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), will soon host a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change as over 100 states and international organisations gather for the #ClimateICJAO oral hearings from 2-13 December, 2024.

This historic event marks the end of Phase 2 of the proceedings, closing all submissions to the ICJ, both written and oral.

Today marks the launch of ‘The Witness Stand’, a powerful new platform where the voices of those affected by climate change are heard. The Witness Stand serves as a direct message to the judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), who are deliberating on what is the biggest climate case in history - an advisory opinion on climate change (#ClimateICJAO) and its human rights implications.

Following the submission of 91 written statements earlier this year, a total of 62 written comments have now been officially filed in the Registry of the ICJ as part of the ongoing legal process concerning the advisory opinion on the obligations of states in relation to climate change.

August 15 marks the deadline for 91 United Nations member states to submit critical comments to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its deliberations over the obligations of countries to address climate change.

With the worsening of the climate crisis, International Courts have entered the arena, armed with the prospect of advisory opinions. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) landed a massive blow to the climate crisis in its recent delivery and ITLOS leaves no doubt (not that ECO had any): States are duty-bound to protect the oceans from the drivers and impacts of the climate crisis.

PISFCC is proud to announce that our president, Cynthia Houniuhi, delivered a powerful keynote at the prestigious Talbot Oration, hosted by the Australian Museum in Sydney on June 5, 2024.

Cynthia's inspiring speech focused on the Climate Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (#ClimateICJAO) and the hopeful future it promises for generations to come.

On May 21, 2024, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) issued an important Advisory Opinion on climate change, our oceans, and international law. This eagerly awaited opinion was requested by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS).

We're excited to share that Vishal Prasad, our Campaign Director, is a recipient of the esteemed Global Citizen Prize this year.

He received this prize from the Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Honourable Philip Brave Davis, in New York City on 2nd May, 2024.

A historic 91 written submissions have formally been submitted to the ICJ by States and International Organisations outlining perspectives and proposed solutions to combat climate change.

Today marks a significant milestone in the historic campaign to take climate change to the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the deadline for State written submissions closes.

The COP28 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates this year has seen a lot of ups and downs. It recorded historic attendance which saw, in the opening few days, the operationalisation of the Loss & Damage Fund that will be hosted by the World Bank. This means climate vulnerable countries will now be able to access this fund.

A milestone was reached this year when Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change was awarded the Global Climate Leadership Award as the Civil Society and Foundation Laureate at COP28 Climate Law and Governance Day, at Middlesex University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 06/12/23. 

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Center for Pacific Islands Studies (CPIS) hosted the Republic of Vanuatu’s permanent representative to the United Nations, New York, H.E. Ambassador Odo Tevi in October.

New York Climate Week 2023 was a monumental gathering of global leaders across various sectors, collaborating in harmony alongside the UN General Assembly to confront the pressing global climate crisis.

Following the historic adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution asking the International Court of Justice to issue an Advisory Opinion on climate change and human rights, the youth and civil society campaign are delighted to announce the launch of the Youth Climate Justice Handbook.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted the Government of Vanuatu’s proposal for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States on climate change. More than 100 countries came together to co-sponsor the initiative in a show of global solidarity on climate.

105 states have formally co-sponsored the UNGA resolution requesting the ICJ for an advisory opinion on climate change and human rights.

The release of the final resolution for an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change and human rights sets up a momentous moment for climate justice, says a group of youth activists and civil society organisations.

Today’s release of the question to be voted on at the UN General Assembly as part of the bid for an ICJAO on climate change and human rights represents strides forward for climate justice.