Over 50 people, including youth, indigenous and experts across various fields gathered in an empowering initiative, the People’s Assembly, to share how their lives have been impacted by climate change and to contribute to an outcome document presented to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) via oral statements on the 13th of December, 2024. 

The most important climate case that a lot of people haven’t heard about is playing out this week and next at the International Court of Justice. The court, based in The Hague, adjudicates disputes between nations and issues advisory opinions on big international legal issues.

Today marks a historic day in the fight for climate justice as our president delivered a powerful statement to the judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during the opening of oral hearings.

From December 2nd to 13th, the International Court of Justice will hold two weeks of hearings in relation to the request for its Advisory Opinion on States’ obligations in respect of climate change. These legal proceedings, rooted in the leadership of Pacific youth, Vanuatu and campaigners worldwide have the potential to advance ambitious climate action after decades of political inertia that have plagued international climate negotiations and domestic climate policies.

Billed as the “Finance COP,” COP29 in Baku Azerbaijan was expected to bridge glaring gaps in climate finance and advance urgent priorities like the fossil fuel phase-out, Loss and Damage, and the Just Transition Work Plan. Instead, it concluded as a stark failure, leaving vulnerable nations like us in the Pacific to face escalating risks with minimal support and no clear pathway to justice.  

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced the Oral Hearings schedule for the advisory opinion regarding the obligations of states in relation to climate change. 

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.