Major climate change case kicks off at International Court of Justice
Over the next two weeks, 98 countries and 12 organisations will testify in a major climate change case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The case focuses on the impact of climate change on particularly vulnerable countries such as the Pacific island state of Vanuatu.
The ICJ in The Hague will address the obligations of UN member states to protect other member states and future generations from climate change and the legal consequences of inaction.
Vanuatu, which initiated the case, is increasingly threatened by sea level rise and fears that the human rights of its citizens may be at stake. “For us, climate change is not a distant threat,” said Vishal Prasad, director of the group Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. “It is changing our current lives. Our islands are at risk.”
"For us, climate change is not a distant threat"
The countries and organisations taking part include vulnerable island states such as Fiji and Vanuatu, as well as the world's three largest emitters - China, the US and India - the Organisation of Petroleum Producing Countries and the EU. People who are victims of climate disasters will also testify, with each given half an hour to express their views.
The ICJ advisory opinion is not expected until after the summer of 2025 at the earliest. It is not legally binding but may be used in the future by judges when assessing climate lawsuits.
The small fishing island of Mazaz, Papua New Guinea, will be submerged due to climate change © PHOTO IMAGO
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