Small Island States Urge ICJ to Broaden Scope in Climate Justice Case
Small island states, led by Vanuatu, have urged the International Court of Justice to look beyond current climate agreements when determining the obligations of high-emission countries. In a recent hearing, representatives emphasized the breach of international law by major emitters, calling for accountability and action to mitigate climate change impacts, particularly on vulnerable nations.
In a recent hearing before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, several small island states, including Vanuatu, urged the Court to expand its scope beyond established climate treaties such as the Paris Agreement when deliberating on the obligations of high-emission countries. Ralph Regenvanu, a special climate envoy from Vanuatu, emphasized the urgent need for accountability, stating that certain nations have violated international law, exacerbating the existential crises these vulnerable nations face due to climate change.
The proceedings were initiated by the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) and backed by the Vanuatu government after the United Nations General Assembly sought the ICJ’s opinion on the responsibilities of states regarding climate change. Regenvanu passionately expressed that the indigenous cultures and livelihoods of island nations are deeply intertwined with their lands and seas, which are now threatened by global warming.
Vanuatu’s Attorney General Arnold Kiel Loughman questioned the legality of actions leading to significant global crises, urging that there must be consequences for states that violate their obligations. He stated, “How can the conduct that has taken humanity to the brink of catastrophe … be lawful and without consequences?”
Cynthia Houniuhi, representing the PISFCC, reinforced the notion that climate change jeopardizes not just land, but also the cultural connections of future generations to their heritage. During the hearings, nations affected by climate change, including Barbados and the Bahamas, implored the ICJ to recognize that existing climate agreements do not negate broader aspects of international law and called for robust obligations on states to mitigate their emissions.
The Bahamas’ Attorney General Ryan Pinder highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change, referencing Hurricane Dorian’s destructive aftermath and the economic toll it has taken on his nation. He asserted that it is paramount for polluting countries to take immediate action, stating, “It is time for these polluters to pay.”
Saudi Arabia notably contended that existing climate treaties adequately set obligations for states, cautioning against granting legal status to future generations. However, Pinder countered that these treaties intertwine with human rights and public international law, making clear the vital importance of not allowing any dilution of these obligations. The opening statements set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of climate justice, focusing on accountability and the dire need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The small island states are increasingly facing existential threats posed by climate change, leading them to seek justice through the International Court of Justice. Historically, these nations have contributed minimally to greenhouse gas emissions yet bear a disproportionately large burden from the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and severe weather disturbances. This legal approach aims not only to hold major emitters accountable but to redefine obligations under international law related to climate justice. Various nations convened to present their arguments, marking a robust legal inquiry into how current treaties address the obligations of both high-emission nations and the rights of future generations.
The hearings at the International Court of Justice underscore the urgent need for accountability regarding climate change impacts. The pleas from vulnerable nations make it clear that existing climate treaties do not encompass the full spectrum of international obligations that wealthy, high-emission states have toward those affected. As small island nations advocate for legal recognition of these obligations, the outcome of this legal inquiry could serve as a pivotal point for international climate justice and future global cooperation efforts.
Original Source: www.ipsnews.net
