HISTORIC CLIMATE HEARINGS AT THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

• The joint submission by Vanuatu and the Melanesian Spearhead Group opened the hearings with powerful arguments on climate justice, the right to self-determination, and the role of international law in protecting the rights of all peoples. It also affirmed the importance of accountability for past wrongs. 

• Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Germany led the charge in arguing that States’ obligations in relation to climate change were predominantly - if not only - found in the Paris Agreement and urging the Court to refrain from determining additional duties from other branches of law. Antigua and Barbuda countered this argument by denouncing polluting States seeking to hide behind the current climate regime and the Paris Agreement as a shield to escape accountability.

• One of the most striking features of the day was the gap between the legal arguments laid out by Germany and the climate leadership professed by the country. For example, it argued that the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is not legally binding under international law, despite having worked in the past for its recognition by the United Nations. The government was unexpectedly regressive in opposing the meaningful application of human rights law.

Today’s voices

Scattered in the relocation are the children of the land and sea. Their future is uncertain, reliant upon the decision-making of a handful of large-emitting States that are responsible for climate change. These States have not only enabled but proactively encouraged the production and consumption of fossil fuels and continue to do so today and every day. 

For my people, and for the world’s youth and future generations, the consequences are existential.”

- Quote from Cynthia (29), Solomon Islands, President of PISFCC

“Today’s conduct of Germany is beyond shameful, as it deliberately rejected the very notion of legal responsibility for its historical contribution to the climate crisis. Today, Germany missed the mark in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the existential threat that the world is facing, climate change, and to safeguard the continued existence of humankind. In particular, the dismissive position toward the recognition of the rights of future generations is incredibly regretful. Hypocritically, Germany emphasized its respect for international law while consecutively making statements against the legitimacy of international law.”

- Quote from Henrieke Bünger (23), Germany, EU Deputy Front Convenor for WYCJ

Outside the Court

On December 02, as the ICJ proceedings officially started, activists of all ages from across the world gathered in front of the Court for a youth-led solidarity demonstration. They demanded that the World’s Highest Court upholds climate justice and recognizes that our human rights must prevail over the economic interests of a minority of States. In solidarity with their submission and their fundamental role in the Global Campaign, demonstrators gathered outside the Peace Palace and watched as Vanuatu and the Melanesian Spearhead Group initiated the hearings, setting the stage for the discussions to come over the next 2 weeks. AO LET’S GO!

Witness stand

The Witness Stand was established to make sure that the on-going ICJ advisory opinion proceedings on climate change are more inclusive and representative of those most affected. Using this, anyone can send their message to the World’s Highest Court as it rules on climate change for the first time.

"I dare you, mathematicians of the world, quantify for me what our life costs, our village costs, our culture costs. What does a planet cost?"

- Stephanie Datt Wise, writer, Fiji.

Cover photo: By The Worlds Youth for Climate Justice