Fiji is appealing to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to advocate for justice for communities that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The country argues that those nations responsible for the climate crisis should be held accountable for the resulting damage.
During a recent presentation before the ICJ, Attorney General Graham Leung emphasized the critical issue of climate change threatening basic human rights. Joining him was Fiji’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Luke Daunivalu, who opened the discussion by addressing the severe impacts of climate change on Fiji, like the loss and damage that have already been suffered and the ongoing initiatives aimed at building resilience within affected communities.
Daunivalu pointed out the stark reality of climate-related displacement, stating, “Entire villages have been uprooted from their traditional lands and moved to new locations, forcing whole communities to change their way of life.” He urged the Court to hold those accountable for the climate crisis responsible, stressing the need for action from those who have contributed to the problem.
Leung further articulated Fiji’s legal stance, focusing on the existential threats posed by climate change and the obligations of nations to address them. He highlighted international law’s requirement for countries to prevent harm caused by activities within their borders to other nations. In a poignant moment, Leung posed a question to the Court: “Is it just that our people are forced to abandon their ancestral lands and heritage because of the inaction of those most responsible for climate change?” He called for a declaration from the Court that non-action on climate change constitutes a violation of international law, emphasizing the necessity for states to safeguard human rights and cultivate a sustainable future for everyone.
Concluding the presentation, Leung underscored the pressing nature of the situation, stating, “The impacts of climate change are undeniable, and the science is irrefutable.” He expressed hope that the ICJ would provide legal clarity on this life-and-death matter.
The hearings will continue next week, with 98 countries and 12 intergovernmental organizations, including the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), participating in this landmark case. This event marks a historic moment, as it is the first time so many nations have engaged in a single case before the Court.
The ICJ is expected to evaluate all written and oral submissions before issuing its advisory opinion, which is anticipated in the first half of 2025.
This initiative not only underscores the urgent need for international accountability regarding climate change but also showcases a united front among nations advocating for justice and sustainability, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges.
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