Fiji has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a bid to seek justice for communities that are vulnerable to the detrimental impacts of climate change. The nation argues that those responsible for the climate crisis must be held accountable for the damages incurred.
During a recent presentation to the ICJ, Attorney General Graham Leung highlighted the urgent need for accountability, stressing that climate change threatens fundamental human rights. Supporting him was Fiji’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Luke Daunivalu, who outlined the severe ramifications of climate change faced by the people of Fiji, including substantial loss and the necessity for resilient adaptations.
Daunivalu poignantly described the harsh reality of climate relocation, noting that entire villages have been forced to leave their ancestral homelands, significantly altering their way of life. He urged the court to impose responsibility on the nations accountable for the climate crisis, insisting that they must address both the causes and effects of their actions.
In his argument, Leung presented the notion that international law demands nations to prevent activities that could result in significant harm to others. He posed a compelling question to the court about the injustice faced by Fijian people forced to abandon their homes due to inaction from those mainly contributing to climate change. He prompted the court to recognize that negligence concerning climate change breaches international law, and stressed that states have a responsibility to protect human rights and ensure a sustainable future.
With oral hearings scheduled to continue next week, a remarkable 98 countries and 12 intergovernmental organizations, including the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), are set to present before the court. This unprecedented participation marks a significant moment in the ICJ’s history, highlighting a global call for justice in the face of climate challenges.
The court is expected to reflect on all written and oral submissions before rendering its advisory opinion, which is anticipated to be released in the first half of 2025.
This historic engagement presents an opportunity not only for Fiji but also for nations worldwide to address the urgent threats posed by climate change collaboratively. It serves as a hopeful reminder that on a global stage, there is an increasing recognition of the need for justice and proactive measures necessary to secure the rights and futures of vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
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