THE HAGUE/SYDNEY, Monday 2 December 2024 — The historic Pacific-led campaign to take the world’s biggest problem of climate change to the world’s highest court reaches a pivotal moment today at The Hague, as almost 100 countries, including Australia, are set to share their oral submissions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The landmark campaign seeking an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legal responsibilities of countries in relation to climate change has grown from its Pacific origins — spearheaded by the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change and championed by the government of Vanuatu — to what is now the world’s largest climate justice campaign.
A strong advisory opinion would provide a guiding compass by providing clarity on the international legal obligations countries bear in relation to safeguarding their people from the impacts of climate change, and holds the potential to strengthen international human rights law. Australia will present its arguments today at 4pm CET.
Speaking from The Hague, Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “This inspiring campaign, led by a coalition of small island states and vulnerable countries, seeks to clarify the legal responsibilities of nation-states in relation to climate change — yet another example of Pacific leaders championing ambitious climate policy and reforms on the global stage.
“The next two weeks of hearings are the culmination of five years of collective campaigning, powerful advocacy, and mobilising the world behind this landmark campaign, to ensure the human rights of current and future generations are protected from climate destruction, and the biggest emitters are held accountable.
“It is a pivotal moment that centres the voices of the most climate-impacted communities from across the world. Coming together in The Hague, we have the opportunity to present before the Court the testimonies and resistance of frontline communities facing rising seas, food insecurity, and threats to their cultures and livelihoods. The Court will hear their demands for radical action and justice.
“Together, we will make as much noise outside to ensure that the stories of our communities echo loudly in the courtroom chambers. The ICJ judges have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the course of history — we urge them to make this moment count.”
Also speaking from The Hague, Katrina Bullock, General Counsel at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “Today marks the start of a groundbreaking advisory opinion hearing at the International Court of Justice — an event that could reshape the global understanding of human rights in the age of climate change.
“Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a direct threat to core human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, housing, culture and self determination.
“The Court’s opinion could be a turning point, clarifying how international law demands action, holding governments accountable, and setting powerful precedents. This moment is more than legal discourse; it’s a critical step toward ensuring that human rights are protected in the face of climate adversity and that justice keeps pace with our planet’s urgent needs.”
On Tuesday 3 December at 11am AEDT, Greenpeace Australia Pacific and The Australia Institute will host a joint webinar to watch Australia making its public submission to the ICJ, followed by a panel event with Pacific and legal experts. Event details here.
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Images for media use available here
Images of the Peaceful demonstration outside the ICJ will be available here from Monday afternoon CET (GMT +1)
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kate O’Callaghan on +61 406 231 892 (CET timezone) or [email protected]
Greenpeace Australia Pacific has spokespeople on the ground in The Hague throughout the hearings and can provide interviews or commentary from a range of organisations involved in the campaign, Pacific activists and legal experts.
