STATEMENT: Gov't Of Vanuatu Response To ICJ Climate Change Ruling
ICJ confirms the legal obligations of States to address the climate crisis; Voluntary pledges and promises under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement are not enough
THE HAGUE (23 July 2025) — The International Court of Justice (ICJ) today issued its ruling on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change and the legal consequences for failing to fulfil those obligations.
Vanuatu and the large majority of the 96 States and11 International Organisations that presented evidence that States obligations were not limited to voluntary contributions and pledges found in the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement during the hearings in December 2024.
The ICJ agreed with the majority and confirmed that international legal obligations - including the duty to cooperate, human rights, duties to prevent transboundary and environmental harm, including marine harm, and to act with due diligence — were also applicable to States' conduct in the context of climate change.
Additionally, all States, whether they are parties to the UNFCCC, Kyoto and Paris Agreements or not, were bound by these legal obligations under customary international law.
Breaches of any of these primary obligations confirmed as 'most directly relevant' to climate change would result in legal consequences. The Court also confirmed that harm from climate impacts could be established and scientifically attributed to specific polluter States whose acts or omissions resulted in significant harm.
Legal consequences include cessation, including requirements to regulate private polluters and end fossil fuel subsidies; assurances of non-repetition; and a duty to make full reparations to injured States and individuals.
This ruling is expected to take center stage when the United Nations General Assembly meets in September and at the next conference of parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP30), in November in Brazil.
These legal proceedings were requested by the UN General Assembly in a Resolution passed by consensus on 29 March 2023. The campaign for the resolution was initiated by the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change and spearheaded by the Government of Vanuatu seeking climate justice.
Statement by Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management for the Republic of Vanuatu
'The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu commends the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on its landmark advisory opinion on climate change, issued today in response to a UN General Assembly Resolution requesting the opinion following the initiative of the Government of Vanuatu and our fellow Small Island Developing States.
'The ICJ ruling marks an important milestone in the fight for climate justice. We now have a common foundation based on the rule of law, releasing us from the limitations of individual nations' political interests that have dominated climate action. This moment will drive stronger action and accountability to protect our planet and peoples.
'We will now take the ICJ ruling back to the United Nations General Assembly, and pursue a resolution that will support implementation of this decision. The implementation of this decision will set a new status-quo and the structural change required to give our current and future generations hope for a healthy planet and sustainable future.
'Even as fossil fuel expansion continues under the US's influence, along with the loss of climate finance and technology transfer, and the lack of climate ambition following the US's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, major polluters—past and present—cannot continue to act with impunity and treat developing countries as sacrifice zones to further feed corporate greed.
'Vanuatu is proud and honoured to have spearheaded this initiative, and the number of States and civil society that have joined to fight the same fight is a powerful testament to the leadership, courage, and determination of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and youth activists. Their persistence has transformed a grassroots movement into the biggest case in the history of international law, placing climate justice at the heart of international discourse.
'The Global South is bearing the brunt of a crisis it did not create. Families are losing their homes, entire cultures are at risk of disappearing, and lives are being shattered by man-made climate disasters. The nations most responsible for emissions should be held accountable for any violations of legal obligations and they must also step up and lead in providing resources and support to aid those most affected.
'This ruling provides a critical foundation for lawyers and activists to further strengthen and affirm that climate destruction is 'against the law.' It also confirms that environmental harm violates fundamental legal principles.
'A victory in the world's highest court is just the beginning. Success will depend on what happens next through coordinated efforts across diplomacy, politics, litigation, and advocacy to turn this moment into a true turning point.
'Vanuatu looks forward to collaborating with other States on implementing the Court's decision, and ensuring that the structural changes needed to increase accountability, demand real financial commitments, and reframe climate justice become the heart of every negotiation, every policy, and every court where our peoples' futures are at stake."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
UN Experts Call For End To Israeli State And Settler Violence In The West Bank
GENEVA (24 July 2025) - UN experts* today expressed grave concern over systematic and ongoing violations by Israeli settlers and Israeli security forces against Palestinian peasants and rural workers in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. "We are deeply troubled by alleged widespread intimidation, violence, land dispossession, destruction of livelihoods and the resulting forcible displacement of communities, and we fear this is severing Palestinians from their land and undermining their food security,' the experts said. "The alleged acts of violence, destruction of property, and denial of access to land and resources appear to constitute a systemic pattern of human rights violations," they said. The experts noted a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting West Bank communities, including assaults on civilians, destruction of homes and livelihoods, and the forcible displacement of families. 'Settler violence has reportedly involved arson, livestock theft, and the poisoning or destruction of water sources, severely undermining the ability of Palestinians to sustain their agricultural way of life,' the experts added. 'The demolition of Palestinian-owned structures has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving families homeless and vulnerable.' They said the continued attacks targeting Palestinian Bedouin, peasant and rural communities do not appear to be incidental, but rather an intentional strategy to erase their presence in key agricultural areas, undermine their food security and food sovereignty and ultimately sever Palestinians from their land. Hundreds of Bedouin families, including a significant number of children, have been displaced due to settler violence and intimidation. These attacks have caused significant economic harm, including an estimated USD $76 million in direct agricultural damages in the West Bank between October 7, 2023, and late 2024. It is estimated that the West Bank GDP declined by more than 19 per cent, and the unemployment rate rose to 35 per cent. "Israel, as the occupying power, bears the obligation to take necessary measures to safeguard Palestinian communities at risk of displacement and violence," the experts said. "This includes stopping the violence immediately, halting illegal settlement expansion, holding effective and impartial investigations into violations, prosecuting those responsible, and guaranteeing victims access to justice and reparations." 'It is essential that the West Bank be kept under Palestinian control, based on the rights to self-determination of the Palestinian people and full respect of international law,' they said. 'Israel must promptly bring to an end its unlawful presences in the West Bank, and ensure its compliance with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on 19 July 2024, including by evacuating all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.' The experts called on the international community to act with urgency to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that violent settlers and armed forces cannot continue to operate with impunity. 'Silence and inaction only embolden further violations. We call on all States to uphold their obligations under international law—including through targeted measures, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure—to end these systematic abuses and protect Palestinian lives, livelihoods, and fundamental rights. The time for justice is now,' they said. * The experts: Carlos Arturo Duarte Torres, Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas; Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Pacific Scholars Applaud International Ruling On Climate Change
Press Release – Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that countries can be held legally accountable for greenhouse gas emissions has been welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that countries can be held legally accountable for greenhouse gas emissions has been welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health. Co-Director Li'amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu commended Pacific youth and Pacific communities for their leadership and perseverance over six years of advocacy. She says their leadership demonstrated the power of young Pacific voices to shape international systems and call the world to account. 'We extend our congratulations to the Pacific youth, student leaders and our Pacific communities in the region whose courageous advocacy and strategic vision led to this moment.' 'Their tireless efforts – supported by a coalition of Pacific governments, civil society, and legal experts – have resulted in a global legal affirmation that states have clear obligations to act on climate change.' The legal campaign, led by Vanuatu, was initiated by the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC). Its president, Cynthia Houniuhi, visited the University of Auckland's Fale Pasifika two years ago as a guest panelist for Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa's Pacific Transnational Leadership Panel, where she joined regional leaders in discussing the future of Pacific cooperation. Dr Ng Shiu praised the leadership of Houniuhi and the cultural integrity of the campaign. 'This opinion stems from a journey led by Pacific students and communities, speaking from lived experience – rising sea levels, disrupted ecosystems, and the health and social impacts already affecting their families.' That journey has now yielded a decision that will influence global climate action for years to come, says Ng Shiu. 'As a young Pacific female and student, she epitomizes what it means to make the impossible possible and to redefine leadership. She's quiet and humble, but when she speaks, it's deeply impactful. In a world that often celebrates loud and assertive voices, Cynthia's thoughtful approach stands out. 'Her leadership, and the way the ICJ campaign was conducted, reflects not just climate justice but also cultural ethics. The integration of storytelling and community engagement ensures that people hear, understand, and embrace the message. This is promising for Indigenous and Pacific peoples – our ways of knowing and being are being valued by institutions like the ICJ. 'This ruling is not just about empowerment, but also accountability. It sends a message to powerful nations that passing the buck is no longer acceptable.' Speaking from the Netherlands following the ICJ's advisory opinion, Cynthia Houniuhi responded with heartfelt emotion and pride, saying it marked a significant milestone in a youth-led campaign that began in the Pacific. 'This journey has been tough but deeply rewarding,' says Houniuhi. 'It's the relationships we've built along the way that have carried us. This victory belongs to all of us – especially those in rural communities who supported this work but couldn't be here to witness it.' Houniuhi emphasized the importance of communicating the technical decision in ways that resonate with local communities. 'We're committed to going back and speaking with our people – to show them that their hope was not misplaced.' Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign adapted through digital platforms, maintaining momentum and building resilience. Houniuhi highlighted the courage and unity of Pacific youth and governments, and the importance of inclusive, community-driven advocacy. 'Our campaign has always been about collective effort. We walk toward a community goal, not individual recognition. That's our strength.' Emphasizing a collective approach over an individual focus, saw the campaign maintain ancestral storytelling traditions. 'In our advocacy, we used different aspects of our traditions as well as culture, even appearing in the courtroom using the power of wearing our own traditional attire.' She says they had to obtain permission from their chiefs in order to share their sacred stories in court submissions, ensuring cultural protocols were respected. Looking ahead, Houniuhi is seeking greater Pacific representation in international spaces such as COP and the UN General Assembly, and urges more Pacific lawyers, academics, and advocates to engage with the ICJ opinion. 'We need more Pacific voices telling our stories – not others speaking on our behalf. This is our advice, our opinion, and our future.' As the movement enters its next phase, Houniuhi's own journey continues – she hopes to pursue PhD studies at the University of Auckland, further strengthening the Pacific voice in global climate discourse. 'Barriers have already been broken. Round two – let's go.'
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Pacific Scholars Applaud International Ruling On Climate Change
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa - Centre for Pacific and Global Health. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that countries can be held legally accountable for greenhouse gas emissions has been welcomed by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa - Centre for Pacific and Global Health. Co-Director Li'amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu commended Pacific youth and Pacific communities for their leadership and perseverance over six years of advocacy. She says their leadership demonstrated the power of young Pacific voices to shape international systems and call the world to account. 'We extend our congratulations to the Pacific youth, student leaders and our Pacific communities in the region whose courageous advocacy and strategic vision led to this moment.' 'Their tireless efforts - supported by a coalition of Pacific governments, civil society, and legal experts - have resulted in a global legal affirmation that states have clear obligations to act on climate change." The legal campaign, led by Vanuatu, was initiated by the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC). Its president, Cynthia Houniuhi, visited the University of Auckland's Fale Pasifika two years ago as a guest panelist for Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa's Pacific Transnational Leadership Panel, where she joined regional leaders in discussing the future of Pacific cooperation. Dr Ng Shiu praised the leadership of Houniuhi and the cultural integrity of the campaign. 'This opinion stems from a journey led by Pacific students and communities, speaking from lived experience - rising sea levels, disrupted ecosystems, and the health and social impacts already affecting their families." That journey has now yielded a decision that will influence global climate action for years to come, says Ng Shiu. "As a young Pacific female and student, she epitomizes what it means to make the impossible possible and to redefine leadership. She's quiet and humble, but when she speaks, it's deeply impactful. In a world that often celebrates loud and assertive voices, Cynthia's thoughtful approach stands out. 'Her leadership, and the way the ICJ campaign was conducted, reflects not just climate justice but also cultural ethics. The integration of storytelling and community engagement ensures that people hear, understand, and embrace the message. This is promising for Indigenous and Pacific peoples - our ways of knowing and being are being valued by institutions like the ICJ. 'This ruling is not just about empowerment, but also accountability. It sends a message to powerful nations that passing the buck is no longer acceptable." Speaking from the Netherlands following the ICJ's advisory opinion, Cynthia Houniuhi responded with heartfelt emotion and pride, saying it marked a significant milestone in a youth-led campaign that began in the Pacific. 'This journey has been tough but deeply rewarding,' says Houniuhi. 'It's the relationships we've built along the way that have carried us. This victory belongs to all of us - especially those in rural communities who supported this work but couldn't be here to witness it.' Houniuhi emphasized the importance of communicating the technical decision in ways that resonate with local communities. 'We're committed to going back and speaking with our people - to show them that their hope was not misplaced.' Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign adapted through digital platforms, maintaining momentum and building resilience. Houniuhi highlighted the courage and unity of Pacific youth and governments, and the importance of inclusive, community-driven advocacy. 'Our campaign has always been about collective effort. We walk toward a community goal, not individual recognition. That's our strength.' Emphasizing a collective approach over an individual focus, saw the campaign maintain ancestral storytelling traditions. 'In our advocacy, we used different aspects of our traditions as well as culture, even appearing in the courtroom using the power of wearing our own traditional attire.' She says they had to obtain permission from their chiefs in order to share their sacred stories in court submissions, ensuring cultural protocols were respected. Looking ahead, Houniuhi is seeking greater Pacific representation in international spaces such as COP and the UN General Assembly, and urges more Pacific lawyers, academics, and advocates to engage with the ICJ opinion. 'We need more Pacific voices telling our stories - not others speaking on our behalf. This is our advice, our opinion, and our future.' As the movement enters its next phase, Houniuhi's own journey continues - she hopes to pursue PhD studies at the University of Auckland, further strengthening the Pacific voice in global climate discourse. 'Barriers have already been broken. Round two - let's go.'
