ICJ classes climate change as 'urgent and existential threat'
A ruling from the UN's principal court said 'the urgent and existential threat posed by climate change' created a legal obligation on states to take action.
The legal and political weight of the world court is likely to bear heavily on future climate cases. 'Greenhouse gas emissions are unequivocally caused by human activities which are not territorially limited,' judge Yuji Iwasawa said.
The two questions the UN General Assembly asked the judges to consider were: what are countries' obligations under international law to protect the climate from greenhouse gas emissions; and what are the legal consequences for countries that harm the climate system?
'The advisory opinion is probably the most consequential in the history of the court because it clarifies international law obligations to avoid catastrophic harm that would imperil the survival of humankind,' said Payam Akhavan, an international law professor.
Outside the court at the Peace Palace in The Hague, about 100 demonstrators waved flags and posters bearing slogans including 'no more delay, climate justice today'.
They were joined by Vanuatu's Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu, whose South Pacific nation − composed of more than 80 islands − is vulnerable to rising sea levels.
In two weeks of hearings last December at the ICJ, also known as the World Court, Mr Akhavan represented low-lying, small island states that face an existential threat from rising sea levels. In all, over a hundred states and international organisations gave their views.
Wealthy countries told the judges that existing climate treaties, including the 2015 Paris Agreement, which are largely non-binding, should be the basis for deciding their responsibilities.
Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries pledged to try to keep global temperature rises to well within 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Developing nations and small island states argued for stronger measures, in some cases legally binding, to curb emissions and for the biggest emitters of climate-warming greenhouse gases to provide financial aid.
The biggest set of interventions ever heard at the ICJ has excited experts predicting a major impact on laws around the world. More than 100 nations and groups gave oral statements that pitted major wealthy economies against smaller, less developed states most at the mercy of a warming planet.
The ICJ heard warnings not to deliver a fresh legal blueprint for climate change, arguing the existing United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change framework − a parent treaty of the Paris Agreement − was comprehensive.
The US, which has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, said the UNFCCC contained legal provisions on climate change and urged the court to uphold this regime.
But smaller states said this framework was inadequate to mitigate climate change
'I think it will be a game-changer for the whole climate discourse we're going through,' said Mr Regenvanu.
Vanuatu spearheaded the push for a court opinion amid growing frustration at sluggish progress in UN climate negotiations.
'We've been going through this for 30 years … It'll shift the narrative, which is what we need to have,' Mr Regenvanu said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with Netherland's Prime Minister
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof. The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the call touched on various aspects of the bilateral relationship between Egypt and the Netherlands. The two sides emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen and develop these relations, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, water resource management, financial services, and energy. The call also reviewed ways to enhance cooperation on migration. The Dutch prime minister praised Egypt's efforts in combating illegal immigration and lauded the continuous coordination between the two countries in this area. Additionally, the two sides discussed cooperation in confronting terrorism and extremism. The Dutch prime minister affirmed Egypt's leading role and significant expertise in this regard. The call discussed the current regional situation. President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt's unwavering efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and ensure the urgent and sufficient entry of humanitarian aid. The President also highlighted endeavors to secure the release of hostages and captives and to create an environment conducive to resuming the political process. The aim is to implement the two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the June 4, 1967 borders, as the only path to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. In this context, the Dutch prime minister expressed his country's appreciation for Egypt's diligent efforts to secure a ceasefire, release hostages, and provide humanitarian aid to the Strip. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's firm stance rejecting attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land. He also stressed the need to expedite the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as soon as a ceasefire is reached. The President emphasized the necessity of respecting international law and relevant international agreements, which obligate countries to provide security protection for diplomatic missions and not to harm foreign embassies operating on their soil. This matter was affirmed by the Dutch prime minister. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Middle East Eye
2 days ago
- Middle East Eye
Pressure mounts on South Africa to sever ties with Israel, expel diplomats
South African authorities are facing mounting pressure to sever ties with Israel and expel Israeli diplomats, amid growing outrage over its genocide by starvation campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip. Several activists told Middle East Eye that they had intensified their campaign to end what they called South Africa's complicity in Israel's war on Gaza, where more than 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded and the entire population is facing famine. Zukiswa Wanner, a writer and activist, said that many South Africans had thought Pretoria's decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice in late 2023 would result in a swift end to the 22-month conflict, but Israel, with full Western backing, continued its war on Gaza. "Almost two years later, Israel has not relented and we continue seeing the horror visited on the Palestinians," Wanner told MEE. "As individuals, we are all quite powerless on pushing the stop of the genocide - but as citizens - we can demand of our government that they finalise this small thing: South Africa can't be having normal relations with an abnormal, genocidal government. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Since Israel went to war on Gaza, only Bolivia and Belize have severed diplomatic relations with Israel. At various points, the Muslim majority countries of Bahrain, Chad, Jordan and Turkey have withdrawn their ambassadors, but all still maintain diplomatic ties with Israel. For its part, South Africa hasn't had an ambassador in Israel since 2018. But activists say the country needs to take stronger action against Israel. 'South Africa can't be having normal relations with an abnormal, genocidal government' - Zukiswa Wanner Many South Africans told MEE that they were extremely disappointed with Cyril Ramaphosa's government's decision to ignore parliament's decision to sever ties with Israel in November 2023. "Other countries have disengaged with Israel without the fanfare we brought to the table," Wanner added. This week, a petition created by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), urging the government to shutter the Israeli embassy had secured several thousand signatures. "You have rightly brought a case of genocide against Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), so you have determined Israel is committing genocide. How then can we continue to have diplomatic and economic relations with that genocidal state?" the petition said. 'Block the Boat' Across South Africa, frustration over Israel's war on Gaza and brutal occupation of the West Bank have triggered several small scale protest actions at traffic lights, and outside embassies and ports. This week, activists in the port city of Durban mobilised over reports that a ship travelling via South Africa to Israel was carrying cargo that may be used in the war on Gaza. Local activists were alerted by the South African BDS coalition that the vessel, originating from Chennai, India, was carrying "dangerous goods". With India having previously sent combat drones, as well as batches of explosives and components to Israel, the activists said they were compelled to act to prevent Durban from becoming a conduit for murdering Palestinians. Hundreds of South Africans mobilised online, reached out to local and national representatives and the police, calling for the ship to be inspected and for Pretoria to uphold its obligations in international law. Israel's war on Gaza has exposed 'deep divide' within Brics, experts say Read More » As a founding member of The Hague Group, South Africa has pledged its intention to prevent the supply of arms to Israel. It has also committed to preventing the docking of vessels which may be used to transport fuel and arms to Israel. On Thursday, activists reported that following an inspection by police, the vessel was found to have not been in possession of any material that may be used to violate human rights, but lauded both the community and authorities for complying with their requests to have the vessel checked. "We will continue to carry through with this 'Block the Boat - Durban' campaign, because we know that our port could be used for transporting of goods destined for Israel," Lubna Nadvi with the KwaZulu-Natal Palestine Solidarity Forum (PSF), told MEE. Nadvi said the group was also monitoring the tranporstation of coal from Richards Bay Port - the other major port in KwaZulu-Natal - and would be picketing outside the port terminal in the coming days. "There are multiple campaigns that we are undertaking. The fact that this tip-off came through means that there is a very vigilant international network keeping an eye out. And the fact that nothing was found is good, and we need to be vigilant that no such items will be traveling through any one of our ports," Nadvi added. The South African Police Services did not immediately respond to MEE's request for comment.
The National
2 days ago
- The National
Rotterdam supports migrants despite city's far-right politics
Nowhere is the Netherlands' ambivalent relationship with migration more visible than in Rotterdam, a city known both for its diversity and its growing support for the far right. The country's largest port, Rotterdam was home to the Netherlands' first mayor of Moroccan descent. It was recently dubbed 'Europe's new capital of cool' by CNN for its outdoor art galleries and innovative architecture. But Rotterdam has also mostly been governed by far-right and populist parties since 2002 and in some neighbourhoods, far-right politician Geert Wilders won the most votes in the 2023 election. "It scares me," said Joost, a 60-year-old university professor. "Our government tells us we should have the most strict policy in the world against migrants because we don't like them. But we should be more open." History repeats itself. That's what we want to share. Fenix Museum director Anne Kremers Yet at the same time, migration is being celebrated in Rotterdam. In May, the country's first migration museum, named Fenix, opened in a restored 100-year-old port warehouse. Among the glass skyscrapers, it is hard to miss, with its double-helix staircase designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong that leads to a rooftop platform. It is not just an impressive exploration of the past, but a living link with the changing face of the country. Asylum seekers living in Rotterdam are invited to take part in Fenix's activities. Thousands have been housed by authorities just a few kilometres west of the museum, on cruise ships that are increasingly used as a temporary housing solution because of a shortage of shelters on land. On Tuesday nights, a group of seven volunteer cooks, mostly women, serve food to up to 50 people who pay €5 for a meal. Recent dishes included Syrian mloukhieh, Yemeni mandi and Turkish kebab. Organisers hope to invite asylum seekers from the nearby ships to join its dinners. 'It's about practising Dutch but also learning to talk about who you are,' said Lai Chee Chiu, who co-ordinates the dinners through non-profit organisation Mano. Tala, a 31-year-old Syrian refugee who volunteers alongside the cooks, said her overall experience of Rotterdam has been positive. 'The group likes cooking and wants to integrate,' she said. Tala recently moved into her own apartment after living for more than a year on a cruise ship moored on the river Maas. 'The help we get in Rotterdam is unlike anything I've experienced before.' The museum's location – facing the former headquarters of the Holland America Line shipping company, where hundreds of thousands of Europeans once boarded ships bound for North America – serves as a reminder that the Dutch were once migrants, too. Common experience A labyrinth of more than 2,000 suitcases with the individual stories of their owners forms an exhibit at the museum. The oldest piece dates from 1898 and began its journey to the Netherlands aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway. Some are happy stories. Others document colonialism, exile and loss. 'I can assure you, there's a migration story to tell in every family. What we need in these times is empathy,' Fenix director Anne Kremers told The National. 'I really hope that after visiting the exhibitions the visitors feel like: 'OK, this is also about me.'' Admiring the views over the Maas river during a recent visit was Jantine, a 23-year-old Dutch music teacher. She said she felt more understanding for migrants after viewing a photo exhibit. 'You see emotions like happiness, fear or sadness. You feel yourself reflected in their eyes,' Jantine said. 'Just showing those pictures is very political, but they also don't tell you what side you should choose.' Behind the suitcases, the wall features a timeline with glimpses of Rotterdam's history. They go all the way back to the arrival in 1583, as a Protestant refugee, of Johan van der Veeken, a merchant and owner of slave ships, who later became the second richest person in the country. On the first floor, a fishing boat used in 2022 by migrants to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy stands next to a child's drawing of the Saint Louis, a ship that carried Jewish refugees in 1939 and was turned away from North America. About 239 of its 937 passengers died in the Holocaust. The museum, which is free for locals, does not aim to lecture visitors, Ms Kremers said. 'We could tell you what you should think, but it will stick with you if you experience the museum,' she said. 'History repeats itself. That's what we want to share.' Today, the central Mediterranean route via Italy has become the deadliest migration crossing in the world, with 2,500 recorded deaths or disappearances in 2023. The Dutch government collapsed in May for the second time in two years over migration after Mr Wilders issued a 10-point list of demands deemed impossible to implement. Among them: the deportation of 60,000 Syrians with residence permits. New elections have been scheduled for October. Showcasing migration as a human experience common to everyone may not explicitly address the continuing Dutch political debate on migration, but the national context is important. For the museum, direct involvement with the local community is essential. 'We think that is very important that migration is not just a story that you read about in a museum,' Ms Kremers said. 'To us, it's very important that communities in the city also have this stage to share their national holidays, their memorial days, and sometimes just their story by cooking and sharing a dinner.' The museum is an initiative of the Droom en Daad foundation, whose director Wim Pijbes used to head the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Work please Opening a museum on migration in a country increasingly hostile to the idea is a bold move that offers an alternative to the polarised political debate, said Saskia Bonjour, an associate professor in political science at the University of Amsterdam who specialises in migration. 'It's probably not a coincidence that they chose the artistic road, in which they can convey ideas without being explicit, rather than the historical or pedagogical road,' Ms Bonjour said. 'In mainstream culture, the dominant discourse is that migration is bad. National self-identification with openness and tolerance is gone.' For asylum seekers themselves, national politics feel distant, but the consequences are deeply personal. Living on a Rotterdam cruise ship is part of an application process that can take months or even years. While they wait, many migrants work by delivering food by bicycle. They bristle at their portrayal by far-right politicians as coming to the Netherlands to live off the state. 'We are here to work. We are not here to live off aid,' said Haitham, 30, from Syria. An Arabic teacher, he cannot teach without being fluent in Dutch, but also has no access to free Dutch classes because he is older than the age limit of 25. They all dispute Mr Wilders's claims that Syria is safe to return to following the fall of the Assad regime. 'He should read the reports,' said Haitham, citing recent killings. These include the deaths in March of nearly 1,500 people at the hands of groups linked to the Syrian government. Last month, more than 1,300 people died in southern Syria in clashes between Druze fighters, tribal groups and government forces. Standing beside Haitham, a Kurdish Syrian man in his thirties who did not give his name said he hopes to reunite with his wife and three children in Turkey. 'I came here to feel like I'm treated like a human being,' he said. Yet even among Fenix's most empathetic visitors, there is little awareness that the Dutch may have experienced similar feelings, albeit in a different historical context. 'It doesn't relate to me on a personal level at all, because I don't really have migration in my family,' said Jantine, a Rotterdam resident. 'I don't know if I'm the right audience, because I already think that immigrants should be welcomed.' Asked if the museum might change minds, she was uncertain. 'I don't know if it gets a lot of visitors on the other side of the political spectrum,' she said. 'When I look around, I think there's a lot of really tolerant people already.' Back outside, Joost acknowledged that migration is a difficult conversation as he snapped a picture of the former Holland America building opposite, now a hotel. 'You can see that here in Rotterdam, there are so many people living from so many nationalities. On the one hand, it's perfect. At the same time, it's a problem for a lot of people,' he said. 'We wanted to be a country of tolerance and openness, but now populists say we must protect our prosperity.' Still, many believe that Rotterdam's multicultural past, and future, will endure. 'There is place for everyone,' said Mano's Ms Chiu. 'But nobody knows what the future will look like.'
