In a historic move, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution asking the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion on climate change. The United Nations General Assembly passed this resolution titled “Request for an advisory opinion of International Court of Justice on obligations of states in respect of climate change and human rights” during its meeting on March 29th, 2023. More than 130 countries supported the resolution that Vanuatu drafted.
Adopted by unanimous support in the UN general assembly, this is the first time in the Court’s history that a request for an advisory opinion has received such broad backing, highlighting the historic nature of the climate justice initiative spearheaded by Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) and now backed by students from around the world.
The world’s highest Court, based in The Hague, is now tasked with deciding what measures nations must take to protect current and future generations from climate-related suffering and the legal repercussions for those who have already caused severe damage.
More and more nations are turning to international tribunals and courts for guidance on how the law applies to their joint efforts to combat the climate problem. Students from the Pacific Islands brought this issue to the attention of the government of Vanuatu, which has since supported their efforts. In addition, there is a worldwide youth advocacy movement backing them up.