Fiji calls on the ICJ to support justice for communities vulnerable to climate change

Fiji is calling on the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, to support justice for communities vulnerable to climate change as entire villages have been uprooted from their traditional lands and moved to new locations, forcing whole communities in Fiji to change their way of life.

This was highlighted by Fiji’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Luke Daunivalu.

Daunivalu says the severe effects of climate change in Fiji, including the loss and damage already experienced and the ongoing efforts to build resilience.

Attorney General Graham Leung says the impacts of climate change are threatening basic human rights, and Fiji’s submission argues that the countries responsible for the crisis should pay for the damage.

Fiji’s presentation was delivered by AG Leung and Fiji’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Luke Daunivalu.

Ambassador Daunivalu says the severe effects of climate change in Fiji, including the loss and damage already experienced and the ongoing efforts to build resilience.

Daunivalu urged the Court to hold those responsible accountable for the climate crisis, stating that they must ensure that those who have caused this crisis take responsibility for stopping it and addressing its impacts.

Leung presented Fiji’s legal arguments, focusing on the existential threat posed by climate change and the legal duties of States to address it.

He explained that international law requires countries to prevent activities within their borders from causing significant harm to other nations.

Leung asks if is it just that our people are forced to abandon their ancestral lands and heritage because of the inaction of those most responsible for climate change and where else can Fiji seek justice for these serious human rights violations if not here.

He says the Court should declare that failing to act on climate change violates international law and affirm that States have a duty to prevent harm, protect human rights, and ensure a livable future for all.

The Attorney General concluded by stressing the urgency of the situation and its impacts of climate change are undeniable and the science is irrefutable.

The oral hearings will continue next week with 98 countries and 12 intergovernmental organizations, including the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), making presentations to the Court.

This marks the first time in the Court’s history that so many countries are participating in a single case.