International Court of Justice climate ruling a powerful tool for holding countries to account

Oxfam Australia Media Release

The International Court of Justice has ruled that governments must phase out fossil fuels, rapidly reduce emissions, provide remedy to those facing climate damages and provide climate finance to developing countries.

Oxfam climate change policy lead Nafkote Dabi said: 

“Oxfam is proud to have supported young climate defenders from the Pacific and elsewhere who bravely took their fight for justice from a classroom in Vanuatu to the world’s highest court. They won the world a tremendous victory today.

This ruling elevates national climate commitments everywhere by confirming that countries must reduce emissions enough to protect the universal rights to life, food, health and a clean environment. All countries, particularly rich ones, now have to cut their emissions faster and phase out fossil fuels. Rich countries have to increase their financing to Global South countries to help them reduce emissions and protect their people from past and future harm. This is not a wish-list – it is international law.

We now have a powerful tool for holding countries to account for their obligations, especially in protecting the world’s most marginalized people and future generations of humanity. The ICJ rejected arguments by the likes of the US and UK that governments are bound only by climate treaties such as the Paris Agreement and did not have stronger obligations under international law. This ruling will inject new impetus into negotiations at the COP30 Summit in Brazil this November.”

Oxfam Australia First Peoples Climate Justice Lead Becca Dakini said: 

“The ICJ’s ruling in favour of Vanuatu has strengthened demands to hold the Global North accountable for their emissions and the resulting impacts on the Global South. This follows the Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners’ defeat in their case against the Australian Government last week. Both outcomes underscore the urgent need to redefine “duty of care” for governments and affirm that those least responsible for climate change – like First Nations and Pacific peoples – deserve justice and rapid adaptation, requiring increased responsibility from their governments, and wealthier nations.”

 

See also:

World’s highest court’s landmark decision carries major implications for Australia’s climate obligations

 

Dear reader, we need your support

Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.

One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.

With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.

Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969