Posted on 05 April 2023
Last week, the UN general assembly adopted a Vanuatu-led resolution, asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give an advisory opinion on climate change. The resolution raises questions about the role of states in protecting other nations and future generations from the effects of climate change.
This is a significant moment for the nation, recognising a two year process since the campaign was launched by the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC). Vanuatu is one of the worst impacted countries by climate change, displayed by the pair of destructive cyclones that hit the nation a few weeks ago.
Ishmael Kalsakau, Vanuatu Prime Minister, is proud, and hopeful, of the achievement. "Vanuatu sees today's historic resolution as the beginning of a new era in multilateral climate cooperation, one that is more fully focused on upholding the rule of international law and an era that places human rights and inter-generational equity at the forefront of climate decision-making." He also spoke to the incredible global support that made it possible for a small Pacific Island nation like Vanuatu to successfully lead such a transformative outcome.