Let’s hear what the World’s Highest Court has to say about Climate Change
World’s Youth for Climate Justice is a global campaign that took climate change and human rights to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to get an Advisory Opinion.
The Advisory Opinion seeks to clarify the obligations of states to protect the rights of current and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.
CIEL & WYCJ with the support of PISFCC publish ‘Top Arguments to Watch For’ from the Written Statements and Comments submitted to the ICJ
Climate Justice Proceedings: Top Arguments to Watch For in the Written Submissions
On 29 March 2023, the UN General Assembly requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to provide an Advisory Opinion on States' obligations regarding climate change. The ICJ has now, for the first time in history, the mandate to clarify the legal obligations of States with regard to climate change under multiple sources of international law. The significance of this process cannot be overstated.
An unprecedented number of States and international organizations have participated in the proceedings, with the Court receiving a record 91 initial written submissions and 62 in the subsequent comments phase, when States and international organizations that provided initial input could comment on one another’s written statements. Following the completion of the written phase, the Court held two weeks of oral hearings, from 2 to 13 December 2024, in which a record ninety-eight States and twelve international organizations expressed their intention to participate.
World’s Youth for Climate Justice and Center for International Environmental Law with the support of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change published “Climate Justice Proceedings at the ICJ: Top Arguments to Watch For in the Written Submissions” that unpacks some of the key arguments addressed in the written submissions, presenting select excerpts to provide a snapshot of critical legal questions at the heart of the ICJ AO. It focuses on the most critical legal arguments, including questions of human rights obligations, transboundary harm, and the duties owed to future generations.
It presents key contrasting positions of major polluters and the vast majority of participants, especially concerning issues that have crucial implications for climate justice. The aim is to provide insight into how countries and international organizations plan to build – or threaten to undermine – a safe and healthy world for present and future generations.
Learn how countries and international organisations are shaping the legal landscape for climate justice and defining obligations to ensure a safe and healthy world for current and future generations.
Catch up on the ICJAO daily debriefs !
During the oral hearings, we unpacked the arguments every day and offer you here a compendium of all the daily debriefs so you have the central arguments of each participating State and international organization at your fingertips!
Final UN draft resolution released for adoption
Sign The People’s Petition!
The People’s Petition is the culmination of the People’s Assembly, held from December 3-5, 2024 - a declaration of justice and urgency.
It brings together the voices of 18 witnesses from across every continent—individuals who represent communities that have contributed almost nothing to the climate crisis yet face its harshest and most unjust consequences.
The petition stands as a powerful testament to collective lived experiences, calling for urgent global action to address the climate crisis.
Demanding Climate Justice At The ICJ.
World’s Youth For Climate Justice at COP29
The outcome of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024, marks a distressing setback for global climate governance, underscoring persistent inequities.
Statement on Solidarity with Palestine
No climate justice without human rights.
join us & take action
join us & take action
Join the WYCJ Campaign
With the ICJ advisory opinion advancing, we as WYCJ are always happy to welcome more people to join our movement and make sure everyone can contribute to the best of their abilities.
Youth Climate Justice Handbook
The Youth Climate Justice Handbook presents the best and most progressive legal arguments on climate justice, responding specifically to the questions the UN General Assembly is requesting the International Court of Justice to answer. Consisting of three parts, the handbook also contains procedural and other relevant information that is a need-to-know for every State preparing for interaction with the Court, and a key resource for legal advocacy.
Read Now!
Power of the People
The Power of the People is a short explainer animation on the ongoing campaign to seek an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The animation was heavily inspired by the stark reality of the adverse effects of Climate Change on the basic Human Rights of children and youth from the Pacific Islands and other climate vulnerable countries.
Friends of the Initiative
Our campaign has gained widespread civil society support. Organizations can show their support by becoming a Friend of the Initiative.
Christiana Figueres
Christiana Figueres is the former Executive Secretary, UN Convention on Climate Change and Co-host of the podcast Outrage and Optimism.
Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson is the Chair of The Elders, former President of Ireland and the former UN High Commissioner on Human Rights
"I absolutely support an ICJ Advisory Opinion and I hope it will raise awareness on climate justice.”
“I would invite those who are involved in the AO to take a very broad view of the injustices that need a climate justice approach.”