WYCJ participates in a diplomatic briefing hosted by CIEL and the Vanuatu Government in Geneva

Photo Credit: CIEL

On the 16 of March, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Vanuatu to the UN hosted a diplomatic briefing, in Geneva, on the upcoming adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution requesting an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice on Human Rights and Climate Change. WYCJ was honored to be invited as one of the key speakers of the event, highlighting the origin of the ICJAO resolution and the important role that youth around the world played in campaigning for it.

Also present on the panel, H.E. Mr. Sumbue Antas, Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the United Nations Office and H.E. Mrs. Lucy Duncan, Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations Office, came back on the negotiation process for the ICJAO. A negotiation process that was marked by a strong support from civil society in face of the climate urgency. 

Photo Credit: CIEL

This role of civil society was even more highlighted by Lucy McKernan, from Human Rights Watch. Their constant push throughout the years was one of the key reasons that led to so many co-sponsors to the resolution.  

Professor Jorge E. Viñuales, from the University of Cambridge, focused his intervention on what comes after the vote. Indeed, with the vote so close, it is important to not forget that our work is not yet over. Our campaigning must not diminish in preparation for the written and oral phases that will happen at the Court. We must make sure that this advisory opinion contains a strong and ambitious language on the obligations of the States when it comes to our human rights in face of the climate crisis. 

 But until then AO let’s go!