WYCJ Speaks at World Commission on Environmental Law

The World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL), IUCN and University of Oslo, hosted an International Environmental Law Conference in Oslo in October 2022. WYCJ’s academic team leader, Aditi Shetye and team member, Manon Rouby were invited to present WYCJ’s ICJAO initiative. Aditi discussed the legal outcomes of an Advisory Opinion from the ICJ on the matters integrating human rights law and climate change law. While elucidating legal benefits of the AO, she also highlighted the political nature of the initiative. She also discussed the need to support this campaign for the rights of present and future generations. After mentioning the highlights of Vanuatu’s efforts at the UNGA in September in New York, she spoke briefly about the countries that need such an AO and are in favour of Vanuatu in this initiative. 

The presentation was received well by the audience and they engaged in many questions about the campaign. The Minister of Justice from Rwanda, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebujae was present during the presentation and assured its support from Rwanda to Vanuatu during the UNGA vote. The Honourable Justice Micheal Wilson of the Supreme Court of Hawai’i was also present and engaged in a dialogue showing support for the initiative.

WYCJ team members Aditi Shetye and Manon Rouby