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 to take climate change and human rights to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek an Advisory Opinion.
It seeks to clarify the obligations of states to protect the rights of current and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.
Major Milestone in Historic Climate Change Advisory Opinion
On 22nd March 2024, over 80 States and UN-authorised IOs submitted their written submissions that will shape the Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice on climate change and human rights.
Read our press release here:
Final UN draft resolution released for adoption
History written as UN General Assembly adopts resolution by consensus requesting ICJ advisory opinion on climate change spurred by youth
On 29th March 2023, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the resolution to request an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice on climate change and human rights. Under the leadership of Vanuatu, the resolution was co-sponsored by over 130 countries.
Adopted by consensus, it is the first time in the history of the Court that an advisory opinion is requested with unanimous support, showing the global significance of this climate justice initiative that was started by Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) and joined by young people around the world.
WYCJ and PISFCC joint press release available in English, French, and Spanish .
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.”
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RT @pisfcc: "We in the Pacific live the climate crisis. It is our present and it is our future that is being sold out. The vote… https://t.co/YmhaRlwt5q -
RT @iwalk_campaign: MAJOR CLIMATE DIPLOMACY BREAKTHROUGH✍️ 29 March 2023 NYC: The @UN General Assembly adopted by consensus a resoluti… https://t.co/OQuBI7qj1w
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We celebrate Pacific CSOs and communities who have headed this brave and beautiful campaign from the very beginning… https://t.co/q9zxPaSgPR
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