Upcoming Events
Climate Justice Mobilization Briefing: ICJ Advisory Opinion
In early December - right after COP29 - a crucial moment for climate justice will take place: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is organizing oral hearings for States to inform its advisory opinion (AO) on climate change. So if you are frustrated with the lack of progress at COPs and want to push for climate justice, Join the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)’s information & strategy briefing to learn more about what is happening and how you can get involved!
When?
[Eastern Call]: Wednesday 30 October, 8.00-9.00 am CET | 7.00-8.00 pm FJT
→ Register here[Western Call]: Thursday 31 October, 3.00-4.00 pm CET | 10.00-11.00 am EDT
→ Register here
What’s on the programme?
Activists & experts involved in the ICJ AO campaign will explain the significance of this moment, the legal state of play, civil society and Indigenous Peoples engagement so far, and expected outcomes. We will also strategize around how to leverage this moment for a strong outcome, and mobilize before (including at COP29 in Baku) and during the hearings. Please see the concept note attached to this email.
Why this matters?
Progress on addressing climate change has been far too slow! The ICJ AO will be important to leverage to advance climate justice and human rights. Unfortunately, the ICJ AO process is quite closed to civil society with very limited modalities for participation. But as States engage in the process they, and the Court, should know that civil society is watching.
For such an opinion to move beyond the courtroom, for legal words to have meaning and to have an impact on peoples’ lives: mobilization of civil society is essential.
The ICJ AO is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock progress towards climate justice - we simply cannot afford not to engage proactively around this process!
Climate Justice Mobilization Briefing: ICJ Advisory Opinion
In early December - right after COP29 - a crucial moment for climate justice will take place: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is organizing oral hearings for States to inform its advisory opinion (AO) on climate change. So if you are frustrated with the lack of progress at COPs and want to push for climate justice, Join the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)’s information & strategy briefing to learn more about what is happening and how you can get involved!
When?
[Eastern Call]: Wednesday 30 October, 8.00-9.00 am CET | 7.00-8.00 pm FJT
→ Register here[Western Call]: Thursday 31 October, 3.00-4.00 pm CET | 10.00-11.00 am EDT
→ Register here
What’s on the programme?
Activists & experts involved in the ICJ AO campaign will explain the significance of this moment, the legal state of play, civil society and Indigenous Peoples engagement so far, and expected outcomes. We will also strategize around how to leverage this moment for a strong outcome, and mobilize before (including at COP29 in Baku) and during the hearings. Please see the concept note attached to this email.
Why this matters?
Progress on addressing climate change has been far too slow! The ICJ AO will be important to leverage to advance climate justice and human rights. Unfortunately, the ICJ AO process is quite closed to civil society with very limited modalities for participation. But as States engage in the process they, and the Court, should know that civil society is watching.
For such an opinion to move beyond the courtroom, for legal words to have meaning and to have an impact on peoples’ lives: mobilization of civil society is essential.
The ICJ AO is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock progress towards climate justice - we simply cannot afford not to engage proactively around this process!
Webinar on The Advisory Opinion of the ICJ and Climate Justice
One week left to register! Webinar on The Advisory Opinion of the ICJ and Climate Justice
Date: Wednesday, 23 October 2024
4:00 to 6:00 pm Bangkok, Jakarta, and Cambodia
3:30 to 5:30 pm Myanmar
5:00 to 7:00 pm Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore
Location: online
Registration: here
Started as a climate justice initiative by the students from the Pacific Islands, to the United Nations General Assembly adopting the resolution seeking for advisory opinion on climate justice to the International Court of Justice, the Court is set to start the hearings on 2 December.
In this webinar, our speakers will share their perspectives on how advisory opinions in international law, environmental rights, and youth advocacy can and will chart our path towards climate justice.
Chithmini Bandara, Coordinator of World’s Youth for Climate Justice
Alvin Yap, Lecturer at the University of Western Australia and Specialist in Environmental Law
Prilia Kartika, Researcher of Indonesian Center for Environmental Law
Organised by: Asian Research Institute for Environmental Law, World's Youth for Climate Justice, and Indonesian Center for Environmental Law
Exhibition Opening - Visual Investigations Between Advocacy, Journalism, and Law
Date: Wednesday 9 October 2024 at 19:00 CET
Location: Architekturmuseum der TUM in the Pinakothek der Moderne, Barer Str. 40, 80333 Munich.
More information: here
Speaking at the opening will be Prof. Dr. Juliane Winkelmann (Executive Vice President for International Alliances and Alumni, TUM), Prof. Dr. Andres Lepik (Director of the TUM Architecture Museum), Brad Samuels (Director of SITU Research, New York City), Lisa Luksch (curator of the exhibition), and Sam Dubberley (Director of Technology, Rights and Investigations at Human Rights Watch).
Panel Discussion - Visual Investigations: between Advocacy, Journalism, and Law
Date: Tuesday 8 October, 19:00 CET
Location: Oskar von Miller Forum, Oskar-von-Miller-Ring 25, 80333 Munich, Germany
More information: here
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 7 p.m., Architekturmuseum der TUM will host a panel discussion with exhibition participants, free and open to the public, at the Oskar von Miller Forum, Oskar-von-Miller-Ring 25, 80333 Munich.
How does architecture operate between advocacy, journalism, and the law in uncovering human rights violations and making them visible? Reflecting on the exhibition subtitle, architect Brad Samuels (SITU Research, New York City) will moderate between Sam Dubberley (Human Rights Watch), Lea Weinmann (Süddeutsche Zeitung), and Anjli Parrin (University of Chicago Law School’s Global Human Rights Clinic).
Admission: free
Just Peace Movie Night: Climate Justice at the Peace Palace
Date: 19 September 18:00 - 22:00 CET
Location: Peace Palace, The Hague, the Netherlands
Registration: here
Mark your calendars for a powerful evening of film and dialogue at the Just Peace Movie Night! This special event takes place at the iconic Peace Palace in The Hague, with a documentary highlighting the crucial work of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change and the World's Youth for Climate Justice. These young leaders are leading the case for the ICJ Advisory Opinion, a groundbreaking effort to hold countries accountable for their impact on climate change and protect vulnerable communities.
This event is more than just a movie night - it is a celebration of The Hague's 125th anniversary as City of Peace and Justice and International Day of Peace. It highlights the evolving definition of justice and now includes environmental issues, now recognized as essential to achieving global peace.
This evening focuses on the ICJAO campaign and the transformative role of youth activism in driving change. You will learn how young advocates are using international legal frameworks to combat climate change and promote climate justice, emphasizing that the fight for a sustainable future is also a fight for human rights.
Opening Exhibition: Climate Change Witness Stands
Special documentary screening: Dive deep into the inspiring story of youth-led climate action. The film documents the courageous efforts of young people from around the world, especially those from the Pacific Islands, who are on the front lines of the climate crisis.
Panel Discussion
Join the filmmakers, lead actors and climate justice experts in a thought-provoking discussion following the screening. This is your chance to explore the intersections of climate action, legal advocacy, youth activism and storytelling.
Networking opportunities: Connect with other advocates, professionals and community members working for peace and justice. Share your thoughts, ideas and aspirations for a sustainable future.
Become part of a global movement
By attending the Just Peace movie night, you will not only witness the power of storytelling, but also participate in a global conversation about how international courts, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, are crucial to ensuring climate justice. This event is designed to highlight The Hague's role as a leader in legal and environmental advocacy and demonstrate how legal frameworks can support and enforce climate justice initiatives.
How to participate
This event is open to the public, but seating is limited, so be sure to secure your spot here!
Seeking Climate Justice: The ICJ's Advisory Path
Date and Time: 15 August 2024, 15:00-17:00 CEST
Location: The Hague Humanity Hub, Fluwelen Burgwal 58, Den Haag, the Netherlands. This will be an in-person event, streaming is not intended.
Registration: here.
Discover the state of play and stay updated on the latest developments regarding the deadline for ICJ Advisory Opinion written submissions. This event will highlight the importance of the written submissions and general comments, as well as outline aspirations and expectations.
It will provide an overview of the Gathering concept for the mobilisation around the oral hearings and introduce possibilities for hosting events or engagements during this period.
Promoting Climate Justice: The Role of International Courts and Advisory Opinions
Date: Wednesday 14 August, 16:00 - 17:30 CEST
Location: IDLO Branch Office Hofweg 9E, The Hague, 2511 AA
Registration: please contact Daniel Eggleston via email at deggleston@idlo.int
The ITLOS Advisory Opinion on Climate Change and the Law of the Sea: Impacts on Youth Climate Justice, International Law, and Human Rights
Date: 17 July, 15:00 CET
Location: Paris
Registration: here
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has issued a groundbreaking Advisory Opinion on marine environment protection from climate change pollution. This clarifies States' legal obligations at the intersection of global commons — the ocean and atmosphere. ITLOS affirmed that greenhouse gas emissions harm the marine environment, requiring States to take necessary measures to prevent, reduce, and control them.
Given the ocean's critical role in climate mitigation, ITLOS' Opinion is pivotal in defining State responsibilities to curb ocean pollution and safeguard marine habitats and ecosystems for present and future generations. Notably, as the first Advisory Opinion on climate change from an international court, ITLOS' decision could influence forthcoming opinions from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) and International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In response, World’s Youth for Climate Justice and One Ocean Hub are hosting a webinar to discuss ITLOS' climate emergency opinion and its implications for youth climate justice, international law, and human rights, particularly in light of anticipated advisory opinions from the IACtHR and ICJ.
Repairing climate harm: Indigenous Peoples' contributions, community views & State responsibilities
Date: Wednesday June 5, 14:45-16:00 CET
Location: Room Bonn, World Conference Center Bonn (SB60)
Description:
Join "Repairing climate harm: Indigenous Peoples' contributions, community views & State responsibilities" during the Bonn Climate Conference 2024 (SB60).
The climate crisis is harming a wide range of human rights, and those affected are entitled to effective remedy under international human rights law. As international courts are working on advisory opinions clarifying the legal obligations of States in the context of climate change and the legal consequences of breaching those obligations, momentum is building around the call for climate reparations. This side-event aims to contribute to the understanding of climate-related human rights harm and how to remedy it, zooming in on Indigenous Peoples’ contributions, community perspectives, and legal obligations of States, and their implications for policies and mechanisms under the UNFCCC and beyond.
This side-event is organized by Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), Climate Trace Puerto Rico, Digo Bikas Institute (DBI), Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), ESCR-net, La Ruta Del Clima, PICAN, and Tebtebba.
Panel:
Nicky Batang-ay (Tebtebba) - Impacts of loss and damage on Indigenous Peoples’ rights and how to remedy these;
Sindra Sharma (PICAN) - Redress for non-economic loss and damage: community experiences from the Pacific;
Benjamin Schachter (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) - The right to remedy in the context of climate harm;
Claire Miranda (APMDD) - History of denial of the right to remedy under the UNFCCC, zooming in on the Loss and Damage Fund;
Vishal Prasad (Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change) - The role and importance of international courts and their advisory opinions;
Moderated by Lien Vandamme (CIEL).
Basel Regional Forum on Peace, Climate Protection & the UN Summit of the Future: The roles of cities and youth
Date: Thursday May 30, 2024, 10:30-16:15
Location: K-Hausand Rathaus - Town Hall Basel, Switzerland
The forum will address peace and climate change, and possibilities to make progress on these critical issues through United Nations initiatives, with a focus on the International Court ofJustice and the UN Summit ofthe Future.
The forum will include youth, city representatives (officials and councilors), experts and representatives of civil society organizations from the 3 country region of France, Germany and Switzerland. These three countries share the Rhein and meet at Basel.
Samira Ben Ali, Outreach & engagement coordinator at World’s Youth for Climate Justice, will speak at the event.
More information: here
Registration: here
World Class The Hague: Earth Day – Reasons for Hope
Date: Monday 22 April 2024, 19:00 - 21:30 CET
Location: Museon-Omniversum, President Kennedylaan 5, 2517 JK Den Haag
Registration: submit this form before 17 April
Together with World Class The Hague and Museon-Omniversum, World's Youth for Climate Justice has organised an evening that will be all about environmental and climate justice. This evening will consist of a film screening of the documentary Reasons for Hope by Jane Goodall and a lecture by Mert Kumru from the World Youth for Climate Justice.
Jane Goodall is a well-known primatologist, anthropologist, and nature conservationist. She is celebrated for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees, environmental conservation, and rehabilitation.
After watching Jane Goodall's latest movie Reasons for Hope, WYCJ Europe Front Coordinator Mert Kumru will take you on our journey of 'bringing the world's biggest problem to the world's highest court'. Following the lecture, you can ask everything you wanted to know about our campaign to Mert during a Q&A session.
ECOSOC Youth Forum Side Event - Building a Sustainable Future for All: Youth-Led Solutions to Climate Change
Date: 17 April 2024, 13:00 - 13:30 NY Time/EST
Location: online
Registration: here.
This side event is a collaboration between Force Juvénile pour un Avenir Rassurant (FOJAR) & World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) - Asian Front. FOJAR (a Civil Society Organization in consultative status with the ECOSOC) is a local organization based in Benin which works for the children & climate change.
The speakers aim to bring attention to one of the most pressing issues on how the climate crisis is affecting the youth and future generations (with special focus on African and Asian countries, two of the most climate vulnerable regions in the world), and how the International Court of Justice 2 could demand the countries to take urgent action to address the climate crisis by issuing an advisory opinion.
Webinar: El ABC de la Opinión Consultiva de la Corte IDH sobre la emergencia climática y derechos humanos
Fecha: Martes 16 de abril 18:00 - 19:30 GMT-6
Inscripción: aquí
Público objetivo: sociedad civil enfocada en cambio climático, abogadxs especializadxs en clima y medioambiente, juventudes.
Opinión Consultiva de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos sobre la emergencia climática y derechos humanos
Chile y Colombia presentaron ante la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (“Corte IDH”) una solicitud de opinión consultiva respecto a la emergencia climática y la afectación de derechos humanos en Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Este proceso consultivo será histórico para la región y marcará un precedente importante para el Derecho Internacional Ambiental y la justicia climática. Ello con fundamento en el artículo 64.1 de la Convención Americana de Derechos Humanos (CADH), que permite a los Estados parte de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA) consultar a la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (Corte IDH) acerca de la interpretación de la CADH o de otros tratados de derechos humanos, el 9 de enero de 2023.
Prof. Saleemul Huq Memorial Public Lecture onPromoting Climate Justice: Roles of Courts and Youth
Date: Tuesday, 16 April 2024 from 16:00 - 18:00 (GMT+6)
Venue: Auditorium, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)
Registration: here.
Professor Saleemul Huq was a leading advocate for promoting climate justice. Over the past three decades, Professor Saleem has played a pivotal role in cultivating a 'Climate Generation' to respond to climate change, not only in Bangladesh but also worldwide.
This emerging generation comprises academics, researchers, students, youth, children, climate negotiators, policymakers, NGOs, UN agencies, and development partners. His passing represents a loss to this continuity of their efforts.
This public lecture is dedicated to Professor Saleem and aims to educate all relevant stakeholders, particularly youth and children, and launch a campaign titled 'Youth Voice for Climate Justice.'
Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals: Future Directions for International Law and Governance
Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals: Future Directions for International Law and Governance
Thursday 7 March 2024 | 14:00 – 18:00 GMT | Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge, 5 Cranmer Road, Cambridge and online
The ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Justice: Crucial Window of Opportunity for CSOs Engagement
For the first time in history, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has the mandate to define the scope of the existing legal obligations of States to protect the human rights of present and future generations from climate-related harms. This process was made possible by the mobilization of civil society, Indigenous Peoples and Small Islands States diplomats, building upon the leadership of Pacific youth.
The coming weeks will prove crucial for the process as States are invited to submit their written views to the Court by March 22nd. The mobilization of civil society is therefore essential right now to influence this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
It is now upon us to work collectively so as to secure the participation of many States and to ensure their written submissions effectively reflect the imperative of protecting human rights and contribute to an adequate understanding of climate justice.
This briefing aims to provide an overview of the current state of the ICJ Advisory Opinion process, highlighting the importance of civil society participation and offering very concrete indications on effective engagement strategies to ensure that the ICJ Advisory Opinion delivers on its promises.
Event details:
Eastern Webinar: 22 February at 9:00-10:00 am CET (you can confirm the time of the event in your timezone here)- please register by clicking on this link
Western Webinar*: 22 February at 4:00-5:00 pm CET (you can confirm the time of the event in your timezone here)- please register by clicking on this link
*Spanish interpretation will be available during the Western session.
A video recording of the webinars will be available shortly after for all those who registered.
Speakers will include: David Boyd (via video), Vishal Prasad (PISFCC), Jule Schnakenberg (WYCJ),
Nomasongo Masiye-Moyo (Natural Justice), Joie Chowdhury (CIEL), Lavetanalagi Seru (PICAN)
European Parliament event on the ICJ Climate Case
This event is co-hosted by GreensEFA MEP Mounir Satouri and the Republic of Vanuatu.
This event is a project co-created by the Republic of Vanuatu, Pr. Emilie Gaillard, Mounir Satouri and the Basel Peace Office. It is also supported by the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (find out more about the work of IGSD).
The event will take place in room Spaak 6B1, in the Paul Henri Spaak building of the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event will have simultaneous translation into English and French.
Register here for in person attendance.
Register here for online participation.
Webinar: ICJ Advisory Proceeding on Climate & NGO involvement
This webinar will explain what will happen before the ICJ next year, what’s at stake and how civil society may influence the debates. The webinar is co-organised by CAN Europe and WYCJ.
Panel Discussion: Public Interest Litigation for Climate Action & Journal Launch Program of Transitional Law and Policy Review
The World's Youth for Climate Justice is proud to partner for an enlightening Panel Discussion Program, diving deep into Public Interest Litigation for Climate Action, alongside the launch of the Transnational Law and Policy Review Journal.
24 November, 2023, 4:30 PM
Location: Auditorium Hall, High Court Patan, Nepal
Organized by the Student Welfare Council, Kathmandu University School of Law, and the Transnational Law and Policy Review, along with the esteemed partner—Moksh Foundation, Nepal—we're excited to host the launch.
Honorable Justice Dr. Ananda Mohan Bhattarai will grace us with his presence, adding intellectual depth to our pursuit of justice.
This is an opportunity to ignite conversations beyond boundaries, advocating for a critical cause.
Join us for an immersive experience where ideas flourish, passions ignite, and the call for climate justice reverberates through the halls of action. Let's come together and be a part of this moment!
Interested individuals can fill up this Google Form: https://forms.gle/m8vczda5bBsYn3WdA
RCOY Caribbean
Calling All Caribbean Environmentalists!
Are you passionate about developing solutions to the environmental and socio-economic challenges in your country? Join us for #RCOY2023, a Caribbean youth climate conference in Barbados from October 17-20, 2023.
Sponsorship is available for two young people (18-35) from each of the 33 Caribbean regions and territories with travel and accommodations to participate in person.
More information here: https://www.ymebahamas.org/rcoy-caribbean/
Apply for sponsorship here: bit.ly/3sioWJS
Apply to present a poster here: bit.ly/44IBZlx
Stakeholder Engagement Africa
Youth Climate Justice Handbook: a legal memorandum presenting state-of-the-art arguments for climate justice
The WYCJ Africa Front will be conducting a stakeholder engagement on the Youth Climate Justice Handbook, a legal memorandum presenting state-of-the-art arguments for climate justice. After the adoption of the UNGA resolution to “request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in respect of climate change,” the ICJ has authorized all Member States and the African Union (AU) to make submissions before the court, as part of the process of an Advisory Opinion (AO).
In order to participate in this process effectively, WYCJ Africa Front invites all interested stakeholders in the African continent, including CSO partners, individuals and government officials, to this important webinar. We will deliberate on the importance of this process on the ICJAO in respect of climate change.
Registration here.
12th October 2023, 11:00 - 12:30 Central African Time via Zoom.
Webinar: The International Court of Justice, climate change and the Rights of Future Generations
This panel on The ICJ, climate change and the Rights of Future Generations, is part of the three-day final event of the Normandy Chair for Peace, September 1-3, 2023.
Interpretation available in English, Spanish and French.
Training of Trainers workshop - Asia
Capacity-Building Workshop “Training of Trainers”— is for the upcoming Advisory Opinion on climate change before the International Court of Justice. How can the Youth actively participate in the proceedings before the ICJ? Get a chance to learn from best trainers from around the globe and be a part of a just cause.
Organized by WYCJ and GC University Lahore.
Nuclear weapons, climate change and human rights
The event ‘Nuclear weapons, climate change and human rights: Applying human rights law to address existential threats to humanity’ will address human rights law relating to nuclear weapons and climate change, outline challenges made in the Universal Periodic Review (44th Session of the UPR Working Group) regarding the nuclear weapons policies of Russia and the nuclear weapons and climate policies of Canada and Germany, and discuss the current submissions phase of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Climate Change.
Registration available here.
Protecting the Rights of Future Generations From the ICJ Climate Case to the UN Summit of the Future
This event includes two sessions. Session one includes a briefing and discussion on the body of international law protecting the rights of future generations, examples of the application of this law in international tribunals in particular the ICJ, and the relevance of this law to the ICJ case on Climate Change, with the aim of ensuring that rights of future generations are included in such submissions.
Session two includes an update on the preparatory process for the UN Summit of the Future, and a discussion on principles and mechanisms for protecting the rights of future generations that are being proposed – including in the draft Pact for the Future and the mandate for a UN Special Envoy of Future Generations. The session will also include discussion of the relationship between the law being advanced in the ICJ Advisory Opinion on climate change.
This event is hosted by the Permanent Mission of Vanuatu to the UN, the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the UN and the Normandy Chair for Peace, and co-sponsored by WYCJ.
Registration for in-person attendance here.
Registration for on-line attendance (access to simultaneous translation) here.
Towards a progressive ICJ Advisory Opinion on climate change: A multi-stakeholder discussion on the Youth Climate Justice Handbook
Taking place in The Hague, the city where the ICJ has its seat, the multi-stakeholder discussion on the Youth Climate Justice Handbook will bring together diplomatic representatives and their legal advisors, civil society representatives, and youth campaigners. The dialogue is co-convened by PISFCC and WYCJ, and will present key uses and substantive arguments from the Handbook.
