World’s Youth for Climate Justice Backs Historic African Advisory Opinion Request on Climate Justice
ARUSHA, Tanzania, 2 May, 2025 – This morning, African civil society organisations, led by the African Climate Platform, Natural Justice, Environmental Lawyer Collective for Africa, and the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), filed a groundbreaking petition with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, seeking an advisory opinion on States’ human rights obligations in the context of climate change. World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) applauds this years-in-the-making effort, which builds on pending advisory opinions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other international tribunals.
Africa accounts for only 4 percent of global CO₂ emissions, yet it remains one of the most climate-vulnerable continents – and is home to the world’s youngest population. The petition asks the Court to affirm that States must protect the rights to life, health, food, water and a clean environment; define standards for adaptation, resilience, loss and damage; clarify corporate liability for environmental harm; and enshrine reparations and intergenerational equity.
After climate change advisory opinions at the ICJ, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), this would mark the first time the advisory jurisdiction of an international tribunal in Africa is utilised to address the climate crisis. Just as with the other advisory opinions, WYCJ is determined to contribute to this legal effort and to maximise its impact. WYCJ’s African Front has a special role to play, as its members can bring their frontline experiences directly to the Court.
“This petition is nothing short of historic. The questions posed boldly confront the intersections of climate change, human and peoples’ rights, decolonisation, responsibility, and reparations, without shying away from the uncomfortable truths that have long been sidelined in global climate discourse. Here, the African Court has a great opportunity to reshape the narrative on climate justice, not only for Africa but for the world, by putting accountability, historical responsibility, and the rights of vulnerable communities at the centre of legal interpretation. This is a critical moment to ensure the ball is placed exactly where it belongs: in the hands of those whose futures are most at stake,” said Samira Ben Ali, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator at WYCJ.
“This is a historic moment for Africa – a decisive turning point where the protection of fundamental rights is not just urgent, but essential for survival. This Petition boldly demands accountability from historic polluters, advancing the cause of decolonial justice and reclaiming Africa’s future. Should the Court affirm binding duties for polluters, it will unleash transformative change: driving meaningful cleanup, securing fair compensation, and ensuring unprecedented transparency. This is more than hope – it is a call to action that can restore dignity, safeguard our environment, and empower future generations. Africa’s time to lead is now.” added Brenda Reson Sapuro, African Front Coordinator at WYCJ.
Note to Editors
About World’s Youth for Climate Justice
World's Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) is the global sister organisation of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, and as such, one of the movements calling for the historic UN request for an advisory opinion on climate change and human rights from the International Court of Justice (the principal UN Court).
Media Contact
Quint van Velthoven, WYCJ: press@wy4cj.org