The Hague, Netherlands-December 5th, 2024 – On Tuesday, 3rd December 2024, the Commonwealth of Dominica, represented by the Honourable Attorney General, Mr. Levi A. Peter and Mrs. Vanica Sobers-Joseph, Senior State Attorney in the Chambers of the Attorney General delivered compelling oral submissions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during hearings on the obligations of States concerning climate change.
These historic proceedings aim to provide an Advisory Opinion on the legal obligations of States to safeguard the climate system and the legal consequences for States whose actions or omissions exacerbate climate harm, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and future generations. The Commonwealth of Dominica’s delegation also included Ms. Annika Kamilla Bellot, Attorney-at-Law (AOSIS Fellow) and Attaché at Dominica’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
In his opening statement, the Honourable Attorney General underscored the critical threat climate change poses, particularly to Dominica and other SIDS, highlighting the devastating impacts of the increasing frequency and intensity of storms and rising sea levels. He urged the Court to affirm the legal obligations of States to protect the climate system and stressed the principle of fairness, calling for greater accountability from those contributing disproportionately to global warming.
Mrs. Sobers-Joseph’s submissions called on the Court to use the Advisory Opinion to address climate change in a very frontal way and to promote justice and accountability in Climate Change based on the principles of customary international law. The Court was urged to not limit its deliberations to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, as high emitting States’ have a responsibility to prevent environmental harm, uphold principles of due diligence for vulnerable nations like Dominica as it is a human right to a healthy environment.
This engagement at the ICJ reflects Dominica’s unwavering leadership in global climate advocacy. As the nation strives to become the world’s first climate-resilient country, it remains resolute in championing the rights of SIDS and future generations. Dominica continues to call for strengthened international cooperation and accountability to address the mounting challenges of the climate crisis.
The hearings, which began on Monday, 2nd December 2024, brought together SIDS, other nations, and international organisations to underscore the pressing need for legal clarity and accountability in the face of the global climate crisis.
The hearings are scheduled to continue over the next two weeks, concluding on Friday, 13th December 2024, at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
