Not surprisingly, the United Nations seeks advice from the International Court of Justice on countries’ legal obligations to protect the climate. After years of campaigning, the island nation of Vanuatu has called for a vote at the United Nations for advice on rich countries’ commitments to mitigate climate change.
According to the United Nations World Risk Index, the Pacific archipelago is the archipelago most vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change.
Vanuatu is severely affected by climate change. Erosion shifts the coastline and exposes tombs:
Most member states had expressed their support for Vanuatu’s proposal a few weeks ago. The United States and China, the two countries with the highest emissions in the world, had not yet done so. So are Indonesia and India, both heavily dependent on coal.
The proposal was not voted on, as none of the Member States objected to the proposal and neither country wanted an official vote. Therefore, the request for recommendation was accepted unanimously.
UN member states now want to learn from the International Court of Justice what the legal consequences would be for countries if they cause significant climate and environmental damage.
“Such a recommendation will help the General Assembly, the United Nations and its member states take bolder and stronger climate action that our world so much needs,” said UN chief António Guterres.
The International Court of Justice deals with disputes between states. The United Nations may also seek advice from the legal agency. It is the highest judicial body of the United Nations and is headquartered in the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Source: NOS
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
