PISFCC President Represents Youth Voices at the International Court of Justice

Today marks a historic day in the fight for climate justice as our president delivered a powerful statement to the judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during the opening of the #ClimateICJAO oral hearings. Representing the voices of Pacific youth, she stood resolutely for justice, drawing attention to the devastating impacts of climate change on small island developing states and tying these to global accountability.  

Our president’s speech was both heartfelt and hard-hitting, referencing the tragic legacy of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands by the United States as a stark reminder of how island nations have been disproportionately burdened by global injustices. Speaking on behalf of her people and islands, she called for a unified front to hold high-emitting states accountable for violations of human rights caused by climate inaction.  

“Those who stand to lose are the future generations; their future is uncertain, reliant upon the decision-making of a handful of large-emitting states which are responsible for climate change. These states have not only enabled but proactively encouraged the production and consumption of fossil fuels and continue to do so today,” said PISFCC President, Cynthia Houniuhi. 

As the ICJ proceedings unfold over the next 9 days this is what was said by: 

Vishal Prasad, PISFCC Campaign Director:

“We are preparing for an unprecedented moment as the World Court prepares to hear from countries on their obligations to address climate change. This is a moment where we are looking to ensure that states bring the progressive arguments that are centered on human rights, Indigenous People’s rights, intergenerational justice, the lived realities of frontline communities, and on the need for urgent climate justice. With these submissions, we can build a basis for a strong, robust opinion that can help unlock climate action and help us urgently course-correct.”  

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific:  

“What started in the Pacific is now a historic climate justice campaign, as the world’s most urgent problem of climate change reaches the world’s highest court. The next two weeks of hearings are the culmination of years of collective campaigning, powerful advocacy, and mobilizing the world behind this landmark campaign to ensure the human rights of current and future generations are protected from climate destruction and the biggest emitters are held accountable.  

Coming together in The Hague, we have the opportunity to present before the Court the testimonies and resistance of frontline communities and elevate their demands for radical action and justice. The ICJ judges have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the course of history; we urge them to make this moment count.”  

Jule Schnakenberg, Interim Executive Officer, World’s Youth for Climate Justice:  

“It was the power of young people and civil society organizations from the Pacific and across the World who initiated and fuelled these historic climate justice proceedings. While standing on the shoulders of giants who have come before us, it is people power that was instrumental in pushing for more climate action inside and outside of courtrooms. With international diplomatic processes like the UNFCCC COPs not delivering fast and fair enough, the global community is turning to the World Court to break the deadlock on climate justice.  

We have been working with legal teams across the world to push for progressive arguments regarding intergenerational equity, the rights of future generations, and climate justice principles. And now, finally, the communities who powered this campaign on a national and regional level get their days in court. As a youth movement, we stand ready to make sure that these hearings reach the communities most affected by the climate crisis, so that it can become a collective tool for more ambition, equity, and action.”  

As the hearings continue, small island developing states and the Global South are presenting compelling evidence to counter the evasion and inaction of high-emitting nations. This moment underscores the urgency of addressing climate change as a human rights issue, with the ICJ poised to shape the trajectory of global climate action.  

-ends-

Watch our president’s full speech at the ICJ.