PACIFIC churches have been quick to praise the rule of the regions’ youth and Vanuatu after a landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a human right for present and future generations.
The International Court of Justice ruled early today that failure to act on climate change may constitute an internationally wrongful act, exposing States to reparations claims.
Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan, expressed the gratitude of the ecumenical community to young people.
“We begin by saluting the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change,” Bhagwan said.
“Your six‑year journey from a classroom idea to the Peace Palace has changed the course of international law.
“We also honour Vanuatu and the wider Blue Pacific Continent for carrying this petition to the United Nations. Today’s unanimous Advisory Opinion proves that when the Pacific speaks with one voice, the world listens.’’
Bhagwan said the PCC was privileged to have walked a small part of the voyage with Vanuatu and the region’s youth.
“We are extraordinarily proud of what you have achieved for the whole creation,’’ he said.
The ICJ Opinion underscores every State’s duty to prevent transboundary harm. Deep‑sea mining—whether driven by profit or marketed as “critical minerals” for defence—would irreparably scar the blue heart of our planet. We therefore renew our call, echoed at last month’s UN Ocean Conference, for an immediate moratorium on all seabed‑mining activity.