Vanuatu takes Matthew and Hunter dispute to ICJ
VANUATU has lodged an application to the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice, seeking recognition of its sovereignty over Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneag (Hunter), two uninhabited volcanic
From win to change
ONE year ago, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled, unanimously, that states have binding legal obligations to protect global climate
Vanuatu-US in climate resolution standoff
VANUATU is pushing forward with a UN General Assembly resolution to enshrine a landmark opinion of the International Court of
Pacific youth launch Yumi Rise Collective for climate justice
IN 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its landmark advisory opinion on “the obligations of states with respect to climate change” at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Pacific eyes turn to COP30: Hope, skepticism, and the weight of the ICJ ruling
THE stage is set, and Brazil is ready to host COP30 in the coming weeks. But across the Pacific, there’s a quiet mix of anticipation and weariness – a cautious hope that this year’s conference may finally bring
ICJ opinion strengthens Pacific push for climate justice
USP panel explores the ICJ’s climate decision and its impact on global climate talks at COP
Where’s the Pacific? PNG’s potential in a new world order
TWO important meetings have taken place within the past 12 months. The first was in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, where BRICS nations met; the second was the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin,
Legal Analysis of the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change Obligations
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered an historic advisory opinion which, for the first time, authoritatively sets out States’ legal duties in relation to climate
Tong fears for Kiribati
DESPITE the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) landmark ruling on protection of the environment, former Kiribati President Anote Tong fears for his island’s future. Tong, a founding father of the Pacific climate
Film tracks Pacific youth fight for justice
IN an emotional and deeply relevant new documentary, YUMI – The Whole World, Pacific youth are at the center of a global climate justice movement that has now reached the world’s highest legal
Changing legal obligations on climate action
Pacific Small Island Developing States and other developing nations are mobilising to call for new international legal norms, to ensure that industrialised nations meet their obligations on climate, development and
‘No more excuses: real climate action now’
Vanuatu supports 6PAC+ at IMO, demanding urgent climate action and accountability for
MSG Spearheads Fight in Landmark ICJ Climate Change Case
In a historic occasion for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to amplify the Pacific’s call for climate justice, the sub-regional bloc’s Secretariat had the rare privilege of joining Vanuatu, to open the momentous
Taking climate activism to the ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has heard the largest case in its history: to clarify what countries are legally required to do to combat climate change. The case saw 96 countries and 11 international
Opinion: Trusted partner to the Pacific, or giant fossil fuel exporter? This week, Australia chose the latter
Australia has long tried to be two things at once – a trusted friend to Pacific nations in a bid to reduce China’s influence, and a giant exporter of fossil fuels. This diplomatic tightrope has become increasingly
Vanuatu’s Climate Change envoy blasts major emitters Australia, US at ICJ Climate case
Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, has slammed Australia, the United States, and other major polluters for their stance during the International Court of Justice (ICJ) climate hearings in The
Top UN court hears landmark Vanuatu-led climate case
Vanuatu has opened proceedings in a landmark climate case brought before the UN’s top court, arguing international law and the warming of the atmosphere demands broader action. The Pacific state is leading two
Climate-hit Pacific Islands plot landmark UN Court case
Five Pacific nations on Thursday plotted how to prosecute a pivotal UN court case that aims to hold climate-polluting countries to
Vanuatu’s landmark Climate Change case advances with 100 oral statements now scheduled at ICJ hearings
A record-breaking 100 oral statements are scheduled to be presented, with Vanuatu’s arguments scheduled for 12
ICJ grants Parties to the Nauru Agreement participation in Climate Change advisory proceedings
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has granted authorisation to the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO) to participate in advisory proceedings concerning the Obligations of States in respect of Climate
Embattled Pacific Island States build heft for climate push
Legal and scientific experts, government officials and representatives from civil society organisations from across the Pacific came together in Fiji recently to begin the momentous task of mounting a first-of-its-kind
