Ni-Vanuatu youth celebrate landmark ICJ ruling as a new era for climate change justice

A youth climate advocate from Vanuatu says the United Nations’ court ruling on countries’ climate responsibility has given new hope to young people across the Pacific.

The International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion found that countries have binding legal obligations under international law to prevent climate harm and protect human rights. While the opinion is not legally enforceable, it carries substantial political and legal weight for states and communities seeking accountability.

Speaking to Khalia Strong on Pacific Mornings, 16-year-old Ni-Vanuatu *Vepaiamele welcomes the ICJ verdict. Vepaiamele was part of the Vanuatu delegation that attended The Hague last December.

“It is an amazing advisory opinion because it completely clarifies what states need to be doing in regards to the climate crisis. We know that the climate crisis isn't just an environmental crisis, it's also a human rights crisis and affects children's rights. So I'm sure that it will pave the way for justice for everyone around the world,” she says.

For Vepaiamele, the struggle against climate change is personal. Growing up in Vanuatu, she has witnessed the impacts of climate change firsthand, including schools and clinics being put out of commission, forcing children to learn in tents.

“We see the effects of climate change in our nation and economy, from things that have happened even years ago. Cyclones that have happened two years ago or10 years ago. We still see the effects lingering to this day.”

Vepaiamele writing poetry at her home in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Photo/Save the Children

This ruling follows years of advocacy led by youth in the Pacific, especially students from Vanuatu, supported by their government. Minister for Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu says the court’s unanimous ruling confirms what vulnerable states have long argued.

“These aren't aspirational ideas as some would have it. It's important now as the world goes forward that we make sure our actions align with what was decided. Today's ruling will also inspire new cases where victims around the world, in a legal sense, realise that they can claim their rights and seek accountability,” Regenvanu says.

The Vanuatu government plans to present the ruling to the UN General Assembly in order to push for global implementation. “The implementation of this decision, we hope, will set a new status quo and provide the structural changes needed to give our current and future generations hope for a healthy planet and a sustainable future,” he says.

Save the Children's Polly Banks. Photo/File

Polly Banks, the country director for Save the Children in Vanuatu, sees the ruling as a “huge win for human rights” and believes it will add moral pressure on governments. Although the advisory opinion is not legally binding, Banks remains “thrilled at this outcome”.

“It's expected that the advisory opinion will influence future climate litigation, environmental negotiations or climate change negotiations, and national policy frameworks,” she says. “Leading environmental lawyers have described the advisory opinion as a potential guiding star in terms of climate action. So we see this as an absolute landmark moment for climate change.”

Vepaiamele expresses her pride in the achievements of the youth and emphasises the moment’s importance for justice and future generations. “It's amazing what the students have achieved and also our government and governments that have supported this,” she says.

“It will pave the way for climate justice for communities and people all around the world. I'm so proud and happy with this outcome. I hope that everyone else is listening and will take climate change seriously.”

Watch Vepaiamele and Polly Banks’ full interview below.

*Out of protection of youth talent, Save The Children do not share their last names for publication