The Government of Maldives today appeared before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in advisory proceedings titled "Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change."
The proceedings follow the adoption of Resolution 77/276 by the United Nations General Assembly at its 77th Session, which requested an advisory opinion from the ICJ under Article 65 of the Court's Statute. The resolution invited states and international organizations to participate in public hearings and present oral submissions on the issue.
During the ICJ hearing, Attorney General Uz. Ahmed Usham represented the Maldives, emphasizing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's leadership in climate change advocacy. Usham highlighted the Maldives' vulnerability to the slow onset effects of climate change and reiterated the nation's stance against forced relocation due to climate impacts. He urged the international community to provide support to climate-vulnerable nations like the Maldives.
The Maldives’ delegation, supported by international legal experts, addressed the binding obligations under the global climate treaty framework, which include provisions for aiding developing states. They also emphasized the duty to cooperate under customary international law, arguing that the international community has a responsibility to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in adapting to environmental changes driven by climate change.
The Maldives reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with global partners to address the climate crisis and underscored the need for collective action to ensure the survival of vulnerable nations.
The proceedings follow the adoption of Resolution 77/276 by the United Nations General Assembly at its 77th Session, which requested an advisory opinion from the ICJ under Article 65 of the Court's Statute. The resolution invited states and international organizations to participate in public hearings and present oral submissions on the issue.
During the ICJ hearing, Attorney General Uz. Ahmed Usham represented the Maldives, emphasizing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's leadership in climate change advocacy. Usham highlighted the Maldives' vulnerability to the slow onset effects of climate change and reiterated the nation's stance against forced relocation due to climate impacts. He urged the international community to provide support to climate-vulnerable nations like the Maldives.
The Maldives’ delegation, supported by international legal experts, addressed the binding obligations under the global climate treaty framework, which include provisions for aiding developing states. They also emphasized the duty to cooperate under customary international law, arguing that the international community has a responsibility to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in adapting to environmental changes driven by climate change.
The Maldives reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with global partners to address the climate crisis and underscored the need for collective action to ensure the survival of vulnerable nations.
