Maldives calls for intl support on climate change at ICJ
The session was convened in response to a United Nations General Assembly resolution.
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Attorney General Ahmed Usham on Friday urged the international community to extend assistance to countries vulnerable to climate change during a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Usham represented the Maldives at the session, which was convened in response to a United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion on the responsibilities of states regarding climate change.
In his address, Usham emphasised the Maldives' vulnerability to long-term climate change impacts, highlighting that forced relocation of the population due to rising sea levels and other effects is not a viable option. He called for increased international support to help countries like the Maldives adapt to these challenges.
Usham noted that President Mohamed Muizzu is prioritising climate change advocacy in his administration.
Statements submitted by international legal representatives on behalf of the Maldives at the hearing outlined key principles under international law, including:
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The responsibility of developed countries to provide assistance to developing nations under international environmental law.
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The duty of states to cooperate under customary international law.
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The collective responsibility of the international community to support small island developing states in addressing the adverse effects of climate change.
The hearing follows a resolution adopted during the 77th UN General Assembly, which requested the ICJ to provide advisory guidance on several legal issues related to state responsibilities under Article 65 of the ICJ Statute.
Countries and international organisations have been invited to submit statements and participate in the hearings, underscoring the global nature of the climate change crisis and its implications for international law.
