Australia should co-sponsor Vanuatu’s ICJ resolution

2023-02-23

Greens Deputy Leader and International Aid & Global Justice spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has urged the Australian Government to co-sponsor a UN resolution from Vanuatu requesting an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change.

Last year, the Greens urged Australia to support Vanuatu’s initiative for an ICJ opinion, and Australia now supports this. Vanuatu and other countries have now called on countries to go a step further and join as co-sponsors of this resolution.

Senator Faruqi said:

“This is Australia’s opportunity to back climate justice on the world stage.

“If the Albanese government is serious about delivering climate justice and supporting the Pacific, they should put Australia’s name on this resolution. We should also commit to publicly advocating for its success when it comes up for consideration at the UN. 

“The time for nice-sounding words is over. We need clear and unambiguous commitments from Australia to show solidarity with our Pacific neighbours who are facing the worst threats from climate change.

“An ICJ advisory opinion could be a powerful way of driving countries to take stronger climate action. 

“Climate justice also means the government stopping new coal and gas.”