The Hague, The Netherlands – Antigua and Barbuda, a resilient small island nation within the Caribbean, has catapulted onto the worldwide stage in its pursuit of local weather justice. As we speak, the nation made historical past by submitting written arguments to the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice (ICJ), looking for an Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States relating to Local weather Change.
This pivotal transfer indicators step one in a authorized course of to acquire a transparent framework of obligations for nations amidst the escalating local weather disaster. Antigua and Barbuda sees this Advisory Opinion as a possibility for the ICJ to delineate the crucial for States to raise their local weather ambitions and intensify efforts in vital areas of mitigation, adaptation, finance, and technical help.
Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, lauded the advocacy efforts of small island growing states like Vanuatu and Tuvalu, emphasizing their pivotal position in championing this trigger and noting that “there must be truthful and equitable remedy of countries disproportionately impacted by local weather change regardless of minimal contributions to its genesis. That is the essence of local weather justice.”
Ambassador Boris Latour of Antigua and Barbuda emphasised the existential risk going through small island states, remarking, “With out pressing local weather motion, most, if not all, island states will disappear. This historic submission underscores our nation’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding our planet for future generations and reaffirms our dedication to multilateralism and the rule of regulation.” He emphasised the necessity to make the most of each obtainable avenue to deal with this disaster urgently.
This landmark submission highlights the urgency of local weather motion. It signifies a historic second for Antigua and Barbuda and lots of different growing nations taking part in ICJ proceedings for the primary time. The gravity of the local weather disaster reverberates globally, transcending geographical boundaries and necessitating collective motion. The outcomes of this authorized course of will form worldwide efforts to fight local weather change, making certain equitable remedy for nations disproportionately impacted by its results.
Antigua and Barbuda acknowledge the authorized experience offered by Sidley Austin LLP, which enabled its participation in these proceedings. Moreover, the state is represented inside the Fee of Small Island States (COSIS), amplifying its voice on the worldwide stage.
Whereas initiated by Vanuatu and adopted by the UN Common Meeting on March 29th, 2023, the pursuit of an Advisory Opinion on local weather obligations underscores a shared international duty. The submissions from various nations underscore the common significance of local weather justice and the crucial for concerted motion.
With the steering of H.E. Boris Latour, Ambassador and Everlasting Consultant of Antigua and Barbuda to the UNOG and UNOV, the delegation from Antigua and Barbuda consists of:
- H.E. Colin Murdoch, Ambassador and Everlasting Observer of OECS to the UNOG
- Mr. Zachary Phillips, Agent to ICJ for Antigua and Barbuda within the Advisory Opinion proceedings
- Mr. Timothée Bauer, Deputy Everlasting Consultant within the Everlasting Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to UNOG and UNOV
- Mr. Joel Richards, Counsellor within the OECS Everlasting Mission to the UNOG
