Ref: 2024/PR/384
The Government of Maldives today, appeared before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and presented oral submissions in the advisory proceedings entitled Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change.
The United Nations General Assembly, at its 77th Session, adopted the Resolution No. 77/276 entitled “Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States in respect of climate change” in which the General Assembly decided to request the ICJ to render an Advisory Opinion pursuant to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court. States and international organisations were given an opportunity to take part in the public hearings of the proceedings and present oral submissions.
Representing the Government of Maldives at the hearing held at the ICJ today, Attorney General of the Republic of Maldives, Uz. Ahmed Usham highlighted the strong leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in climate change advocacy and called on the international community to support climate-vulnerable countries such as the Maldives. He further highlighted the vulnerability of Maldives to the slow onset impacts of climate change and reiterated the Maldives’ position against forced relocation due to climate change.
The Maldives was also represented at today’s hearing by international lawyers, who focused their statements on the mandatory obligations arising under the climate treaty regime which mandate the provision of support for developing states, and the duty to cooperate under customary international law. They argued that the international community has a duty to assist the people of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) adapt to a changed environment due to climate change.
The Government of Maldives stands steadfast in its commitment to work with the international community to address the climate crisis.