Climate Justice at the ICJ? Reflections From Frontline Advocates for Small Island States

Auckland Law School, in conjunction with the Pacific Islands Law Students' Association, is delighted to announce its first public event on 27 May as part of the Law School's Access to Justice 2025 series, Climate Justice at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)? Reflections from Frontline Advocates for Small Island States.

The panel discussion will feature two Auckland Law School academics who appeared in person at the historic hearings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Peace Palace in The Hague in December 2024 on a request for an advisory opinion on the obligations of states in respect of climate change.
 
Senior law lecturer Fuimaono Dylan Asafo appeared as external counsel for the Cook Islands. Senior law tutor Dr Justin Sobion acted for Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

At this event, hosted by Associate Professor Vernon Rive with an introduction to the case by Tania Fau, Dylan and Justin will share their experiences as counsel at the world’s highest court, covering issues including the youth-led campaign to initiate the landmark hearing, barriers to and opportunities for climate justice for small states, and the role of international litigation in responding to the climate emergency.