Island state wants to appeal to International Court for Climate Protection Russians stole animals from Ukraine – now they are in seedy zoo

The endangered island state of Vanuatu in the South Pacific wants to involve the United Nations International Court of Justice in the fight for more climate protection. A legal opinion from the judges in The Hague should provide a definite answer about who can be held liable for negligence, Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu said at the world climate conference in Egypt on Wednesday. According to Vanuatu, 80 states already support the plan, including Germany. For the court to deal with the plan, the UN General Assembly must deal with it – if possible this week.

The effects of climate change, such as a recent devastating cyclone, have placed a huge financial burden on his country, Regenvanu reported. It is now about clarifying legal responsibilities. As a result, the government cannot fulfill its obligations under international treaties. “Can we as Vanuatu be penalized for not fulfilling children’s right to education because we cannot afford it because we are dealing with the consequences of the climate crisis?” Regenvanu asked.

Regenvanu described the negotiations in Sharm el Sheikh as “rather frustrating”. Ultimately, it boils down to this question: “What are the legal obligations of states?” The desired legal opinion would not be a binding ruling, but it would be a “very convincing legal argument”. However, it could take years for that to happen, he said.

(yam/sda/dpa)