Fiji’s Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says a recent International Court of Justice(ICJ), advisory opinion has affirmed what Fiji and the Pacific have been saying for years, that climate change is a matter of human rights, justice, and legal responsibility.
Speaking in Parliament Tuesday, Turaga said the Court clarified that climate change treaties impose binding obligations on states to protect our climate and environment from greenhouse gas emissions.
Turaga said the Court also clarified that customary international law requires states to prevent significant environmental harm, with emphasis on due diligence and cooperation and breaches of these obligations constitute internationally wrongful acts.
“The ICJ clarified that states have obligations under international human rights law to respect and ensure the effective enjoyment of human rights to respect and ensure the effective enjoyment of human rights by taking necessary actions to protect the climate system and other aspects of the environment.”
“As a result, responsible states must cease harmful practices, ensure non-repetition of violations, and provide reparations to affected states.”
“For Fiji and the Pacific, the opinion provides a strong legal foundation to enhance climate action, support legal challenges, and shape the future of international climate law.”
“It underscores that climate change involves human rights and legal responsibility, empowering us to demand accountability from high emitters.”
Turaga highlighted that the opinion confirms that states have binding obligations under international law – not just under treaties like the Paris Agreement, but also under customary international law, international human rights law, and the Law of the Sea.
He said States have duties to reduce emissions, protect ecosystems, and safeguard human rights and crucially that failure to act can amount to internationally wrongful conduct.
“The opinion is more than a legal judgement. It is a moral compass. It is justice.”
Turaga said this ruling matters because it restores faith in justice, in truth, in humanity and thanked the Government of Vanuatu, whose leadership was unwavering, and the 105 countries that stood in solidarity with Fiji.
“With record-breaking participation, 91 written submissions, and 107 oral statements – this is the most engaged case in ICJ history.”
“… Fiji will continue to lead with integrity. We protect our oceans and honour our ancestral lands. And we will raise our voice – firm, clear, and unrelenting – at COP30 and beyond.”
“This advisory opinion is not just a legal document. It is a lifeline. It is hope written in the language of justice. It is our ancestors whispering that their legacy will not be drowned,” Turaga stated .
