PINA

A record number of oral statements are expected to be presented to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as highly awaited public hearings on States’ legal obligations with respect to climate change got underway on Monday. The hearings are part of the process towards the court issuing an advisory opinion, which will clarify States’ legal obligations under international law and...

A handful of countries should be held legally responsible for the ongoing impacts of climate change, representatives of vulnerable states have told judges at the international court of justice (ICJ). During a hearing at the Peace Palace in The Hague, which began on Monday, Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change and environment, said responsibility for the climate crisis...

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr on Monday urged China to respect Palau’s sovereignty and international law, just days ahead of a contentious visit by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. Lai is visiting Palau, along with the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu – three of Taipei’s 12 remaining diplomatic allies – as part of a Pacific tour that has triggered fierce criticism in...

Countries negotiating a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution concluded their fifth session in the small hours of Monday in Busan, Republic of Korea, with plans to reconvene in 2025. Despite intense discussions, delegates recognised the need for more time to address divergent views and refine the treaty’s framework. The session, which began on 25 November, brought together more than 3,300...

A significant milestone was reached in Suva, Fiji, Monday as nine additional Parties signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to apply the 2024 amendments to the Treaty, pending ratification of such amendments by all the Parties. These Parties were: eight Pacific Islands Parties (PIPs) — Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu; and...

Vanuatu has opened proceedings in a landmark climate case brought before the UN's top court, arguing international law and the warming of the atmosphere demands broader action. The Pacific state is leading two weeks of hearings at the International Court of Justice, beginning Monday, seeking a formal advisory opinion on whether high-emitting countries should do more to stave off climate...

Australia has reiterated its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate action but does not think high-emitting countries have further legal responsibilities to stave off climate catastrophe. In a landmark case brought before the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ), Vanuatu is leading an argument brought by several Pacific nations and developing states that developed countries have a legal responsibility...

“We are drafting a treaty for the ages. A treaty to protect our environment, our health and our future. Getting this right is critical. And so, our work will continue.” That was the commitment from the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, in the early hours of Monday morning when she closed the fifth session...

Negotiating an internationally legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution including in the marine environment is no easy task. With approximately 4,000 delegates representing over 170 countries, converging to find common ground through UN processes has posed challenges. With negotiators starting early and working through to early hours of the morning to collate all perspectives and develop text – many lessons...

New Caledonia's High Commissioner has announced its curfew has been lifted. It was first brought in after riots broke out in May and has been adjusted mutliple times since. French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc said even though there remained some “sensitive areas”, authorities were able to "restore public order" and New Caledonia was on the path to experiencing a “return...