The Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, and Solomon Islands presented powerful arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, demanding legal recognition of states’ obligations to combat climate change.
Representing some of the world’s most vulnerable nations, these Pacific states called for an advisory opinion that could redefine international climate law.
The Cook Islands described climate change as the “greatest colonial and racist threat,” asserting that it breaches human rights through racial and gender discrimination. “Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge is inseparable from our environment,” it said in a statement, urging reforms like ending fossil fuel subsidies and banning expansions.
The Marshall Islands warned of becoming a “nation of water graves,” citing catastrophic impacts from rising seas. They demanded financial reparations, noting adaptation costs for urban centres alone exceed $9 billion. “Due diligence means taking rapid, deep action,” they said.
The Solomon Islands emphasized displacement’s toll, with five islands already lost. They urged the ICJ to recognize climate-induced displacement as a refugee issue, invoking the 1951 Refugee Convention. “Returning displaced persons to lands doomed by sea-level rise violates their fundamental rights,” they argued.
All three nations highlighted the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities, demanding greater accountability from wealthier, high-emission countries.