Karachi, The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has granted permission to the Pacific Islands Forum and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to participate in advisory proceedings concerning the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change.

According to International Court of Justice, the Court decided under Article 66 of its Statute that both organizations are in a position to provide valuable information on the questions posed by the General Assembly. The Pacific Islands Forum and AOSIS are allowed to submit written statements on these questions and comments on any statements made by States or other organizations. The deadlines for these submissions are set for 22 March 2024 and 24 June 2024, as extended by the President of the Court in the Order of 15 December 2023. The Court has reserved the subsequent procedure for a future decision.

The ICJ, established in June 1945 by the United Nations Charter, serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Located in The Hague, Netherlands, the Court consists of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Its primary functions include settling legal disputes submitted by States in accordance with international law and providing advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and agencies.

This involvement of the Pacific Islands Forum and AOSIS in the ICJ proceedings underscores the growing recognition of the impact of climate change on small island nations and the need for international legal frameworks to address these challenges.