Ms. Shristi Sharma, Research Officer for Saudi Arabian affairs, with the Next Century Foundation, delivered an oral statement during the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. She highlighted the landmark advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which confirms States’ binding duties to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, and uphold human rights. She emphasized the urgent need for high-emitting States to act, for vulnerable communities to access climate justice, and for the Council to integrate these findings into human rights frameworks.
A Watershed Moment
The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on 23 July 2025 stands as a watershed moment in the fight against the climate crisis. By affirming that States are legally bound to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard the environment, and protect human rights, the Court has transformed climate action from a political choice into a legal obligation. This decision empowers vulnerable populations, including small island States, to seek justice and reparations, while reminding major emitters that delay and inaction carry legal and moral consequences. It calls on governments to accelerate the transition away from coal and other carbon-intensive pathways, and to ensure that their climate strategies are consistent with international law and human rights standards. Only by honoring these obligations, and supporting communities on the frontlines, can we uphold justice and secure a livable future for all.
Statement on climate crisis and human rights framework:
Dear President,
The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on 23 July 2025 marks a watershed moment, confirming that States have binding duties under international law to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, and uphold human rights, with non-compliance potentially leading to reparations. This is especially urgent. Global emissions reached 37.4 billion tonnes last year. China, the United States of America, India, and the European Union were responsible for nearly 60 percent. China alone emits over a quarter of global CO₂, largely from coal- heavy energy and industry, and its per capita emissions now exceed the EU average. The ICJ empowers vulnerable populations — including small island States — to claim climate justice, and to hold high-emitting States accountable for threats to life, health, food, and water.
We urge this Council to integrate the ICJ’s findings into human rights frameworks, providing technical support for communities pursuing climate-related litigation or reparations and requiring States to report on how their climate policies respect human rights. High-emitting State, like China, must accelerate the shift from coal and align climate strategies with international law, while vulnerable communities must be supported to access climate justice and reparations in line with their rights. Only through adherence to legal obligations—and our collective resolve to enforce them—can we safeguard human rights in the era of climate crisis.
