The Cook Islands has made history by concluding its participation in the oral hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the request for an advisory opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of climate change
The milestone follows over a year of Pacific-wide collaboration and represents a critical step in addressing the climate crisis and the unique challenges faced by small island developing states (SIDS) on the front lines of its impacts.
Dr Fuimaono Dylan Asafo (pictured) has been active in speaking out globally against climate change.
The Cook Islands delegation was led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) Director of the Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans Division, Sandrina Thondoo, and Foreign Service Officer, Peka Fisher and Asafo as External Counsel.
Together, they joined representatives from over 100 states and international organisations to present arguments before the 15 judges of the Court.
Asafo says it was a great honour and privilege to represent the Cook Islands.
He told the Court: “Mr President, members of the Court, we wish to end by emphasizing that the unlawful conduct contributing to climate change, constitutes structural and systemic racial, gender and intersectional discrimination.
“This means that we must all confront the truth that our current international legal, financial, economic and political systems are deeply implicated in the climate crisis.
“That said, the General Assembly’s Request for an advisory opinion offers the Court the most precious opportunity to interpret and advise on existing international law in its best possible light in order to empower all States and peoples to work together to decolonise international law and build a more equitable and just world for us all.”
He concluded his statement addressing the President of the ICJ: “Meitaki ma’ata, thank you very much for your kind attention.”
The hearings began on 2 December and will continue until 13 December.
