ICJ backs climate justice, PNG hails legal victory

**Secretary for Justice and Attorney General Dr Eric Kwa. (Image: Supplied)**

Papua New Guinea has welcomed a historic legal victory at the International Court of Justice [ICJ], which ruled that states have binding obligations under international and customary law to prevent and address the harmful effects of climate change.

Secretary for the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Eric Kwa, announced the court’s advisory opinion during a media conference, highlighting the significant legal and political weight it carries.

The ICJ recognized that climate change poses a serious threat to human rights and declared that states must take concrete legal and policy actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the climate system. The court also ruled that these actions must extend to regulating private sector activities that cause environmental harm.

Dr. Kwa said the decision validates the concerns of small island developing states [SIDS], including PNG, which face disproportionate impacts from climate change. The court recognized these states as vulnerable and entitled to legal protection from climate-related harm.

“This is a proud moment for PNG,” said Dr. Kwa.

“We joined other Pacific nations to present our case before the ICJ, and just before our 50th Independence celebrations, the court ruled in our favour. We are now focused on how we can implement this decision going forward.”

The ruling strengthens the legal foundation for PNG and other vulnerable nations to demand stronger global climate action, access international cooperation, climate financing, and technical assistance — not as charity, but as legal entitlements.

The court also affirmed that climate change is a human rights issue, reinforcing the connection between environmental protection, the right to life, and a sustainable environment.

PNG reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with island nations and the global community to pursue legally grounded climate action. The government aims to integrate these international standards into national laws, policies, and enforcement mechanisms.