At the International Court of Justice, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba argued for climate justice, emphasizing the country’s disproportionate suffering due to climate change impacts. Highlighting Nepal’s vulnerable status, he asserted the need for accountability from developed nations and clear legal frameworks defining state obligations. These proceedings are part of a larger effort to establish comprehensive international climate law to aid vulnerable countries.
At the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba addressed the court, articulating the nation’s plight resulting from climate change. Nepal seeks acknowledgment of its suffering and demands climate justice, contending that the adverse effects of climate change are disproportionately borne by them despite contributing minimally to global emissions. Minister Deuba emphasized that the glaciers and snow-capped mountains, vital to Nepal’s identity and economy, are under severe threat from global warming.
Minister Deuba elaborated on the catastrophic impacts that climate change has wrought over the years, including melting glaciers, increasing incidents of landslides, and erratic monsoon patterns leading to devastating impacts on agriculture and livelihoods. He voiced concerns that Nepal, while playing a crucial role in global climate equilibrium, remains exceptionally vulnerable due to its geographic and developmental status.
Highlighting the accountability of developed nations, Deuba referenced the changes in climate patterns across the globe and their implications for countries like Nepal that have historically contributed the least to the problem yet are bearing the brunt of its consequences. Furthermore, he emphasized Nepal’s viewpoint during the proceedings, emphasizing the need for international legal frameworks that outline state obligations toward climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Various international entities are participating in this landmark case, which is the largest ever seen by the world court, demonstrating a collective effort to navigate the complexities of climate responsibilities. The underlying purpose is to establish a robust legal foundation that will elucidate states’ duties under international law regarding climate actions.
In subsequent presentations, Nepal reiterated its position on the differentiated obligations based on countries’ development status and called upon developed countries to fulfill their commitments under international agreements. Nepal’s representatives asserted the necessity of creating equitable systems for financial support to assist the most vulnerable nations in combating climate peril.
The ongoing oral hearings aim to clarify essential legal questions regarding the responsibilities of states concerning climate change as posed by the UN General Assembly. Discussions encompassed the imperative of established accountability frameworks, futures for climate justice, and proactive measures to assist developing nations like Nepal in their fight against the adverse effects of climate change.
Nepal is facing increasingly severe climate challenges, adversely impacting its environment and people, particularly due to its geographical vulnerability and economic capacity. The International Court of Justice’s proceedings reflect a growing recognition among nations that climate change requires cohesive global action and legal accountability. Several nations, including Vanuatu, have initiated appeals to the ICJ, seeking a clarion call for collective responsibility towards climate mitigation, particularly highlighting the unique struggles of developing nations grappling with historical inequities in emissions. The proceedings represent a pivotal moment in international discussions concerning climate actions, pushing for the establishment of legal frameworks that define states’ obligations in light of human rights implications influenced by climate change. This global discourse aims to evolve into enforceable international climate law, promoting equity in how nations should approach obligations concerning environmental stewardship.
Nepal’s impassioned plea at the ICJ underscores a significant call for climate justice, illuminating the grave impacts of climate change that disproportionately afflict developing countries. These proceedings aim to articulate clearer responsibilities and obligations for states regarding climate action, moving towards a future that emphasizes accountability and assistance for those most affected. The advancements in this legal arena could potentially reshape international climate law to provide meaningful support for vulnerable nations like Nepal.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
