The Parliamentary Party Wing Leader for SIDP and Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has described the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate change as a milestone in international law and congratulated the young Solomon Islanders who played a leading role in the historic campaign.
In a statement issued this morning, Hon. Wale said the ICJ’s decision represents a critical breakthrough in the global fight against climate change, affirming the legal obligations that nations have to act decisively to prevent environmental harm and protect human rights.
“This ruling is a defining moment for international law. It brings home the truth that the climate crisis is a matter of justice and fairness for the peoples and communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change yet the least responsible for it,” Hon. Wale said.
The SIDP Parliamentary Wing Leader commended the young Pacific leaders who were at the heart of the movement that brought the world’s biggest problem to the world’s highest court.
“Though it has grown into a global campaign of historic proportions, the movement finds its roots in a classroom in Vanuatu. Young people who gave their time, energy, and personal resources, moved by the simple truth that our islands deserve a future. They took on the challenge with courage and resolve, and today they have changed the course of international law,” Hon. Wale said.
Hon. Wale gave particular praise to the young Solomon Islanders who helped lead the charge.
“You cannot help but be proud of what these young Solomon Islanders have achieved. Solomon Yeo, Cynthia Hou, Rodrick Hollness, Caleb Pollard, Belynda Rikimana, and the many others who, from the beginning and along the way, carried this cause forward. They championed this historic charge to bring the world’s biggest problem to the world’s highest court,” Hon. Wale said.
Hon. Wale recalled a recent podcast he had with Cynthia Hou and Caleb Pollard, both former Presidents of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) and expressed deep admiration for their courage and tenacity.
“I was inspired by their story. How they, and others, persevered through immense odds to ensure that the voice of the Pacific was heard in The Hague. These young Solomon Islanders have made our nation proud. They have not only stood for our future but helped define it,” Hon. Wale said.
Hon. Wale concluded by saying that the world must now honour the ICJ opinion by strengthening its own climate commitments.
“Our young people, along with other young Pacific Islanders, have led the way. The ICJ has spoken. Now the world must respond,” Hon. Wale said.
Source: Solomon Islands Democratic Party
