PACIFIC civil society organisations have urged leaders attending this week’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Funafuti, Tuvalu to call on the United Nations General Assembly for the protection of those on the frontline of climate change.
Presenting on behalf of the CSOs, Teina Mackenzie, the president of the Te Ipukarea Society — the longest serving NGO in the Cook Islands — said the global community must recognise that people have been and were being displaced by climate change and their rights needed protection.
“This week, we are meeting in a country at the frontlines of climate change, the effects of which threaten the wellbeing of our Pacific. We do need to Save Tuvalu to Save the World,” she said.
“Countries who are major polluters and are historically responsible for the acceleration of climate change have an obligation under international law to protect those on the frontlines of climate change.
“For that reason, we urge leaders to call the UNGA to adopt a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice to provide an advisory opinion on the obligations of States under international law to protect the rights of present and future generations against the adverse effects of climate change.”
Ms Mackenzie said loss of territory because of climate change should not compromise the maritime boundaries of Pacific countries and climate migration should not affect the sovereignty of large ocean states in the “Blue Pacific”.
“Countries that are displaced due to climate change, and keep their citizenship, should still be able to manage their ocean territories, for climate justice and for those who will come after us.
“CSOs request that schemes by PIF countries which address forced climate displacement and relocation, including internal and external migration, treat families with dignity and be inclusive of people with disabilities.”
