Nepal, through Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, has called upon the International Court of Justice to recognize the climate justice it seeks, asserting that the nation suffers from effects of climate change not of its own making. The proceedings will set a precedent for delineating state obligations related to climate action, with substantial signatories attending to advocate for more equitable international environmental practices.
At the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Nepal has made a compelling appeal for climate justice concerning the grave impacts of climate change on its population and environment. Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba underscored the disproportionate burden that Nepal bears, coining the phrase that the nation suffers from the consequences of “crimes we never committed” as they contend with global warming and declining water resources.
Deuba detailed the alarming transformations in Nepal’s environment where glaciers are receding, and extreme weather events are becoming increasingly commonplace. The Minister highlighted that the Himalayan nation has witnessed significant losses, with one-third of its glacial lakes disappearing in the past 30 years. The escalating intensity of monsoons, landslides, and storms has not only devastatingly affected agriculture and infrastructure but also endangered the livelihoods of entire communities.
Despite its crucial contributions to global ecological health, Nepal remains particularly vulnerable due to its geographical limitations and developmental challenges. Deuba articulated that many countries, especially the less economically developed nations, struggle to meet international human rights obligations related to climate change because of external emissions impacting the rights of their citizens.
The hearings currently taking place are part of a broader initiative, with a record 97 states and 11 international organizations participating. These proceedings will potentially establish a legal framework defining state obligations for addressing climate change and will offer advisory opinions that, while non-binding, hold substantial political and legal significance for future climate discussions and litigations.
During the discussions, Udaya Raj Sapkota, Secretary of the Ministry of Law, emphasized the necessity of recognizing the differentiated responsibilities of countries based on their economic capabilities and environmental vulnerabilities. Nepal reiterates the critical role of developed nations in fulfilling their obligations under the Paris Agreement by providing financial support to developing nations for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
In addition, under secretary Suvanga Parajuli articulated the need for accountability, disputing the notion of the climate crisis as a “collective tragedy” devoid of specific accountability. The call is for substantive compensatory actions from developed countries regarding their historical emissions, transitioning beyond mere assistance towards substantive climate justice.
Climate change has manifestly affected various regions across the globe, with developing nations like Nepal often bearing a disproportionately large share of the consequences, despite contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions. The International Court of Justice serves as a forum for such nations to seek redress and accountability from those responsible for climate change, emphasizing the need for a collective and equitable approach in addressing global warming. In this context, Nepal’s appeal is part of an emerging trend where nations seek recognition and recompense for the impacts of environmental degradation wrought by more industrialized countries, invoking both human rights norms and international environmental law.
In summary, Nepal’s representation at the International Court of Justice marks a significant endeavor to advocate for climate justice, affirming that the impacts of climate change require legal acknowledgment and a framework guiding reparative actions. The proceedings not only highlight the urgent need for global accountability but also underscore the necessity for developed nations to assist vulnerable states in their fight against the escalating climate crisis.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
