By Kalpana Nizarat and Kaisha Crupi.
In April 2022, the United Nations passed a historic resolution requesting an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on states' legal obligations regarding climate change. For the Pacific Islands countries and territories (PICTs), this was more than a legal milestone—it was a battle for survival, justice, and the rights of future generations.
At the heart of this movement were women—leaders, advocates, and young voices shaping the legal and moral arguments for climate justice. The Government of Vanuatu (GoV) and Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) had long championed the call for an ICJ Advisory Opinion. Over two years, SPC's technical teams worked closely with PICTs, providing critical support to ensure that their submissions highlighted climate change as not only an environmental crisis but a human rights issue. Through regional writeshops and a speakershop, SPC and its partners helped representatives prepare evidence-backed statements, ensuring Pacific voices—particularly those of women—were amplified on the world stage.
When the oral hearings convened at The Hague in December 2024, the Pacific’s presence was undeniable. Of the 14 PICTs, 11 submitted written statements, and 13 delivered oral arguments before the court. Significantly, gender equality was at the forefront of these submissions: five written statements directly addressed the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women, and more than half of all Pacific submissions included gender analysis. Three countries explicitly referenced gender equality and intersectional discrimination in their oral statements, reinforcing the inextricable link between climate justice and women's rights.
But perhaps the most striking demonstration of change was the presence of women as key representatives. Seven out of the thirteen Pacific delegations had women presenting their country statements, and three countries had all-female delegations. In one submission, women's voices were interwoven into video testimony, ensuring that the lived experiences of Pacific women were not just acknowledged but centred.
Cynthia Houniuhi, President of PISFCC, stood among these women, delivering a powerful address that echoed the voices of generations past and future. Speaking in her native language, she connected her words to the land, to her ancestors, and to the generations yet to come. Her message was clear:
"It is upon our land that our values and principles are rooted, preserved and transmitted across generations. Those who stand to lose are the future generations. Their future is uncertain. Reliant upon the decision making of a handful of large emitting states that are responsible for climate change."
For Pacific women, climate justice is not an abstract legal concept—it is lived reality. Women are the backbone of their communities, safeguarding cultural knowledge, food security, and family well-being. Yet they are also disproportionately impacted by climate-induced displacement, natural disasters, and food and water insecurity. By speaking at the ICJ, Pacific women like Houniuhi were not only advocating for legal recognition of climate harm—they were reclaiming power in decision-making spaces where their voices have historically been marginalized.
The ICJ proceedings marked a turning point in global climate governance, demonstrating that Pacific leadership—particularly Pacific female leadership—is redefining the narrative. In standing before the world’s highest court, these women challenged entrenched power structures and forced global actors to confront an uncomfortable truth: the decisions made today will determine whether future generations inherit a livable planet. And as the Pacific’s female leaders made clear, they will not stand by as their homelands and identities are erased. Through their words, their presence, and their unyielding determination, Pacific women are proving that climate justice is, at its core, a fight for humanity. And in that fight, they are leading the charge.
