Amnesty International recently called on governments to fulfill their climate change obligations under international law, a plea that comes in the wake of Vanuatu’s circulation of its draft resolution to United Nations member states. This resolution emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change in accordance with the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year, urging countries to adopt nationally determined contributions that align with the Paris Agreement. The goal is to limit global temperature rise to well below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a critical target in the fight against climate change.
Integral to Vanuatu’s proposal is an “International Register of Damage,” designed to transparently record losses linked to climate change, reflecting recommendations by the ICJ that injured states might claim compensation for non-compliance by offending nations. As reported by JURIST, the resolution also calls for phasing out fossil fuels and protecting individuals displaced by climate-induced changes.
Negotiations are ongoing, with a vote expected at the UN General Assembly by the end of March. Amnesty’s Candy Ofime highlighted the gravity of the moment, urging states to uphold their legal and moral duties. This call comes amidst reports that former US President Donald Trump’s administration attempted to derail Vanuatu’s efforts. A report from Al Jazeera revealed a cable sent by the US Department of State expressing strong objections to the draft resolution.
Despite the urgency, challenges remain. A 2025 report warned that global temperatures could peak at 1.7°C above pre-industrial levels even if countries meet their “highest possible ambitions.” This aligns with earlier actions by nations such as the Netherlands, where a Dutch court mandated the government to draft a more ambitious climate plan. Meanwhile, according to Climate Home News, the resolution echoes prior international actions, including the UN’s consensus request for the ICJ’s opinion, backed by over 130 countries.
The international community’s response to Vanuatu’s resolution could mark a pivotal point in global climate policy, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action to meet established climate goals and prevent further harm to our planet.