Samoa called for “immediate cessation of wrongdoing” when it appeared before the International Court of Justice hearing last week highlighting growing global consensus on climate accountability. 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the World Court is the only international court adjudicating general disputes between nations and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues. 

Located in the Hague, Netherlands the historic hearing has drawn to a close after more than 100 countries and international organisations presented arguments over the last two weeks. 

The proceeding is historic for Samoa along with a record number of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) stepping into the world court to argue their case on urgent climate action. 

According to a press statement, Attorney General, Su’a Hellene Wallwork spoke about key legal arguments and responded to other submissions made earlier.  

Sua stressed Samoa’s clear position that all states have obligations under International Law to protect the climate system and other parts of the environment. 

Otherwise, she emphasised, ‘there should be legal consequences if a state fails to comply with these binding legal obligations.’ 

The Attorney General wrapped up Samoa’s presentation stressing to the Court “the importance of immediate cessation of wrongdoing”. 

“Reparations while important, will not assure our survival,” she said. 

“Even if States pay compensation for their wrongful conduct, we simply cannot continue with a situation where wrongs continue to be committed and GHGs continue to be emitted.” 

At the public oral hearings on the obligation of states in respect of climate change, Samoa was part of the core group that supported the initiative led by Vanuatu. 

Samoa also actively participated in this process through its written submission in March 2024 and then comments in August 2024. 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Trade, Peseta Noumea Simi gave an introduction to Samoa’s position. 

She spoke about the adverse impacts of climate change and how they continue to challenge our resolve and development, as a people and a nation.

She emphasised the importance of the Court hearing the voices of the majority, including Samoa, that pay the heaviest price for a climate crisis they did not create. 

She told the court that “the eyes of the world are upon us, and the stakes are nothing less than the survival of peoples, cultures, and the integrity of our shared planet”. 

This is the largest-ever case before the UN World Court with a record number of countries and organisations participating. 

Ninety-eight states and twelve international organisations were heard by the 15 ICJ judges throughout the two weeks. 

The presentation by the Alliance of Small Islands States was also made by Samoa as Chair, led by H.E Fatumanava-o-Upolu Dr Paolelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the UN in New York.

Samoa’s delegation for the ICJ hearings also included Sauiao Francella Strickland Ambassador of Samoa to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Belgium, Letoafaiga David J. Fong Assistant Attorney General, Seve Esekia Soloi Associate Public Solicitor, Office of the Attorney General, Rae Manuleleua First Secretary, Samoa Embassy to Belgium, Brendan Plant and Fleur Ramsay, Expert Legal Consultants.