WYCJ Speaks at the European Parliament
The three campaigners from WYCJ as panelists at the EU Parliement, Lolita Couchene (on the left), Altynaï Bidaubayle (in the middle), Jule Schnakenberg (on the right)
On November 28, 2023, three campaigners from WYCJ, Jule, Altynaï and Lolita, had the great opportunity to participate as speakers at the European Parliament for a conference on the advisory opinion before the International Court of Justice, alongside the Attorney General of Vanuatu, Mr. Arnold Kiel Loughman, and Dreli Solomon from the Embassy of Vanuatu in Belgium.
This conference, organized by Professor Emilie Gaillard, Mounir Satouri, MEP Greens/EFA, and supported by the IGSD, focused specifically on the case before the ICJ, the role to be played by the member states of the European Union, and the international context in which this momentum was taking place, notably the implications with the 2024 United Nations Future Summit.
After an introduction by Mounir Satouri, the Attorney General gave a contextualization of the case and the initiative. In particular, he recalled the critical situation in which Vanuatu finds itself, a source of unwavering motivation and commitment to this procedure. On this occasion, the Attorney General expressed his recognition of the importance of the role played by young people, and of their advocacy. After these touching words, the WYCJ campaigners took the floor.
Attorney General of Vanuatu, Mr. Arnold Kiel Loughman with Altynaï Bidaubayle (middle - WYCJ) and Lolita Couchene (right - WYCJ).
They began by reviewing the background to the campaign, the fundamental involvement of young people and, in particular, the crucial role of pacific island students.
“Focusing on the background to this campaign means understanding why young people are a driving force on international issues, and why it's important to give them a place in these proceedings before the ICJ” - Altynaï
Then they highlighted the link with the advisory opinion before ITLOS and what these first hearings can teach us.
“This global wave of advisory opinions reflects the need to find new ways at international level to raise the issue of climate justice [...]. In particular, these various opinions will make it possible to put an end to the grey area as regards the obligations of States.” - Lolita
Finally, they concluded with a call to action for parliamentarians, once again stressing the role to be played by the EU.
“Young people and civil society have played a critical role in getting this opinion to the court in The Hague. Now we urge all government representatives and state lawyers in the room to make submissions which serves their communities. ” - Jule
Other renowned experts were also present at the event, including Emilie Gaillard, teacher-researcher and expert in the rights of future generations, who highlighted the links with the United Nations Future Summit and the advancement of the rights of future generations. As well as, Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, Associate Professor of Sustainability Law at University of Amsterdam and lead counsel for Vanuatu in the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, who focused on the potential outcome and impact of the ICJ case.
Also present were :
Trina Chiemi of FACE Intergenerational Justice,
Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and Marion Brousseau-Navarro, Operations Manager and Assistant Commissioner in the Future Generations Commissioner's Office for Wales.
Alyn Ware, member of the World Future Council
Cristelle Pratt, Assistant Secretary General - Environment & Climate Action at the Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
Mrs. Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, Mr. Arnold Kiel Loughman, Mrs. Emilie Gaillard, Mr. Mounir Satouri, Mr. Dreli Solomon
WYCJ, an essential presence in the European Parliament
This was a precious opportunity and an important advocacy moment for the European team, especially to be able to advocate y in the presence of advisors and representatives from member states. Indeed, it is essential to make WYCJ's work and our commitments known to the various EU institutions. This is part of the fundamental work of calling for and working towards the most ambitious possible European contributions, a point made all the more crucial in this procedure by the historical responsibility of European states.
We therefore warmly thank the organizers and supporters of this conference for their trust.
If you were unable to attend, you can replay the event here: https://acs.europarl.connectedviews.eu/embed/meeting/?refid=20231128-1600-SPECIAL-OTHER
