Published on: 2026-05-21
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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UN Chief welcomed the adoption by the General Assemblyresolutionsin support of the historicalconsultative opinion of the International CourtOn obligations of states related to climate change. The document, prepared by the Pacific island state of Vanuatu and a number of other countries, was voted on by 141 states, eight – Belarus, Israel, Iran, Yemen, Liberia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the USA – voted against, 28 abstained.
In the General Assembly resolution, all countries are called upon to fulfill their obligations under international law – as defined by the Court – “to ensure the protection of the climate system and other components of the environment from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.”
“The International Court of Justice has spoken. Today, the General Assembly has given its response,” said the Secretary-General, commenting on today’s vote.
The head of the UN called the adoption of the resolution “recognition” of the responsibility of states for protecting people from the “worsening climate crisis.”
“I express gratitude to the leaders of the Pacific island countries and other small island developing states, as well as to the youth, whose principled stance helped bring peace to this moment,” said Guterres.
“Scientific data is unambiguous: fossil fuel is the main cause of the climate crisis,” he added.
According to the Secretary-General, the “path to climate justice” lies through the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
The UN chief called on the international community to keep the global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius and to build a safer future for all.
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