Samoa presented its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, as part of the advisory opinion hearings on States’ legal obligations regarding climate change.
The oral submissions were delivered by Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Attorney General Su’a Hellene Wallwork. Samoa’s delegation included legal and diplomatic representatives, along with expert advisors.
Peseta opened Samoa’s case by addressing the ongoing and severe impacts of climate change on the nation. “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,” she told the court.
Attorney General Su’a Wallwork presented Samoa’s legal arguments, underscoring the obligations of all States to protect the climate under international law. She argued that “there should be legal consequences if a state fails to comply with these binding legal obligations.” Su’a urged the court to prioritize immediate actions over reparations. “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,” she said.
Samoa was among 98 countries and 12 international organizations that addressed the court over two weeks. The hearings stemmed from a United Nations resolution passed by consensus in March 2023, which sought the ICJ’s opinion on State obligations regarding climate change. Samoa played a key role in supporting the resolution, led by Vanuatu.
Samoa also participated as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, represented by H.E Fatumanava-o-Upolu Dr. Paolelei Luteru, who joined other Pacific island nations in presenting their shared concerns.
The ICJ hearing is the largest in the court’s history, with submissions from governments and international organizations around the world.
Samoa’s delegation included Ambassador H.E Sauiao Francella Strickland, Assistant Attorney General Letoafaiga David J. Fong, Associate Public Solicitor Seve Esekia Soloi, and legal consultants Brendan Plant and Fleur Ramsay.
