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Jamaica lobbies top UN court to affirm countries' climate change obligations

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Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith
By Kimone Witter    
 
Jamaica on Friday impressed upon the International Court of Justice (ICJ) the devastating effects of harmful greenhouse gases on small island states and called for the court to affirm the legal obligation of developed countries to protect the environment.
 
The delegation to the Hague, Netherlands was led by Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith who delivered oral submissions before the court.
 
The court is being requested to provide an advisory opinion on the obligations of states in respect of climate change.
 
Jamaica was among 105 countries that co-sponsored a United Nations Resolution on the issue.
 
Addressing the public hearing, Senator Johnson Smith said climate change has affected all levels of life in Jamaica, including the individual.
 
She said while Jamaica has implemented response and recovery mechanisms, it is important for states to address the source of the problem. 
 
"In Jamaica's view, climate change obligations include obligations relating to the prevention and mitigation of the negative effects of climate events. Obligations to cooperate, to assist affected states to respond and recover when these events occur, and to make reparation for injury caused. No country can address the impacts of climate change on its own. International cooperation is crucial," she pleaded. 
 
"The political process has yielded some positive results, but more is required. By clarifying the existing obligations of states under international law, this court will play a vital role in helping states effectively address this pressing issue," added Johnson Smith.     
 
The ICJ public hearings started on December 2 and will continue to the 13th.


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