Sign the open letter for COP28: leaders of the world must protect human rights.

Below is our letter to world leaders:

The International Court of Justice – the world’s highest court - will soon clarify what States are obliged under international law to do to protect the climate system and safeguard human rights from the impacts of climate breakdown.  

It is recognised that the climate crisis is impacting our human rights. It is also recognised that those who are least responsible for the climate crisis are those most affected, including climate vulnerable States and future generations. 

But international law has not yet made clear what obligations States are under in relation to their present and future citizens, and the people of other countries around the world. 

The upcoming advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice can bring this legal clarity to these critically important questions. And the countries of the United Nations have the opportunity to contribute to these proceedings. 

So, we call on you as leaders to participate in these proceedings and advocate for the respect of human rights and future generations. 

Young people have been central in this effort to bring the world’s biggest question to the world’s highest court. But now it is up to the world’s leaders to ensure the voices of your young people are heard clearly - we ask that you include the voices of the future in your written and oral submissions.  

Time is critical. The climate crisis escalates daily, and the actions we take this decade will decide our collective future. We hope you will stand with us and help secure the legal clarity that is imperative for effective global action.  

Together, we shape the future of our planet and its people. 

Please support the call in this letter by adding your name. We will present the letter to nation representatives at COP28 at the end of this month to galvanise action.