The Hague, Netherlands – The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) delivered its Oral Statement at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 9, 2024, during the advisory proceedings concerning the obligations of States in respect of climate change. Representing the FSM at the ICJ was Mr. Clement Yow Mulalap, Legal Adviser at the FSM Department of Justice, who is based at the FSM Mission to the United Nations in New York.
This milestone marks the FSM’s first-ever oral presentation in advisory proceedings before the ICJ. Speaking on behalf of the FSM, Mr. Mulalap reaffirmed the nation’s earlier submissions, including its Written Statement and Written Comments, emphasizing the gravity of climate change impacts on small island developing States, Indigenous Peoples, and future generations of humankind. The Oral Statement highlighted the FSM’s views on the obligations of States under international law to prevent harm from greenhouse gas emissions, the breaches of these obligations, and the resulting legal consequences.
The FSM Government underscores that its contributions to the ICJ advisory proceedings reflect a deeply collaborative effort. The preparation of the Written Statement, Written Comments, and Oral Statement involved multiple entities within the FSM National Government, including the Department of Justice, Department of Resources and Development, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management, the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority, the FSM Mission to the United Nations in New York, and the President’s Office.
The FSM’s engagement in these proceedings is part of its broader commitment to addressing climate change through legal, diplomatic, and policy avenues. As a small island developing State on the frontlines of the climate crisis, the FSM has consistently advocated for climate justice and accountability in the international arena, calling for robust measures to ensure the protection of the environment and the rights of future generations.
The transcript of the delivered oral statement can be found starting on page 19 of the file at the following link:
https://www.icj-cij.org/…/187-20241209-ora-01-00-bi.pdf
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