This moment follows on from the landmark resolution to seek an advisory opinion from the ICJ, adopted by consensus at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in March last year — hailed as a huge leap forward for global climate justice that would see human rights and intergenerational equity placed at the forefront of climate decision-making.

The climate justice advisory opinion promises to deliver unparalleled clarity on the international legal obligations countries bear in safeguarding people from the impacts of climate change. Since the resolution was adopted, States and international organisations around the world have spent months compiling their responses to the legal questions, gathering evidence and testimonies of climate harm as part of their written submissions to the Court.

Pacific States have been at the forefront of this process and significantly, all Pacific Island nations have made strong submissions to the Court in a strong show of unity. Civil society has also been central to organising not only the successful UNGA vote, but also ensuring that States engage constructively with the process to ensure the strongest possible legal opinion. 

The final advisory opinion will be shaped by these written submissions, which detail harrowing testimonies from people across the Pacific and around the world, sharing how the climate crisis is impacting their communities, their livelihoods and their culture. Public hearings are expected to be held in The Hague later this year — the culmination of the campaign. These hearings provide a historic opportunity for the Court and the world to hear directly from those experiencing the impacts and harm posed by the climate emergency.

Vishal Prasad, Campaign Director at Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, said, “With written submissions now closing, we are one step closer to getting the legal clarity we need in our pursuit for climate justice. For many Pacific nations this is a historic moment as many countries have made submissions to the ICJ for the first time demonstrating immense leadership in the midst of significant challenges. These submissions are carrying our stories, experiences, and our hope and aspirations that the ICJ will listen and that the final opinion will be shaped by our voices.”

Ashawnté Russell, World’s Youth for Climate Justice, said, “As we transition between phases of this Advisory Opinion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all States actively engaged in this critical endeavour. While global engagement remains essential, it’s equally imperative to amplify youth voices in shaping and implementing consistent climate policies. 

“Young people across regions are fervently championing the cause of climate justice through our involvement in the written submissions, all the while recognising its profound significance for our collective future. Our participation in these proceedings symbolises not only the dawn of a new chapter, but also a deeply cherished privilege. As passionate advocates for sustainability, we urge our impassioned pleas to resonate within the chambers of the International Court of Justice, igniting decisive action and commitment for the well-being of all nations and generations to come.”

Katrina Bullock, General Counsel at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said, “As submissions from countries and international organisations flood the corridors of justice, today marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards an advisory opinion on human rights and climate change from the International Court of Justice. This watershed moment holds the potential to redefine the boundaries of international law, shaping our collective response to the existential threat of climate change. 

“Greenpeace’s submission posits that all countries have an obligation under international law to prevent the adverse impacts of climate change and to respect, protect and fulfil the internationally recognised human rights of present and future generations in the face of climate change. We are extremely grateful to have worked on this submission with climate-impacted communities from the Pacific and around the world who, in their own words, tell the stories of climate harm and their resistance — that governments are unlikely to cover in their submissions.” 

Dr Sindra Sharma, Senior Policy Advisor at Pacific Islands Climate Action Network said: “The leadership shown by Pacific Island governments in making submissions to the ICJ shows their unwavering dedication to bridging generations in securing a livable future for not just the Pacific, but all people. Engagement in this phase of the process was crucial in ensuring that voices from our region, one of the most vulnerable to climate impacts, are heard throughout the proceedings.

Civil society participation in government submissions signals our commitment to working together to address the climate crisis, partnering to shape a legal framework that not only reflects our shared values but also ensures a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Nikki Reisch, Director of the Climate & Energy Program at the Center for International Environmental Law, said, “The International Court of Justice has both a unique opportunity and unparalleled authority to say what international law requires States to do, to stop doing, and to undo with respect to climate change and its devastating impacts. States have long-standing obligations under multiple sources of international law to prevent and minimise climate change, and to remedy its past and present harms. Under the Court’s own precedents, States that have contributed the most to fossil-fuelled emissions have a legal duty to cease their destructive conduct and repair harms for present and future generations.

“The ICJ’s legal pronouncements will have ripple effects around the world as domestic and regional courts facing a rising tide of climate litigation look for guidance, and as communities facing rising sea levels and temperatures look for remedy. As States, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society organisations submit their arguments today, we urge the Court to listen to the perspectives of those whose experiences of climate harm and resilience shed light on the meaning of climate duties and the pathway to climate justice.”

Mandi Mudarikwa, Head of Strategic Litigation at Amnesty International said, “The climate emergency is a human rights crisis of unprecedented proportions. When climate change-related impacts hit a country or a community, the knock-on effects can seriously undermine the enjoyment of the right to life lived in dignity, endanger a range of freedoms and socio-economic rights including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and in many cases even put at risk the cultural survival of entire peoples and future generations. Ultimately, the future of humanity is at stake.

“Through their participation in this process, state actors actively contribute to the progressive development of international law and standards, and ensure that the legacy that is to be inherited by future generations, is a legacy of collaboration that makes certain that the environment that they will live in, is governed by a legal regime that ensures its longevity and the enjoyment of human rights by all.”

—ENDS—

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Kate O’Callaghan on kate.ocallaghan@greenpeace.org or +61 406 231 892

Noqu Mata Vuvale. I don’t say this lightly. 

Noqu mata vuvale has a very special meaning in my Fijian language. It means you have opened the gates and entered our loving home and there is a reason why we have kept this special place for you. You are family.

As I sit down to write this reflective blog in the form of a personal letter, I have contemplated deeply on the remarkable journey we’ve embarked on. My heart swells with pride, love and gratitude for each and every one of you who has stood by our side in this fight for climate justice. Our journey to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been one of resilience, determination, persistence and unwavering solidarity. And an incredible amount of hard work.

It needed a family, a global Vuvale.

How did it all start?

It all began with a small group of young law students in the Pacific now known as the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change who were fueled by a deep sense of duty to our people and our planet. Together with the Vanuatu government and a handful of civil society organizations, including Greenpeace, we dared to dream of holding the world’s largest polluters accountable for the devastating impacts of climate change on our beloved Pacific Islands and all nations being in vulnerable situations because of the climate emergency across the world.

We knew that our voices alone would not be enough to bring about the change we so desperately needed. So, we mobilised. We mobilised our communities, our youth, our elders, and our allies across the globe. From the bustling streets of New York to the remote atolls of Tuvalu, from the mountains of Papua New Guinea to the chaotic UNFCCC conferences, we marched hand in hand – chanting, singing, negotiating, and shouting for climate action. 

We sailed our Vaka (voyaging vessel) and canoes, guided by the inspiring leadership of the young students, to the United Nations General Assembly, carrying with us the hopes and dreams of millions who could not be there in person but were with us in deep mana (spirit). 

Together, we turned our Pacific Vaka into a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience just like our ancestors did when they sailed across continents and the expansive Pacific Ocean to build a future for the generations that will carry their legacy. A future grounded in the principles of love for the Vanua (land)  and the deepest connection to the Moana (ocean). 

We showed the world that the fight against climate change knows no boundaries and that we are all in this together, sailing towards a shared future of sustainability and harmony with nature. What started as a campaign of the Pacific is now a truly global movement.

For us, this was not just about our Pacific Vuvale. 

It was about the youth who did not have the opportunity to connect to their ancestral land because the spiritual soil had eroded away. 

It was about the families who have to pick the remaining bones of their loved ones from the shore as rising seas have uprooted graves and wiped away their dignified resting place. 

It was about the pregnant woman who travelled over 10 km to fetch water for her family as her nearby water sources were polluted by extractive industries and in the process losing both her life and her child. 

It was about the inspiring senior women who have taken their government to the European Court of Human Rights as heat waves have threatened their right to life.

This fight was for all of us.

Unveiling the Power of Evidence to Achieve Climate Justice

But our journey did not end there. We knew that to truly make a difference, we needed more than just marches and speeches. We needed evidence. Evidence that would speak louder than words and compel even the most powerful among us to listen.

So, we embarked on a mission to collect evidence from the most remote corners of our planet. Evidence that would move you to tears, to anger, to admiration, to love. All types of emotions are experienced through the most resilient human beings on earth. We listened to their stories of loss and resilience, of struggle and hope. And we knew that we could not rest until their stories were heard.

We gathered evidence to provide to States – all of the countries that were a part of this climate fight –  to help with their submissions as well as to create our own Greenpeace submission. Our submission included powerful stories from the Pacific, Philippines, Norway, Mexico, Southern Africa, Switzerland and the Caribbean and in due time we will share this with you as the lived realities of these powerful individuals and communities cannot live only in a submission, but must be seen by the entire world.

Australia Steps Up – Heading to the ICJ

And now, after months of tireless advocacy and relentless pressure on world governments, we have achieved a monumental victory. The Australian Government, led by Minister Penny Wong, has committed to submitting to the ICJ. This is a significant step forward, and we applaud Minister Wong and her government for taking this bold and necessary action for our global Vuvale.

But our work is far from over. We must ensure that our voices continue to be heard loud and clear. The Australian government has shown no indication of what is in the submission. We kindly ask the Australian Government to provide full transparency of the contents of their submission and to acknowledge their historical responsibilities and contributions to the climate crisis. We urge them to work closely, in genuine solidarity and kinship with the Pacific governments throughout this process, ensuring that our voices are at the forefront of the conversation. For this advisory opinion to truly protect the human rights of the current and future generations, Australia must be a true ally and a genuine supporter.

What’s next?

In the next phase, June 2024, States will have an opportunity to respond to other States’ submissions and you will find noticeable naysayers. But we will not be deterred. We will keep fighting. The oral hearings at the end of the year provide an opportunity to centre the voices of our communities on the ground, and we will not miss that opportunity.

As we await the next steps in this historic journey, let us remember the resilience and determination that brought us to this point. Let us take some time to acknowledge the incredible leadership of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, the Vanuatu Government and the proud people of the Pacific. Let us continue to stand together, united in our commitment to protecting our planet and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

It is time for our Vaka (vessel) to enter the gates of the world’s highest court and break down the walls of legal obstructions with love, compassion, resilience and the powerful energy of our people.

Thank you to each and every one of you for being a part of this extraordinary journey so far. And we cannot embark on the next phase without you. You will always have a cherished place on the Pacific Vaka. Together, we will win.

Loloma Levu (With the deepest love).

“The draft text is simply not good enough. World leaders can not say that they are listening to the science and committed to keeping 1.5 alive, but failing to commit to any firm action towards fossil fuel phase out.

“At COP28, we witness the grotesque theatre of nations like Saudi Arabia and the US clinging to fossil fuel interests and suffocating global progress toward a crucial phaseout. The desperation of millions facing cyclones, sinking nations and relentless suffering is dismissed in favour of bolstering the already bloated profits of the coal, oil and gas industries. 

“Securing a fossil fuel phase out is the first, second and third priority for Pasifika people. You have people negotiating a tweak to a paragraph or a single word in a text when our islands are literally sinking.

“This process is about us — this is about our people, Pacific Islanders, having to negotiate about the survival of our islands, survival of our cultures and survival of our people and climate vulnerable people across the world. Polluters, including Australia, have a moral and ethical responsibility both historically and currently to pay for the climate destruction they have caused.

“As a Pacific islander, and on behalf of Pasifika people, we demand that world leaders at this COP prioritise people and put aside short term thinking. We demand a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.

“Yet, amidst this bleak backdrop, flames of hope flicker. We will not give up our pursuit of climate justice. Despite the odds stacked against us, we stand unwavering, continuing the battle for a safe and sustainable future. Every day our calls for justice grow louder.”

—ENDS—

It was March this year, during a United Nations General Assembly, that 132 countries voted “yes” for Pacific Climate Justice. 

Specifically, these countries passed a motion proposed by the Vanuatu government, calling on the International Court of Justice to deliver an advisory opinion that confirms the devastating impacts of climate change on human rights..

In doing so, the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (or ICJ AO for short) would clarify the obligations owed by countries to protect the rights of both current  and future generations from climate change.

We know that strong and compelling evidence about the impacts that climate change is already having on communities across the world will play a key role in convincing the court to hand down a decisive and authoritative opinion. That’s why the Rainbow Warrior visited the Pacific earlier this year; to document the human rights impacts of climate change in this region. 

We sailed to Port Vila and Erromango in Vanuatu, then onwards to Tuvalu, followed by Suva, Kioa, and Rabi – all islands in Fiji. We were welcomed into the homes and hearts of countless people who most generously shared their experience of a changing climate and how it has  impacted on their human rights to their homes, their cultures, and their livelihoods. These stories will live on in our hearts, and amplify the strength of our upcoming submission to the International Court of Justice. Read on for some of these stories from the island of Pele – just one of the many places we visited whilst in the Pacific.

A farewell ceremony is a cultural protocol in the Pacific.

We walked with a local healer named Winnie, who recalled  the uses of the medicinal plants that have been lost due to climate change and shared the repercussions of this loss for her children when they fall ill.

We knelt with Sister Lizzie in a Pele graveyard and mourned after we learned that an additional 20 of the village’s ancestral graves had been swallowed by the sea since her last visit to the site which was a day before the twin cyclones Judy and Kevin hit the region in March this year.

Flora Vano, country manager for ActionAid Vanuatu has been helping communities face the dangers of a changing climate. She shared with us how when the twin cyclones came, communication with Erromango was down. Nobody answered her calls, leaving her to wonder if anyone on Erromango had survived at all. It was three days before Flora heard that there were no casualties, thanks to all the hard work that the women had done to fortify their communities beforehand. Watch her story in full with this video.

Women are not only disproportionately impacted by climate change, but are also often the first responders to climate disasters. Flora is advocating for the leadership of Indigenous women to be acknowledged as a powerful treasure in building climate resilience.

The ICJ AO’s potential to safeguard the human rights of frontline communities, current and future generations in the face of climate change, is why this work is of utmost importance to Greenpeace. Our mission to secure a strong Advisory Opinion is also something that we feel will strongly resonate with you, a legacy gift supporter, who has made a generous commitment to protect future generations through a gift in your Will.

From August 7-9, more than sixty civil society representatives from across the Pacific came together on the remote island of Kioa for a ‘talanoa’ or discussion as part of the next stage of the Kioa Climate Emergency Declaration.

Over two days, delegates discussed pressing climate issues facing Pacific communities, and progressing the design of a regional finance mechanism, the Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund.

Sepesa Rasili, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the dialogue highlighted the urgent need for global and regional solutions to the climate crisis.

“Pacific Island nations have been leading the way on a range of climate issues, from the establishment of a Loss and Damage fund at COP27, to calls for a moratorium on Deep Sea Mining, and the historic Pacific-led campaign for an advisory opinion on the human rights impacts of climate change from the International Court of Justice,” she said.

“The Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund is yet another example of Pacific Island leadership and an illustration to the rest of the world of what’s possible when civil society organisations and governments work together with the collective goal of climate justice.

“We are humbled to have been included in this process and remain committed to working alongside our allies in the Pacific and amplifying the demands they have developed in recognition of the unique challenges that the region is facing.

“Greenpeace Australia Pacific will continue to escalate key demands within the Kioa Declaration in recognition of Australia’s position as a global laggard on climate and a major contributor to the climate crisis — that means no new coal, oil and gas approvals and no more fossil fuel subsidies.

“We also call on Minister Penny Wong to make the strongest possible submission to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.”

The residents of Kioa island are descendents of Vaitupu in Tuvalu who began migrating to the Fijian island in the 1940’s. They identify as Tuvaluan, and speak and practise the unique language and culture of Tuvalu. Kioa is considered an example of a successful model for future climate migration, one which preserves culture and human dignity.

In his opening address to the conference, Guest of Honour the Hon. Seve Paeniu, the Tuvalu Minister for Finance and Climate Change, said high emitting countries must act to protect Pacific nations from rising seas as a matter of moral principle.

“The Pacific island countries contribute the least to the cause of climate change, and yet we do not only suffer the most damage in terms of the impacts of climate change, but we have to consequently bear the heaviest price in terms of cost of adaptation and mitigation,” he said.

“It is within this context that this Kato conference held in Kioa is very timely and visionary.”

The Kato Fund is seen as a powerful vehicle to amplify the unique challenges and solutions small Pacific communities face, and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the region.

The Rainbow Warrior leaves Kioa today for Rabi Island to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, before returning to Suva. The ship has been travelling across the Pacific since June, sailing around Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Fiji in solidarity with climate impacted communities and gathering testimonies of climate harm to present to the International Court of Justice.

—ENDS—

To arrange an interview please contact:

• Kate O’Callaghan in Fiji on +61 406 231 892 (WhatsApp/Signal) or kate.ocallaghan@greenpeace.org
• Kimberley Bernard in Australia on +61 407 581 404 (WhatsApp/Signal) or kbernard@greenpeace.org

From August 7-9, more than sixty civil society representatives from across the Pacific came together on the remote island of Kioa for a ‘talanoa’ or discussion as part of the next stage of the Kioa Climate Emergency Declaration.

Over two days, delegates discussed pressing climate issues facing Pacific communities, and progressing the design of a regional finance mechanism, the Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund.

Sepesa Rasili, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the dialogue highlighted the urgent need for global and regional solutions to the climate crisis.

“Pacific Island nations have been leading the way on a range of climate issues, from the establishment of a Loss and Damage fund at COP27, to calls for a moratorium on Deep Sea Mining, and the historic Pacific-led campaign for an advisory opinion on the human rights impacts of climate change from the International Court of Justice,” he said.

“The Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund is yet another example of Pacific Island leadership and an illustration to the rest of the world of what’s possible when civil society organisations and governments work together with the collective goal of climate justice.

“We are humbled to have been included in this process and remain committed to working alongside our allies in the Pacific and amplifying the demands they have developed in recognition of the unique challenges that the region is facing.

“Greenpeace Australia Pacific will continue to escalate key demands within the Kioa Declaration in recognition of Australia’s position as a global laggard on climate and a major contributor to the climate crisis — that means no new coal, oil and gas approvals and no more fossil fuel subsidies.

“We also call on Minister Penny Wong to make the strongest possible submission to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.”

The residents of Kioa island are descendents of Vaitupu in Tuvalu who began migrating to the Fijian island in the 1940’s. They identify as Tuvaluan, and speak and practise the unique language and culture of Tuvalu. Kioa is considered an example of a successful model for future climate migration, one which preserves culture and human dignity.

In his opening address to the conference, Guest of Honour the Hon. Seve Paeniu, the Tuvalu Minister for Finance and Climate Change, said high emitting countries must act to protect Pacific nations from rising seas as a matter of moral principle.

“The Pacific island countries contribute the least to the cause of climate change, and yet we do not only suffer the most damage in terms of the impacts of climate change, but we have to consequently bear the heaviest price in terms of cost of adaptation and mitigation,” he said.

“It is within this context that this Kato conference held in Kioa is very timely and visionary.”

The Kato Fund is seen as a powerful vehicle to amplify the unique challenges and solutions small Pacific communities face, and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the region.

The Rainbow Warrior leaves Kioa today for Rabi Island to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, before returning to Suva. The ship has been travelling across the Pacific since June, sailing around Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Fiji in solidarity with climate impacted communities and gathering testimonies of climate harm to present to the International Court of Justice.

For more information and a map of Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Ship Tour: greenpeace.org.au/act/pacific-campaign

—ENDS—

Understanding Pacific Voices for Climate Action

The Kioa Declaration is a landmark call for climate action, representing the collective voices of Pacific island nations. It emerged following a historic gathering of Pacific leaders, activists, and communities in Kioa Island, Fiji on 9 August 2023. The Declaration serves as a powerful demonstration of unity on the urgent need for climate action to protect the Pacific region and its people and culture from the devastating impacts of the climate crisis.

The Origin of the Kioa Declaration

The Kioa Declaration was born during a gathering of Pacific leaders and activists on the island of Kioa, Fiji. This island holds immense significance as a place where communities from Tuvalu sought refuge from rising sea levels and the immediate threat of climate impacts. Against the backdrop of this existential crisis faced by Pacific island nations, the leaders and communities united to amplify their call for climate justice and global climate action.

The Call for Climate Action

The Kioa Declaration is a powerful call for urgent climate action to safeguard the Pacific region and its people from the escalating impacts of climate change. It is a unified demand for:

• Stronger Commitments: Pacific island nations are calling on the international community to enhance their commitments to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as set out in the Paris Agreement.
• Climate Finance: The declaration highlights the critical need for increased financial support from developed nations to assist Pacific island nations in their adaptation and resilience-building efforts to confront the climate crisis.
• Loss and Damage Funding: recognising the adverse impacts already felt by Pacific communities, the Kioa Declaration demands dedicated funding mechanisms to address loss and damage caused by climate change.
• Renewable Energy Transition: The declaration emphasises the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, ensuring a sustainable and clean energy future for the Pacific.

The Significance of the Kioa Declaration

The Kioa Declaration carries immense significance in the fight for climate justice. It represents the collective voice of Pacific island nations that have long been at the forefront of climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions. This declaration is a call to action to the international community, and urges them to acknowledge and act upon their responsibility to support climate-vulnerable nations.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Commitment to the Pacific Islands

Greenpeace Australia Pacific stands in solidarity with the Pacific island nations and supports the development of the Kioa Declaration. As an environmental organisation committed to climate justice and safeguarding the planet, we echo the call for urgent and ambitious climate action. We advocate for no new coal and gas projects, a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, an end to fossil fuel subsidies, increased climate finance, and dedicated funding to address loss and damage. By amplifying the voices of Pacific communities, we strive to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific stands united with the Pacific Islands in advocating for a just and sustainable future for all, recognising that the fight against climate change requires global solidarity and immediate action.

Together, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific Island family in pursuit of climate justice and a safe future for generations to come.

Sharing Pacific Stories with the World

The Pacific region is no stranger to the impacts of climate change, with hundreds of communities bearing the brunt of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. Through the Rainbow Warrior tour, we aim to take these powerful stories to the global stage, ensuring that the world hears the voices of those most affected. By sharing these experiences, we will raise awareness and foster international solidarity in the fight against climate change.

The Goal of the Ship Tour

The Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior Pacific tour aligns with our historic campaign to seek a world first advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the world’s highest court. Recently, the campaign achieved a significant milestone by gaining consensus in the UN General Assembly. Now, as the campaign advances to The Hague, we are using the Rainbow Warrior as a vessel to spotlight and compile Pacific stories and deliver them directly to the ICJ as evidence. We hope that these powerful stories will contribute to a strong advisory opinion being handed down by the court that prioritises justice for frontline communities around the world .

A Journey of Inspiration

The seeds of the historic campaign were sown in the stories and experiences of the Pacific peoples. These stories have served as a profound source of inspiration, and now, they play a vital role in steering the campaign towards a momentous conclusion. The Rainbow Warrior serves not only as a ship but also as a symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity for the Pacific communities and the global climate justice movement.

The Itinerary: Exploring Climate-Impacted Islands

The Rainbow Warrior’s journey will take us to some of the most climate-impacted islands in the Pacific, where communities are facing the harsh realities of climate change. We will visit Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Fiji, and Kioa, witnessing firsthand the environmental challenges and exploring the innovative solutions these communities have devised to combat the crisis. By highlighting the origin of these global solutions in the Pacific, we seek to underscore the importance of supporting and implementing climate initiatives worldwide.

In Search of a Momentous Conclusion at the International Court of Justice

As the Rainbow Warrior sails across the Pacific, it carries not only the hopes and aspirations of Pacific communities but also the collective determination to secure climate justice for the entire planet. The stories shared during this tour will serve as a clarion call to the International Court of Justice, reminding them of the urgent need to take decisive action on climate change. We stand in solidarity with the Pacific, and call upon the International Court of Justice to deliver an advisory opinion that acknowledges the impact that climate change is having on fundamental human rights and provides a strengthened legal framework to protect them.

The Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior’s tour of the Pacific is not just a maritime journey; it is a voyage of advocacy,solidarity and urgency. As we engage with our Pasifika family on the frontlines of the climate crisis, we are committed to amplifying their voices and sharing their stories with the world. By bringing these stories to The Hague, we seek to propel the historic campaign for an advisory opinion on climate change to a momentous conclusion.

Together with Pasifika peoples and the global community, Greenpeace Australia Pacific will continue to fight for climate justice, to protect human rights, and to create an ecologically sustainable future for generations to come.

Join us on this transformative journey as we set sail to shape a better world.

Follow the Rainbow Warrior Pacific Tour

Let me introduce you to Tuvalu, a breathtaking atoll nation facing immense climate impacts. Home to approximately 11,000 people, many of its islands and islets stand just 2 metres above sea level, leaving them vulnerable to the rising tides.

This paradise is facing many grave challenges caused by climate change: land salinity, rising sea levels, droughts, extreme heat, cyclones, and coastal erosion are just some of the struggles they confront daily.

Despite these challenges, we’ve heard incredibly powerful stories about how climate change is impacting everyday lives and how Tuvaluans are standing up to protect and preserve their vibrant cultures, their lands, their languages and their communities.

We are even more determined than before to carry these stories of strength and realities of climate impacts with us to the world’s highest court as part of the historic Pasifika-led campaign for climate justice.

From the moment we arrived, the Tuvaluan community welcomed us with open arms and hearts. They prepared for weeks to showcase their vibrant culture, an important part of the Tuvaluan communal fabric that could be lost to climate change, and made us feel like an integral part of their kaiga (family).

Picture this: our beloved Rainbow Warrior, sailing gracefully through the vast Pacific Ocean, welcomed to Tuvalu with a breathtaking traditional Maululu ceremony. Canoes filled with people from different islands, singing hymns with harmonious melodies, guided our ship to dock. The feeling was indescribable – truly special!

Traditional paopao (canoes) escorted the arriving ship to shore, where those aboard were welcomed by the community of Tuvalu, civil society groups, and addressed by Representatives from the Government of Tuvalu including the Hon. Prime Minister Kausea Natano and the Hon. Minister for Finance and Climate Change Seve Paeniu. © Greenpeace / Sam Pedro

During our stay, we engaged in open boat sessions with communities, schools, and civil society organisations, learning from each other and celebrating the strength of Tuvalu’s culture and their global leadership fighting for climate justice. The activist training onboard the Rainbow Warrior was a beautiful exchange of knowledge and passion.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us. We ate together, danced together, laughed together, cried together, walked together, shared together and we will fight together to preserve and protect our Tuvalu and our Pacific.

Now, we set sail for Suva, Fiji, where our focus will be to collaborate with communities, amplify the demands of climate justice activists, and foster discussion, talanoa, action, and friendship.

Fakafetai Lasi (thank you very much) for your love and for walking with us on this journey.

Fetaui Tuvalu – we will see you again!

Alofa kae aava lasi kia koutou (much love and respect to you all)