ICJ advisory opinion will bear moral weight for nations: Adviser Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the recent advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate finance, while not legally binding, establishes a moral obligation for responsible states to act.

She made the remarks at a roundtable discussion held on Saturday at the Department of Environment in the capital's Agargaon.

The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Department of Environment, said a media release.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the special significance of the ICJ's opinion, creating a moral obligation that pressures states to meet their climate responsibilities.

"It has created moral pressure on high-emitting states." 

She said the court's reaffirmation of the 1.5°C temperature limit and stressed the urgency to phase out fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy.

She also said that the future generations will be the most impacted, and we cannot ignore this rule on their behalf.

Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) said the ICJ's opinion is not just about international obligations. It brings domestic climate justice to the forefront.

"All ministries, from Planning to Finance, must now integrate a climate and vulnerability lens into their work. The opinion provides a strong basis to push for accountability, both globally and within our own systems."

She mentioned it as a wake-up call to strengthen institutions and ensure no one is left behind.

"We invite NGOs and civil society to continue engaging with us in shaping an inclusive and just climate future," she added.

The event was co-organised by Friendship, Centre for Climate Justice-Bangladesh (CCJ-B), BRAC and Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD).

Environmental lawyer Adv M Hafijul Islam Khan delivered the keynote presentation at the event.

He said the ICJ's opinion makes it clear, "climate action is no longer discretionary but a binding legal obligation."

Legal counsel to Bangladesh at the ICJ, Professor Payam Akhavan, described the opinion as a turning point that transforms climate negotiations from voluntary commitments into enforceable legal duties. He urged Bangladesh to use international law to amplify its calls for climate finance, compensation, and accountability.

Prof Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, professor of the University of Cambridge, emphasised the importance of collaborative initiatives, highlighting the partnership between the Government of Bangladesh and the University of Cambridge, which includes scholarships for online courses.

Youth climate activist Sohanur Rahman said, "Following the ICJ's advisory opinion, Bangladesh must enact a strong climate law to ensure equity in NDCs, protect vulnerable communities, and guarantee justice for future generations."

On 23 July, the ICJ delivered this landmark advisory opinion from The Hague, addressing climate finance, compensation, and adaptation.

The court warned that failure to provide compensation for climate damages could expose responsible states to legal action.

This followed the 29 March 2023 resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which unanimously requested the ICJ to provide its advisory opinion.

Bangladesh was among the 18 core countries that led the initiative and helped draft the legal questions considered by the court.