A youth-led student group from the University of the South Pacific (USP) and a human-rights lawyer were awarded the Right Livelihood prize on Wednesday, known as an “alternative Nobel,” in recognition of their groundbreaking efforts to bring climate change issues before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This prestigious award also honored other notable humanitarian initiatives, including Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, a Burmese anti-corruption group, and a Taiwanese advocate for digital democracy.
The Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), composed of 27 law students from Vanuatu, took the initiative in 2019 to address climate change by advocating for its recognition as a matter of legal rights. Their campaign led to a historic advisory opinion from the ICJ earlier this year, which affirmed that states have legal obligations to combat climate change. Although advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant political and legal weight, establishing a framework for accountability in climate action.
The award jury commended PISFCC for their efforts, stating they effectively brought the critical issue of climate justice to the world’s highest court. Vishal Prasad, the director of PISFCC, highlighted the urgent existential threat posed by climate change, particularly for Pacific island nations that are experiencing rising sea levels and increased weather extremes.
Alongside the student group, Julian Aguon, a human-rights lawyer from Guam and a key architect of the legal strategy for the case, also shared in the tribute. The recognition of these two entities points to a growing acknowledgment of the role youth and legal advocacy play in the fight against climate change.
In a broader context, the Right Livelihood Foundation’s acknowledgment of groups in Sudan and Myanmar highlights a global movement for justice and ethical governance. In Sudan, Emergency Response Rooms were lauded for their critical humanitarian work amid ongoing civil unrest. Justice For Myanmar (JFM) has been recognized for their efforts to expose corporate complicity in supporting the military junta, reflecting a commitment to transparency and justice.
The prize exemplifies a hopeful narrative that advocates for the vulnerable are making strides in promoting human rights and environmental accountability. With these recognitions, there is a unified global call to action, emphasizing the need for significant change in how nations address their environmental responsibilities.