The firm advised Timor-Leste, Tonga and the Solomon Islands on the watershed matter
DLA Piper has provided pro bono legal assistance to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Solomon Islands as they prepare their first written statements for the climate change advisory opinion before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The advisory opinion was requested by the UN General Assembly by consensus. The opinion covers the obligations of states under international law to protect the climate system from the harmful impact of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The ICJ was also requested to look into the legal consequences for states that have damaged the climate considerably.
"These proceedings are likely to be the largest representation of small island states comprehensively outlining for the first time, individually and collectively, the much-needed actions and priorities to address the challenges of climate change", DLA Piper partner Gitanjali Bajaj said.
International head of responsible business Claire Donse explained the firm’s decision to assist pro bono.
“Small island developing states are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, yet often lack the resources to fully participate in global proceedings of this kind. By taking these cases on a pro bono basis, we help give those states most vulnerable to climate risk an opportunity to effectively participate, share their perspectives from the frontlines of climate change, and to call for measures which protect the most vulnerable”, she said.
After the submission of the initial written statements, states are now encouraged to submit written responses to others' submissions by 24 June. Oral hearings are set to be held in late 2024 or early 2025.
The multijurisdictional DLA Piper team on this matter consisted of the following:
Bajaj - partner, Sydney
Donse - partner, London
Stephen Webb - partner, Brisbane
Cate Martin - pro bono director, Sydney
Claire Robertson - solicitor, Brisbane
Milly Thomas - associate, London
Austyn Campbell - solicitor, Sydney
Nick Cubit - solicitor, Brisbane
Riley Arthur - solicitor, Brisbane
Eran Sthoeger Esq. - counsel for Timor-Leste
Monica Feria-Tinta - counsel for Tonga
Harj Narulla - counsel for Solomon Islands
John Ridgway, Dirk Heinz, Damian Kelly, and other members of the Pacific Legal Network also pitched in on Solomon Islands-related aspects.
These proceedings are in line with the climate change advisory opinion before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea regarding state obligations to shield the marine environment from climate change effects. DLA Piper also advised Timor-Leste in this matter.
