Iran delivers advisory opinion on climate change at The Hague
The Director General of International Legal Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry Seyed Ali Mousavi representing the Islamic Republic of Iran presented the country’s advisory opinion during hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the obligations of states on climate change.
The Director General of International Legal Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Seyed Ali Mousavi, representing the Islamic Republic of Iran, presented the country’s advisory opinion during hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the obligations of states on climate change.
In his statements during the ICJ hearings for issuing an advisory opinion on obligations of states regarding climate change, Mousavi noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran has not been exempt from the costs imposed by climate change on the world.
He stated, “The nature, scope, and consequences of climate change, especially in light of the distinction between developing and developed countries, directly relate to the inclusion and level of states' obligations.”
The Iranian representative highlighted the interconnectedness of all states' obligations on climate change in the context of relevant documents and emphasized respect for national sovereignty of countries.
Mousavi added, “The principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, equity, and international cooperation are appropriate bases for any interpretation of these obligations.”
He further stated that developed countries, which have played a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions during their development, are obliged to meet their commitments to technology transfer, financial support, and capacity building. Any action to prevent the provision of such aid would violate states' commitments under climate change conventions.
The Iranian representative also emphasized the illegality of unilateral coercive measures, stressing that such actions by developed countries are contrary to their obligations under the climate change legal regime and hinder the fulfillment of the obligations of states related to climate change.
The ICJ hearings for the advisory opinion on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change commenced on December 3, 2024, and will continue until December 14, 2024.
During the hearings, over 100 states and international organizations will deliver their statements.
The Islamic Republic of Iran, besides submitting written statements and opinions in two stages, has also presented its oral statement in this case.