ITUC supports climate justice at International Court of Justice hearings

Just a week after COP29 concluded in Azerbaijan, the ITUC is closely monitoring proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) aimed at clarifying the responsibilities of states under international law to address the climate crisis.

The hearings were requested by the UN General Assembly on 29 March 2023.

The ITUC, in collaboration with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), has contributed to these historical proceedings with a written statement. The statement highlights the importance of Just Transition and decent work, concepts rooted in international labour law, in shaping states’ obligations related to climate action.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle stated: “Climate change is not just an environmental challenge; it is a profound social and economic crisis. A Just Transition, ensuring decent work and fairness, must be at the heart of international climate obligations. This is a chance to put workers and communities at the forefront of climate solutions.”

Public hearings will take place from 2 to 13 December 2024, with the ICJ opinion expected in 2025. The outcome is likely to shape future interpretations of state responsibilities by national and regional courts, the resolution of current and future climate-related cases and will guide global climate strategies.