António Guterres // Foto mojidelano.com
The initiative was put forward by Vanuatu and received wide support: 141 countries voted in favor, meduza writes. Eight countries were against, including the United States, Russia, Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, as well as Liberia and Yemen.
Washington criticized the document. US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Tammy Bruce said the text contained “unacceptable political demands” related to fossil fuel divestment. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. administration had earlier attempted to persuade other states to pressure Vanuatu to withdraw the resolution.
Some countries abstained from voting. Among them are participants in the COP31 climate talks, including India and Turkey, as well as key oil-producing economies such as Qatar and Nigeria.
Although the decisions of the UN International Court of Justice are not binding, experts note that its position is already beginning to be used in climate litigation and is influencing the formation of legal practice in different countries.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres supported the adoption of the resolution, saying that it reflects the principles of international law and climate justice, and emphasizes the uneven impact of the climate crisis, with the most vulnerable states suffering the greatest losses.
