JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
29 November 2024
Tshwane, South Africa – In a powerful call to action, children and youth across South Africa are urging the government to advocate for their climate rights at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). As the ICJ prepares to issue an advisory opinion on states’ obligations in respect of climate change under international law, young South Africans are demanding that their voices be heard and their rights protected.
On Monday, December 2, the South African government will present its position at the ICJ. However, there are currently no plans to include the perspectives of children and youth, who are among the most affected by climate change. This omission has prompted a coalition of child and youth groups, including Black Girls Rising, the African Climate Alliance (ACA), Save the Children SA Child Human Rights Defenders, Web Rangers, and the Presidential Climate Commission Youth Leaders Caucus, to speak out.
Key Points of the Call:
- Demand for Inclusion: The coalition insists that the South African government include the rights and perspectives of children and youth in its speech to the ICJ. This includes highlighting the specific vulnerabilities and contributions of young people in the fight against climate change.
- Climate Crisis as an African Child Crisis: Africa, particularly its children and youth, is disproportionately affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, water shortages, and increased disease are just some of the challenges faced by young Africans.
- Impact on Future Generations: The advisory opinion from the ICJ will shape international child and human rights in the context of climate change. Current children and youth, as well as future generations, will bear the brunt of climate impacts and must be considered in these decisions.
Find the full call HERE.
Quotes:
Yola (16) and Anelisa (14) on behalf of Black Girls Rising said:
“Children like us from communities like ours are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Our voices carry the weight of lived experience, and we deserve to be heard at the world court. It’s not just about our future—it’s about justice today. Prioritising our voices means prioritising the truth.”
According to the SCSA Child Human Rights Defenders:
“Climate change has a devastating impact on children in Africa, affecting their economic stability, mental wellbeing, and future prospects.”
“Countries must have legislation in place to specifically protect children from climate change and its effects on them. The legislation must be child-friendly to ensure that the children can understand them.”
Motheo from Web Rangers hopes that “children around the world can learn about mis- and disinformation in terms of climate change.”.
Mbali Baduza, Youth Commissioner at the Presidential Climate Commission, said:
“As young people, we are inheriting a world in poly-crisis and a society consistently disempowered to manage and even avert them. The climate crisis has no patience or reverence for the follies of human error and inaction. And as the youth, neither do we. We are prepared to fight against global warming and protect the human rights of both present and future generations.”
Sibusiso Mazomba, Campaigner at African Climate Alliance:
“Children and youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the voices of today. South Africa cannot stand before the world court and overlook its children and youth, who are already bearing the brunt of climate change. Our rights, our future, and our voices must be part of the conversation. Ignoring us is not an option.”
About the coalition:
This initiative is supported by a diverse group of organisations dedicated to child rights and climate justice. The Centre for Child Law, Save the Children South Africa, the PCC Youth Commissioners, the PCC Youth Leaders Caucus, Black Girls Rising, and the African Climate Alliance are united in their mission to ensure that the voices of children and young people are included in critical climate discussions.
Contact Information:
For more information, please contact:
- Centre for Child Law: Liesl Muller at liesl.muller@up.ac.za / 012 420 4502
- Save the Children SA: Kgomomtso Papo at 073 638 9232 / Megan Briede at 072 647 4597
- Black Girls Rising: Siya Nyunu at info@blackgirlsrising.org.za / (021) 771 0556
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