The Government of Sierra Leone has hailed a landmark advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that sets out the legal obligations of states to address climate change. The opinion, issued unanimously on July 23, 2025, was requested by the United Nations General Assembly and backed by a coalition of countries that included Sierra Leone.
The ICJ ruling affirms that all states are legally bound to take necessary measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It also clarifies that these obligations draw on international environmental law, human rights law, and the law of the sea, and must be guided by the best available scientific evidence.
Sierra Leone, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations despite contributing minimally to global emissions, played an active role in championing the request. Coastal areas in the country are already facing sea-level rise, erosion, declining fisheries, and food insecurity. Projections warn that without urgent action, the nation could lose 264 square kilometres of its coastline by 2050.
While Sierra Leone has adopted national climate adaptation and mitigation plans, officials stress that fair global implementation is essential, with developed countries taking the lead in emissions reduction and providing financial, technical, and capacity-building support to vulnerable states.
The government also welcomed the court’s recognition of states’ rights and responsibilities to regulate harmful activities by private actors, calling it a step towards sustainable investment and development.
Sierra Leone’s legal team in the ICJ proceedings was led by then Attorney-General Mohamed Lamin Tarawally, with Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh serving as counsel and advocate. The effort received support from the Open Society Justice Initiative, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and the Center for International Law and Policy in Africa.
