Country: World Source: Save the Children LONDON/GENEVA, 20 May 2026 - The UN General Assembly will vote today on a landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that outlines governments have legal obligations to combat climate change, a long awaited move that could help to protect children’s futures, Save the Children said. The world’s top court ruled last year that states were obliged to tackle climate change under international law, and failing to do so would pave the way for ‘reparations’ to vulnerable countries. The ICJ explicitly recognised that climate change profoundly impacts human rights, specifically the fundamental rights of children to health, education, and safety. Matilde Angeltveit, Senior Advisor and Global Climate Advocacy Lead, Save the Children, said: ‘Climate action is not just about managing global risk; it is a legal responsibility we have to the world’s children and future generations. The ICJ Advisory on climate change was clear: countries have a legal obligation to protect the climate from greenhouse gas emissions and countries must pursue the highest possible ambition to keep global warming within 1.5°C. ‘Save the Children calls on members states to support the adoption of the resolution as a powerful signal to the world and as a promise to our children that world leaders are listening to young people and they are committed to taking action to advance intergenerational justice and equity.’ ENDS ************************** For further enquiries please contact: Amy Lefevre, Global Media Manager: [email protected] Global Media Unit, [email protected] Our media out of hours (GMT) contact is [email protected] / +44(0)7831 650409