21/05/2026
FoCEJ align itself with Gambia Environmental Alliance in Welcoming Clarification on The Gambia's Abstention in the UN General Assembly Vote Concerning the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States.
Foundation for Climate and Environmental Justice joins the Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA) in taking note of The Gambia's abstention during the recent United Nations General Assembly vote concerning the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in relation to climate change and environmental protection.
FoCEJ recognizes that abstention is a legitimate position within international diplomacy and that States may be guided by a range of legal, policy, and strategic considerations when casting their votes on matters before the international community.
For FoCEJ, the central issue is not whether 141 countries voted in favour, 8 voted against, or 28 abstained. Rather, it is understanding the position adopted by our own nation on a matter that has profound implications for climate-vulnerable countries such as The Gambia. As citizens and stakeholders in the country's environmental future, it is both reasonable and important to understand the considerations that informed our national position.
In this regard, FoCEJ respectfully joins GEA in welcoming any clarification that the Government of The Gambia may wish to provide concerning its abstention. Such clarification would contribute to informed public discourse, strengthen public understanding of The Gambia's engagement in international climate governance, and foster greater transparency on issues that directly affect present and future generations.
At a time when Gambian communities continue to face coastal erosion, flooding, pollution, heat stress, changing weather patterns, biodiversity loss, and other climate-related challenges, meaningful national dialogue on international climate processes remains essential. Understanding our country's position enables citizens, civil society, and policymakers alike to engage more effectively in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.
FoCEJ is calling on GEA and the Youth Climate Council to lead a dialogue between CSOs and authorities concern to better understand and get clarification.
Green-Up Gambia Ministry of Environment-MECCNAR Youth Climate Council Gambia Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services - The Gambia Attorney General's Chambers & Ministry of Justice ,the Gambia Ministry of Foreign Affairs-The Gambia National Environment Agency Gambia The Gambia National Assembly
