The news is an inexhaustible source of exciting information. Every day, many topics attract public interest and attention. Whether it’s politics, economics, culture, sport or the environment, there is always something to say, analyze or debate.
Today we look at a current topic concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its participation in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). President Félix Tshisekedi recently reminded the government that the phase of oral presentations on the case relating to the request for an advisory opinion submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law would soon be opened. This initiative aims to determine the specific obligations of States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea with regard to the prevention, reduction and control of marine pollution linked to climate change.
President Tshisekedi underlined the importance for the DRC to play an active role in this matter and to assert its status as a solution country in the fight against climate change. He stressed the need for the country to fully participate in the ITLOS hearings and called on the government to take all necessary steps to ensure this participation.
ITLOS is an independent judicial body established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is competent to deal with disputes relating to the interpretation and application of this convention, as well as any other agreement conferring on it skill. Disputes may concern the delimitation of maritime zones, navigation, conservation of marine living resources, protection of the marine environment and marine scientific research.
The DRC, by submitting its written observations on time, shows its commitment to actively participate in this matter. This also demonstrates the country’s desire to assert its voice in decisions that concern its future and the major issue of climate change.
This participation in ITLOS is an opportunity for the DRC to highlight its actions and initiatives in the prevention and reduction of marine pollution. As a country with rich marine biodiversity and significant natural resources, the DRC has a crucial role to play in preserving the marine environment and promoting climate justice.
The Congolese government, under the leadership of President Tshisekedi, will therefore have to ensure that the DRC is represented effectively and competently during these oral pleadings. It is an opportunity to defend the country’s interests, but also to contribute to the search for viable solutions to combat the effects of climate change..
In conclusion, the DRC’s participation in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the issue of climate change and international law is a positive sign of the country’s commitment to the fight against this scourge. It is also an opportunity for the DRC to assert its status as a solution country and to make its voice heard in decisions that affect its future. There is no doubt that this participation will be an important moment in the fight for the preservation of the marine environment and for climate justice.