By: Tommy Sidikie, Reporter
On December 5, 2024, in The Hague, Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, delivered significant submissions at two prominent international platforms: the Public Hearing on the Advisory Opinion on Climate Change before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
During the ICJ hearing, Tarawalley underscored Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change, citing the country’s geographic characteristics that expose it to coastal erosion, extreme weather events, and flooding. He referenced the tragic 2017 mudslides, which resulted in over 1,000 fatalities, as a stark example of the climate-related challenges facing the nation. The Attorney General emphasized the broader global economic implications of climate change, stressing its negative impacts on fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, and self-determination. He called for strengthened international obligations to combat climate change, expressing Sierra Leone’s hope that global climate action would help mitigate its effects on vulnerable nations.
Later, at the ICC’s 23rd session, Tarawalley praised the court’s role in promoting accountability for serious international crimes and commended the Review Mechanism for its efforts to enhance the court’s effectiveness. He advocated for continued engagement among state parties, the establishment of facilitation for victim issues, and ongoing collaboration to address challenges within the court.
In addition to his address, Tarawalley met with ICC Prosecutor Mr. Karim A. Khan K.C. to discuss the court’s functioning and Sierra Leone’s collaboration in combating impunity for international crimes. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the ICC’s work and adhering to international instruments such as the Rome Statute to advance international criminal justice.
Tarawalley also held productive discussions with ICC Registrar Osvold Zavala Giler, acknowledging the court’s resilience in fulfilling its duties despite numerous challenges.
