Ambassador Bazard and COSIS Delegation Arrive for Historic ITLOS Advisory Opinion Reading

Embassy of The Bahamas, Brussels
Brussels, Belgium
20 May 2024

Press Release

Representatives from COSIS and legal experts have gathered in Hamburg for the historic reading of the Advisory Opinion in Case No. 31 by ITLOS, addressing critical climate change and ocean governance issues for small island states.

Representatives from the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS), along with legal counsels and scientific experts, have gathered to attend the historic reading of the Advisory Opinion in Case No. 31 by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The Advisory Opinion will address critical legal questions surrounding the rights and responsibilities of nations in the context of climate change and ocean governance.

In a show of solidarity, the High Commissioner of Tuvalu to Fiji, H.E. Dr. Eselealofa Apinelu, extended a warm welcome with Tuvaluan hospitality. Tuvalu, alongside Antigua and Barbuda, signed the foundational agreement for the establishment of COSIS, reinforcing their dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by small island states due to climate change.

This gathering in Hamburg underscores the collaborative efforts of COSIS member states to seek justice and sustainable solutions through international law. The outcomes of this Advisory Opinion are eagerly awaited as they will potentially shape the future of climate action and legal frameworks for small island nations worldwide.


About The Embassy, Belgium: The Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Kingdom of Belgium and Mission to the European Union serves to enhance both bilateral and multilateral relations with the European Union, the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Community of Latin and Caribbean Countries (CELAC) as well as other organisations and is an active participant in the Caribbean Group of Embassies in Brussels. We invite you to contact us and experience why it’s “better in The Bahamas”.

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