On December 5, 2024, in The Hague, Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, delivered impactful submissions at two significant 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).
At the ICJ hearing, Tarawalley emphasized Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change, citing the country’s geographic makeup which exposes it to coastal erosion, extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and torrential rains, and the persistent threat of flooding
He referenced the devastating 2017 mudslides, which claimed over 1,000 lives, as a poignant example of the climate-related challenges facing the nation. He also highlighted the broader global economic implications of climate change, stressing its adverse impact on fundamental human rights, including the right to life, health, food, water, and self-determination.
Tarawalley called for strengthened international obligations to address climate change and expressed Sierra Leone’s hope that global climate action would play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change on vulnerable nations.
Later, at the ICC’s 23rd session, the AG commended the court’s role in advancing accountability for serious international crimes. He praised the significant steps taken by the Review Mechanism to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the ICC. Tarawalley also advocated for continued engagement among state parties, the establishment of facilitation for victim issues, and ongoing collaboration to address evolving challenges within the court.
In addition to his address, the AG met with ICC Prosecutor Mr. Karim A. Khan K.C. for an in-depth discussion on the functioning of the court and Sierra Leone’s ongoing collaboration in combating impunity for international crimes. Tarawalley reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the ICC’s work and complying with international instruments such as the Rome Statute to advance international criminal justice.
Tarawalley also had productive talks with ICC Registrar Osvold Zavala Giler, where he acknowledged the court’s resilience despite numerous challenges in fulfilling its duties.
