Johannesburg: South Africa has explained its decision to abstain from voting on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution regarding the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the obligations of states concerning climate change. The government clarified that the move was aimed at defending the integrity of the global climate framework.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issued an explanatory note indicating that the abstention should not be seen as a withdrawal from the country's climate commitments. The statement from DIRCO emphasized that the abstention was a reflection of South Africa's principled defense of the established global climate framework.
The department highlighted that South Africa was actively involved in the ICJ proceedings and welcomed the historic July 2025 Advisory Opinion on climate change obligations. DIRCO mentioned that the country had submitted comprehensive written and oral statements to the International Court of Justice.
DIRCO stated that South Africa consistently argued for understanding climate change as a challenge closely linked to sustainable development and historical emissions. The department emphasized that developed nations bear the primary historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.
South Africa also engaged constructively during negotiations on Resolution A/80/L.65 and suggested amendments for a more balanced outcome. However, the government expressed concern that the final text selectively interpreted the ICJ advisory opinion and did not properly reflect the core principles of international climate agreements.
DIRCO argued that the resolution weakened the principle of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), which acknowledges that developed countries have greater historical responsibility for climate change. The department also criticized the resolution for not adequately recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on African countries.
The department noted that while Africa contributes a small share of global emissions, the continent faces severe climate-related challenges. DIRCO asserted that South Africa's abstention was intended to ensure future multilateral processes remain aligned with principles negotiated under the UN climate framework, maintaining the balance of equity and differentiated responsibility.