Side Event at EMRIP 2026

July 10, 2026
EMRIP side event

International Courts' Advisory Opinions on Climate and Indigenous Peoples: From Legal Clarification to Practical Advocacy Pathways

The Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program at the University of Arizona is pleased to co-organize a side event during the 19th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva.

This event will explore how the recent advisory opinions issued by international courts—including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)—are shaping the protection of Indigenous Peoples' rights in the context of climate change. Bringing together experts from international organizations, civil society, academia, and Indigenous leadership, the discussion will examine how these landmark legal developments can be translated into practical advocacy strategies to strengthen Indigenous Peoples' rights and environmental justice.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m. (Geneva time)
Location: Room VII, Building A, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
Interpretation: English and Spanish

Speakers

  • H.E. Sylvain Kalsakau, Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
  • Luisa Castaneda-Quintana, Executive Director, Land is Life
  • Joie Chowdhury, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
  • Elisa Marchi, Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program, University of Arizona
  • Gam Shimray, Member, Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)

Moderator: Ghazali Ohorella, Alifuru Council

This side event is organized by Land is Life, the Global Indigenous Peoples Organization (GIPO), the Saniri Alifuru, the Alifuru Council, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), the University of Arizona Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program, and the University of Arizona Human Rights Practice Program.

We look forward to engaging with participants on how recent international jurisprudence can support more effective advocacy and accountability for Indigenous Peoples' rights in the face of the climate crisis.