The submission, filed on 30 March, responds to a request for an advisory opinion initiated by the Pan African Lawyers Union. It focuses on the legal responsibilities of African states to prevent climate-related harm and to regulate both public and private financial flows that support fossil fuel production. This initiative follows and builds on the landmark Advisory Opinion of International Court of Justice on the obligation of states with respect to climate change, issued in July 2025.
In its submission, the South African Council of Churches argues that the rights to life, health, and a satisfactory environment—enshrined in the African Charter—are directly threatened by continued investment in fossil fuels. It contends that states have both positive and negative obligations to ensure that financial systems under their authority, including national institutions and private actors, do not contribute to environmental harm.
The South African Council of Churches also highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on African communities. Drawing on recent experiences of floods, droughts, and displacement across southern Africa, the submission underscores the impact on vulnerable communities, the key role of churches in responding to climate disasters, and the urgent need for legal clarity and accountability mechanisms that reflect the lived realities of affected populations.
In particular, the South African Council of Churches calls on states to exercise due diligence in their participation in multilateral financial institutions and to align investment decisions with pathways consistent with limiting global warming. It further urges governments to adopt regulatory measures to limit private financing of fossil fuels and to promote a transition toward sustainable energy systems.
Rev. Mzwandile Molo, general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, said the submission reflects the churches’ commitment to speak to issues of justice and human dignity in the face of the climate crisis. “The voices of communities already experiencing the impacts of climate change must not only be heard but must be taken seriously in shaping legal and policy responses,” said Molo. “This can be a landmark moment in climate justice for Africa, if the unique perspective of faith-based organisations committed to social, climate, and environmental justice is embraced as a legitimate voice in shaping our common future.”
The South African Council of Churches describes the advisory proceedings as a significant opportunity for the African court to clarify the scope of states’ obligations in addressing climate change within a human rights framework.
The submission was made through the WCC initiative “Hope for Children through Climate Justice,” supporting churches in seeking accountability for decisions that fuel the root causes of the climate emergency, and paving the way for a brighter future.
Churches and partners who would like to join this project are invited to send a note to [email protected].
Learn more about Churches’ Commitments to Children and Climate-Responsible Banking