Fiji, May 22 -- Alliance of Small Island States and climate advocates have welcomed the overwhelming United Nations General Assembly vote backing the International Court of Justice's climate ruling, calling it a major step for climate justice and global accountability.

The resolution, adopted by a strong majority of UN member states, follows the ICJ Advisory Opinion that found countries have legal obligations under international law to address climate change.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Belize's UN representative Janine Coye-Felson said the resolution marked a defining moment for international law and climate action.

"When future generations look back at this moment, they will ask whether we rose ...