African children have a rare opportunity to shape how the law responds to the climate crisis. As the African Court considers a landmark advisory opinion, a key question arises: what do States owe children—and how can young people make their voices heard in the process?

This blog post was written by PhD researcher Liesl Muller.

Prof Aoife Daly outlines the aims and methods of this exciting project on children’s leadership on human rights in the climate crisis and reflects on how it has been implemented so far through creative workshops and research with children and young people across several countries.

As the Young Advisory Team (2024-2025) wraps up, Child/Youth Participation Advisor Katie Reid reflects on the various types of climate leadership children and young people are demonstrating around the world.

YCJ Young Advisor Thube shares her experience after attending a conference for children and youth on children's rights and climate justice hosted by the Centre for Child Law, University of Pretoria and the Youth Climate Justice project at University College Cork. 

Climate Activists, Scholars and Others in Ireland Publish 'Global Youth Protest, Climate and Education' Edited By Jennifer Lauren.

One of the YCJ Young Advisor's shares an impactful blog about the injustices that aren't spoken about enough, and the unfair impact of conflict zones and climate change on those who do not even contribute— children.

YCJ Young Advisor, Aitzaz, is from one of the most climate-affected regions in Pakistan, facing devastating floods, droughts and heatwaves. He shares about his first-hand experience of the 2022 floods and the impact the climate crisis has on girls' education. 

On Wednesday 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice delivered its long-awaited Advisory Opinion on climate justice and specifically recognised that climate change threatens children's right to life, right to health and a healthy environment and the right to non-discrimination. 

Young climate activist, Niamh Purcell, has recently published a book called ‘Being the Solution’ about her journey as an activist and includes both educational and empowering components to encourage children and young people to see the true leaders that they can be!  

Niamh Purcell, young climate activist, reflects on children's right to participation under the UNCRC.

Prof Aoife Daly and PhD Researched Liesl Muller reflect on legal cases taken by young activists are provoking policies that might just do enough to mitigate the climate crisis. This article was published first on RTE. 

Emilia, member of our Young Advisory Team, reflects on her journey as climate activist and litigator in a climate lawsuit against the Peruvian State.

Omar, one of our Young Advisors, reflects on his experience participating online at COP28 and proposes actions to enhance child and youth participation at future summits.

At 12 years old, Alana, young Kenyan climate advocate and member of our Young Advisory Team, takes on her second COP and shares insights, tips and inspiring words for young people to remind them they belong in these types of spaces.  

Young Advisor, Agastya, is from Delhi, India and is experiencing first-hand the effects of climate change. He shares insights on climate adaptation and mitigation policies in India and how youth are an integral part of climate action! 

On 12 December 2024, the Youth Climate Justice project was a key feature of a statement given by Katie Reid, our Child and Youth Participation Advisor, about children’s participation in environmental decision-making to the United Nations’ Aarhus Convention Task Force on Public Participation in Decision-making in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

Young Advisor, Omar, shares his worries about worsening climate change and his passion for defending children's rights through his experience as a member of the Moroccan Children's Parliament. 

Sumaya Mohammed is a law student at UCC, an experienced climate advocate, and a valued member of the Youth Climate Justice project’s Advisory Board. In a recent interview for RTÉ Radio 1, she spoke about her participation at COP29. She recounted her experience at this annual summit and her journey in climate activism, offering a thorough-provoking commentary on the challenges and opportunities young people face in global climate negotiations.  

The young people in South Africa have been busy! PhD Researcher and Child Rights Lawyer, Liesl Muller, gives an insightful overview of the 3 child/youth-led climate cases that the South African courts are currently grappling. 

Meet Aitzaz!  One of Young Advisors for the Youth Climate Justice project who dedicates his time to climate action and community development in Pakistan.

After nearly a decade of campaigning by many children, young people and adults, Scotland incorporates the children's rights in law through the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.

Youth plaintiffs in the Navahine v. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation constitutional climate suit announce and celebrate a groundbreaking agreement resolving the case.

Prof Aoife Daly publishes article on the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights regarding intergenerational climate cases and shares insights on what this means for international human rights law and climate justice. 

Inter-American Court of Human Rights holds Peru accountable for violating children's rights due to pollution from La Oroya Metallurgical Complex. Ruling emphasizes state's duty to protect children from environmental harm and sets precedent for prioritizing their rights in policymaking. Landmark decision underscores intersection of children's rights and environmental justice.