The Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA) has criticized the Government of The Gambia for abstaining from a landmark United Nations General Assembly vote endorsing the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate change and human rights.

The environmental advocacy group described the government’s decision as “an abandonment” of vulnerable Gambians already facing the effects of climate change.

The resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly, received support from 141 countries, while only eight voted against it and 28, including The Gambia, abstained.

According to GEA, the advisory opinion reinforces states’ legal obligations to prevent environmental harm and take urgent action on climate change while protecting the rights of present and future generations.

The alliance argued that The Gambia, as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, should have supported the resolution instead of remaining silent.

“As Secretary General of the Gambia Environmental Alliance, I say plainly: this abstention is not a diplomatic nuance. It is an abandonment of the very people this government is sworn to protect,” the statement read.

GEA highlighted several climate-related challenges facing the country, including coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, declining agricultural productivity, and threats to fishing communities.

The organization said communities in areas such as Gunjur, Kartong, and Barra are already experiencing displacement linked to climate change.

Rejecting suggestions that The Gambia’s position reflected a wider African stance, GEA noted that several African countries actively supported the resolution, while others participated in the drafting process and submissions before the ICJ.

The alliance further demanded answers from the government regarding who authorized the abstention, the reasons behind the decision, and whether Cabinet or the National Assembly was consulted.

GEA also called on the government to publicly clarify its position on climate justice and commit to defending Gambians’ interests in future international climate negotiations.

The organization urged civil society groups, the media, and the public to demand accountability over what it described as a critical national issue affecting present and future generations.

By Adama Makasuba