THE United Nations has found Australia’s failure to protect Torres Strait Islanders against the impacts of climate change violated their right to enjoy their culture. 

The decision, by the UN’s human rights committee, follows a 2019 complaint by eight Australian nationals and six of their children from four small, low-lying islands. 

The inhabitants of Boigu, Poruma, Warraber and Masig claimed their rights were violated when the former Morrison government failed to adapt to upgrade seawalls on the islands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“The committee has created a pathway for individuals to assert claims where national systems have failed to take appropriate measures to protect those most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of their human rights,” committee member Hélène Tigroudja said. 

The Islanders claimed changes in weather patterns have had direct harmful consequences on their livelihood, culture and their traditional way of…