Eight Torres Strait Islanders are charting unprecedented legal territory in a bid to preserve their right to their culture and the land.
The group wants the Australian government to take stronger action in reducing emissions and support communities through sustained investment in long-term adaptation measures.
Communities in the Torres Strait Islands are facing coastal inundation as it continues to contaminate the water supply and destroy crops. Data shows that sea levels in the strait are rising at a rate double the global average.
The Federal government says it is confident its climate change policies are consistent with international human rights obligations.