World News
Vanuatu applies to ICJ over disputed Pacific islands held by France
The World Court stated it cannot take action on Matthew and Hunter islands unless Paris agrees to jurisdiction.
The short version
- Vanuatu filed an application with the International Court of Justice seeking sovereignty over Matthew and Hunter islands.
- The uninhabited volcanic islands are currently controlled by France, which has not recognized compulsory ICJ jurisdiction for the dispute.
- The proceeding remains paused until France decides whether to consent to the court hearing the case.
Key facts
- Vanuatu submitted an application to the International Court of Justice to claim sovereignty over Matthew Island (Umaenupne) and Hunter Island (Umaeneg/Leka).[Al Jazeera]
- The International Court of Justice confirmed that no proceedings will occur unless France explicitly consents to its jurisdiction over the case.[Al Jazeera]
- The disputed volcanic islands sit roughly 300 kilometers east of New Caledonia and southeast of Vanuatu, carrying implications for surrounding fishing rights and seabed resources.[Al Jazeera]
- Bilateral boundary discussions took place in 2018, 2019, and 2025 before Vanuatu announced earlier this year that negotiations had reached an impasse.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the French government will agree to submit the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice.[Al Jazeera]