Vanuatu is attempting to bring a territorial dispute with France over two uninhabited South Pacific islands before the International Court of Justice. However, the ICJ cannot proceed without France's consent to its jurisdiction.
This case highlights ongoing territorial disputes in the Pacific and the complexities of international law, particularly when one party does not recognize the compulsory jurisdiction of international courts.
The Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu is seeking to have a long-standing territorial dispute with France over two uninhabited islands heard by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations' highest court.
The ICJ, also known as the World Court, has indicated that it cannot proceed with the case unless France agrees to the court's jurisdiction. France has not consented to the ICJ's compulsory jurisdiction over disputes with other states. Vanuatu's claim has been forwarded to Paris for consideration, with the court stating that no action will be taken without French consent.
The dispute centers on Matthew Island and Hunter Island, located in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 300 kilometers east of the French territory of New Caledonia. Although uninhabited, sovereignty over these islands determines control of the surrounding territorial waters, which are significant for fishing rights and potential seabed resource exploitation.
Following two rounds of bilateral negotiations in 2018 and 2019, France and Vanuatu had agreed to further talks in 2025. However, Vanuatu announced earlier this year that these negotiations had stalled, prompting its decision to pursue an international legal avenue. The ICJ typically adjudicates disputes between states concerning land and maritime boundaries.