Vanuatu takes Matthew and Hunter Islands dispute to ICJ

Vanuatu has initiated legal proceedings against France before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding sovereignty over the Matthew and Hunter Islands. These uninhabited volcanic islands are located approximately 300 kilometers south of Vanuatu and 400 kilometers east of New Caledonia.

The dispute centers on maritime boundaries and the rights to surrounding waters. Control over these small islands would determine which nation can claim the associated Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and rights to the seabed. For France, these islands secure an EEZ of approximately 350,000 square kilometers.

Vanuatu claims the islands are part of its historical and traditional territory, questioning past decisions made during the era of the New Hebrides condominium. France maintains its sovereignty, asserting that the islands are part of New Caledonia. French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Éléonore Caroit, stated that France’s position is “clear and firm,” though the nation will respond to the proceedings regarding the court's jurisdiction and the merits of the case.