Vanuatu has raised concerns over human rights in West Papua, reaffirmed its support for the decolonisation of Kanaky New Caledonia and addressed its sovereignty dispute with France over Umaenupne and Umaeneg, also known as Matthew and Hunter islands, at the United Nations.

Speaking at the UN on September 28, Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative Odo Tevi addressed the three issues in Vanuatu’s statement.

West Papua human rights

Tevi said Vanuatu remains concerned about reported human rights violations affecting indigenous Papuans in West Papua.

“Peace and security cannot be separated from human rights. Vanuatu remains deeply concerned about reports of serious human rights violations affecting indigenous Papuans in West Papua.”

He also referred to concerns raised by UN special procedures regarding indigenous rights, displacement, cultural rights, environmental impacts and the treatment of human rights defenders.

Tevi said the call by Pacific Forum leaders for the UN Human Rights Commissioner to visit West Papua remains unheeded.

Kanaky New Caledonia

On Kanaky New Caledonia, Tevi reaffirmed Vanuatu’s support for decolonisation and the right of the indigenous Kanak people to self-determination.

“Vanuatu reaffirms its unwavering support for the decolonization of Kanaky New Caledonia, which remains a non-self-governing territory under the purview of the United Nations.”

He said Vanuatu remains concerned about socio-economic disparities affecting Kanak people, including inequalities in employment, education, income and access to economic opportunities.

“We reiterate the inalienable right of the indigenous Kanak people to self-determination and call for a peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible process consistent with the charter of the United Nations and relevant General Assembly resolutions.”

Tevi called for the full implementation of relevant UN resolutions on New Caledonia and continued dialogue among all stakeholders, including France and representatives of the people.

Matthew and Hunter islands

Tevi also addressed Vanuatu’s proceedings against France before the International Court of Justice concerning sovereignty over Umaenupne and Umaeneg, known in English as Matthew and Hunter islands, and maritime boundaries between Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

“These islands are integral part of Vanuatu’s territory. Grounded in customary governance, long standing historical connections indigenous ownership and is seen as part of our duty as ancestral custodians to protect and preserve.”

Tevi acknowledged France’s support for international judicial institutions and its partnership with Vanuatu on global climate action.

He said Vanuatu’s position is being pursued in the same spirit of respect for international law.

“It is in the same spirit of mutual respect and commitment to international law that we respectfully invite France to consent to the jurisdiction of the court.”

Vanuatu says it remains committed to addressing regional human rights concerns, supporting self-determination and pursuing its territorial claims through international law.