Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Paragraph: 49
Legal statehood issues offer UK leadership opportunity for Small Island Developing States.
Conclusion
The issues of legal statehood and maritime zone continuity provide the UK Government with an opportunity to exercise international leadership in supporting SIDS to address an existential threat.
Government Response Summary
The government partly agrees, demonstrating its international leadership by changing its position on fixed maritime zones and publishing a statement, while actively considering the continuity of statehood and supporting relevant research through its £110+ million CLARE programme.
Paragraph Reference:
49
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Partly Agree 19. The UK recognises that sea level rise is matter of critical concern for many SIDS. The UK has changed its position to accept that baselines under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – and hence the maritime zones measured from them - may remain fixed in law. The UK supported text to this effect in the CHOGM Ocean Declaration and published a Written Ministerial Statement on 28 October setting out the Government’s position. 20. The Government has taken careful note of the Pacific Islands Forum 2023 Declaration on the continuity of statehood in the face of sea level rise and are considering its content in detail. The UK recognises the significance of this initiative in addressing the unique challenges faced by Pacific Island nations and are closely considering its content and implications in detail. The International Commission’s Study Group is also conducting an in-depth review of international law through the lens of the law of the sea, statehood, and protection of persons and the UK will be considering its consolidated report in 2025 carefully. 21. Sea-level rise is a complex, global challenge, requiring robust science to guide our hand as we strive for maximum ambition in tackling climate change. The UK is proud to work with international partners to deliver innovative research addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise. Through CLARE, our £110+ million research programme on climate adaptation and resilience, the UK supports evidence-based adaptation action for coastal island communities, for example supporting island communities in Fiji, Mauritius and Maldives to increase their resource self-reliance, reduce vulnerability to climate risks, and increase climate adaptation capacity.