Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted in Part
Commit to recognising SIDS' legal statehood continuity and fixed maritime boundaries despite sea-level rise.
Recommendation
In the light of the ILC’s impending report on the topic, the UK Government should commit to working with like-minded states to explore ways of (i) formally recognising the continuity of Small Island Developing States’ legal statehood, should all their The UK Small Island Developing States Strategy 43 inhabitable land disappear due to sea-level rise and (ii) recognising countries’ legal maritime zone boundaries as fixed, even if their coastlines retreat due to sea level rise. (Paragraph 49) Capacity building
Government Response Summary
The government partly agrees, having formally accepted that maritime zone baselines may remain fixed and published a statement, but it is still carefully considering the issue of continuity of statehood, noting it will review a relevant international report in 2025.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.