Vanuatu seeks ICJ ruling on disputed Pacific islands and maritime boundary with France
Vanuatu has asked the International Court of Justice to decide who owns two uninhabited islands claimed by France and to establish a single maritime boundary between the two nations.
On Monday, Vanuatu lodged an application with the International Court of Justice requesting a judgment on the status of two remote, uninhabited islands—known locally as Umaenupne and Umaeneg/Leka and referred to by France as Matthew and Hunter Island—and a definitive maritime boundary separating the exclusive economic zones of Vanuatu and New Caledonia. The ICJ can only consider the matter if France agrees to its jurisdiction, and the court has now sent the request to the French government, which has not provided a comment.
The islands have been contested since Vanuatu gained independence in 1980 after the New Hebrides era of joint British-French administration. Diplomatic talks in 2018, 2019 and a pledge in July 2025 failed to resolve the issue, leaving uncertainty over fishing rights and scientific research. France’s foreign minister reiterated Paris’ claim in June 2026. No hearing date or judgment has been set, and France faces no deadline to respond, leaving the case at a standstill.
Why it matters
The ruling could clarify ownership and maritime rights, affecting fishing, research and resource exploitation in the region.
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