Vanuatu Takes France to the ICJ Over Sovereignty of Umaenupne (Matthew) and (Umaeneg/Leka) Hunter Islands and maritime boundary delimitation
Wednesday 2nd September, 2026 | Port Vila - The Hague - Vanuatu has instituted proceedings against France before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning sovereignty over Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter) Islands and delimitation of a maritime boundary between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Deputy Prime Minister and Lead Negotiator for Maritime Boundaries, Sovereignty, and Decolonisation, Johnny Koanapo said Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter) islands belong to the people of Vanuatu, and that the protection of Vanuatu’s territorial integrity is fundamental to Vanuatu’s nationhood. “Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter) islands have been part of Vanuatu for centuries. The islands are deeply sacred and intrinsically linked to Vanuatu’s cultural identity,” he said. “After formal negotiations, and several decades of diplomatic engagement with no outcome, it is clear that judicial determination offers the clearest pathway to a lasting and internationally recognised resolution.” “The ICJ is the most lawful and constructive mechanism to resolve disputes between states. These proceedings will allow us to place our legal positions before an impartial tri
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