Summary

Vanuatu has commenced arbitration proceedings against France under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The proceedings seek an independent ruling on the legal status of reefs and small features between Vanuatu and New Caledonia - including Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter), Walpole Island and other reefs and atolls.

The arbitration is separate to Vanuatu's application before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) filed in August, which seeks confirmation of Vanuatu's sovereignty over Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter).