Vanuatu files ICJ case against France over Matthew and Hunter islands

September 2, 2026 at 12:08 PM1 min

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Vanuatu filed an application with the International Court of Justice on August 31, seeking sovereignty over Matthew and Hunter islands and a single maritime boundary with France. The ICJ has transmitted the application to France, but no proceedings will occur unless France consents to the court's jurisdiction. Vanuatu has disputed French sovereignty over the islands since independence in 1980.

Key Facts

Vanuatu filed its application with the ICJ on August 31, 2026.
The application seeks sovereignty over Matthew and Hunter islands and a single maritime boundary with France.
The ICJ will not proceed unless France consents to the court's jurisdiction.
Vanuatu gained independence from joint French-British administration in 1980.
France opposes transferring the islands to Vanuatu.

The Application

Vanuatu filed an application with the International Court of Justice on August 31, 2026. The application requests determination of sovereignty over Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter) islands. It also seeks delimitation of the single maritime boundary between the two countries' exclusive economic zones and continental shelves. The ICJ transmitted the application to France under Article 38, paragraph 5, of its Rules of Court. No proceedings will take place unless France consents to the court's jurisdiction.

Historical Dispute

Vanuatu was jointly administered by France and Britain until independence in 1980. Since independence, Vanuatu has disputed French sovereignty over Matthew and Hunter islands. Vanuatu argues that the colonial arrangement placing the islands under French control was made without consulting the indigenous population. Vanuatu maintains that decolonization cannot be considered complete until the islands are under its control. France opposes transferring the islands to Vanuatu.