WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 – NEW YORK:

The 39 Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Alliance of Small-Island States (AOSIS) will issue a Declaration on Sea Level Rise and Statehood today at the UN High Level Meeting on the Threats of Sea Level Rise.

The Declaration clearly articulates that, consistent with international law, countries will retain their
statehood, sovereignty, and UN membership, regardless of the course of sea level rise. This is
based on a broad practice of states over the past century, reaffirming the principle of continuity of
states. AOSIS intends for this Declaration to influence the ongoing work of the International Law
Commission on sea level rise.

The Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Samoa and current Chair of
AOSIS said: “Since 1989, we’ve been sounding the alarm on the climate crisis and sea level rise
while facing its devastating impacts. Through it all, we’ve stayed firm – our states, maritime
zones, and rights remain intact under international law, no matter the rising seas: we are here to
stay.”

This Declaration by AOSIS builds on the work that SIDS have been undertaking for the past 30
years to secure the world’s collective future in the face of unrelenting sea level rise. In addition to
the critical role that AOSIS has played in the international climate negotiations, it has also been
pushing for the evolution of international law on the issue.

“It takes far more than a rising tide to jurisdictionally wipe away entire countries. International law
clearly affirms that the ocean cannot erase a people or a nation: sovereignty is defined by the will
of the people, not by the whims of climate change. Once a state is established, it will endure and
thrive, no matter the challenges it faces.“ clarified the Honourable John Briceño, Prime
Minister of Belize.

In 2021, the AOSIS Leaders declared that maritime jurisdictional zones, such as Exclusive
Economic Zones, are immutable and cannot be undermined by rising sea levels. This declaration
underscores their unwavering commitment to preserving their rights in the face of climate
change. Additionally, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have actively sought Advisory
Opinions from both the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the International Court
of Justice, further advocating for their maritime sovereignty in an era of uncertainty.

His Excellency Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia concluded
saying that “this exemplifies the strong, principled, and innovative leadership on climate change
that defines AOSIS. We’re leveraging every tool available – international law in particular – to
advance our core interests, protect our rights, and highlight our resilience as SIDS against
climate change and sea-level rise.”