AOSIS: Declaration on Sea Level Rise and Statehood

Building on the previously reported Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders’ Declaration 2021, which, notwithstanding any physical changes connected to climate change-related sea-level rise, addressed the fixing of baselines and maritime zones, on 23 September 2024 the Heads of State and Government of AOSIS adopted the AOSIS Leaders Declaration on Sea Level Rise and Statehood. Among other pronouncements, the Declaration provides:

1. Declare that international law is premised on a principle of continuity of statehood, consistent with broad state practice over the past century,
2. Affirm that consistent with the principles of equity, fairness and sovereign equality of states, statehood cannot be challenged under any circumstances of climate change related sea-level rise,
3. Declare that the statehood and sovereignty of SIDS and our membership in the United Nations, its specialized agencies and other intergovernmental organizations will continue, and the rights and duties inherent thereto will be maintained, notwithstanding the impacts of climate change related sea-level rise,

AOSIS Leaders Declaration on Sea Level Rise and Statehood