Latvia offers highest-level legal expertise to the Pacific Island countries

On 24 and 25 March 2025, in the capital of Fiji, Suva, and the capital of Australia, Canberra, several remote events took place with participation of Latvia’s representative at the International Law Commission (ICL), Professor Mārtiņš Paparinskis. The seminars were organised by the Embassy of Latvia in Australia in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Fiji, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and the Australian National University (ANU).

On 24 March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Fiji hosted a high-level roundtable discussion with participation of the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga, and other dignitaries.

On 25 March, a seminar took place at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, representing 18 Pacific Island countries and territories; the event was chaired by the Acting International Legal Adviser to the Secretariat, Calvy Aonima.

On 26 March, a webinar run by the Australian National University, “Sea Level Rise and International Law”, was held in Canberra, bringing together more than 60 online participants. The event was organized by the Director of the Centre for International and Public Law at ANU, Dr Imogen Saunders, and the Director of the Pacific Institute at ANU, Salā Dr George Carter.

The Pacific Island nations are at the frontline of climate change. Sea-level rise caused by climate change poses a threat to their future existence; therefore, understanding the legal ramifications of this process is crucial for national policy formulation, diplomatic engagement, and regional advocacy.

Professor Mārtiņš Paparinskis, Latvia’s first-ever representative at the ILC, a member of the ILC’s Working Group on Sea-Level Rise in Relation to International Law, and a Professor of Public International Law at University College London, brought in-depth expertise in this field. The participants listened with great interest to Professor’s insights into the advisory proceedings at the ICL on Obligations of States with Respect to Climate Change, and discussed the ICL’s work in this field. Views were exchanged on the implications of sea-level rise on the statehood and maritime boundaries of the Pacific Island countries, and on human rights.

Prof. Paparinskis noted that a rapid sea-level rise has brought to the fore the issues of the statehood of the Pacific Island countries, maritime law and human rights. This being a major threat, it is vital to apply international law to states affected by serious climate change. Prof. Paparinskis also highlighted this as an important and acute matter on the international agenda. 

On his part, the Latvian Ambassador to Australia and Special Envoy to the Pacific, Marģers Krams, emphasized that the Pacific Island countries, which are at the forefront of global environmental crises, are facing immediate and profound climate and environmental challenges. The issue of sea-level rise with its legal implications is also of interest to Latvia. This stems from our specific historical experience in relation to state continuity, which we consider a useful reference in considering this matter. We care about climate change issues, and therefore stand ready to share our vision and contribution to solving these problems, including by providing high-level legal expertise on international law implications in relation to maritime boundaries and sovereignty issues as a result of sea-level rise, underlined the Ambassador. 

The event organised by the Embassy was implemented as part of the public diplomacy programme in support of the lobby campaign of Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. The campaign under the motto of “Together for peace and resilience” aims at ensuring that Latvia, a first-time candidate for an elected member’s seat, is elected to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. Membership of the UNSC would be a key instrument in pursuit and protection of Latvia’s foreign policy interests and enable Latvia to further expand its international cooperation, thereby contributing to world peace and resilience.

Cover photo: Embassy of Latvia to Australia