Statement on Sea-Level Rise in Relation to International Law, delivered by Ms Sanita Pēkale, Director-General of the Legal Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
New York, 30 October 2025
Mr Chair,
Latvia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union, and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity.
Latvia welcomes the Final report of the Study Group on Sea-Level Rise in relation to International Law and expresses its deep appreciation for the tremendous work carried out by the Co-Chairs and all those involved in the work of the Study Group. We believe the Report provides valuable guidance to the international community and will serve as a strong foundation for future dialogue among States, international organizations, and other relevant actors.
We align ourselves with the Study Group’s conclusion that, and I quote, the continuity of statehood is essential to avoid situations of loss of nationality and statelessness. Drawing on our own historical experience, Latvia has consistently advocated for the continuity of statehood in the Sixth Committee, and before international courts and tribunals. In this regard, we also welcome the conclusion of the International Court of Justice in the Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, that, and I quote, once a State is established, the disappearance of one of its constituent elements would not necessarily entail the loss of its statehood. In this spirit, Latvia has signed a Joint Communiqué with Tuvalu, affirming our readiness to continue recognizing Tuvalu’s statehood and its existing maritime boundaries—even in the event that its population is displaced or its territory is submerged due to sea-level rise.
We note with satisfaction that the work of the Commission has already contributed to the deliberations of the International Court of Justice in the above-mentioned Advisory Opinion, in which the Court confirmed that State Parties to UNCLOS have no obligation to update charts and lists of geographical co-ordinates relating their maritime zones once they have been duly established under the Convention.
Latvia underscores the importance of meaningful cooperation between climate-vulnerable States and the broader international community. It is essential to preserve and protect the existing rights associated with statehood and choose legal and practical solutions addressing climate-change related sea-level rise, in full respect of the fundamental principles of international law.
We share the view that new legal and practical solutions must be developed to better protect persons affected by sea-level rise and overcome fragmentation of legal framework. In the meantime, we echo the Report’s conclusion that any measures for the legal protection of persons affected by sea-level rise must be guided by the principle of human dignity.
The Final Report represents an important first step in addressing the complex legal challenges arising from the sea-level rise. Latvia reiterates its readiness to work together with the international community to advance effective and sustainable legal solutions.
I thank you!