Forum Leaders have marked the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Rarotonga, reaffirming their commitment to a nuclear-free Pacific and urging the United States and other non-parties to sign and ratify the treaty and its protocols.
“Leaders reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to address nuclear-related issues in the Pacific region.
In welcoming the 40th Anniversary of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (‘Rarotonga Treaty’), Leaders issued a commemorative statement and further encouraged non-Party Members and the U.S to sign and ratify the Treaty and Protocols.
Leaders also welcomed and commended the signing of the Treaty by the Republic of the Marshall Islands,” the communiqué said.
Leaders backed guidance from Forum Officials on “operationalising the Rarotonga Treaty, including updating outdated references and elevating the Treaty in light of emerging issues” and agreed to continue the discussions at the next States Parties Meeting.
They recalled the 2024 decision to support bilateral, regional, and multilateral action to assist the Marshall Islands’ engagement with the U.S “towards a just resolution of the U.S Nuclear Testing Programme, including consideration of a further Leaders’ letter.”
On Fukushima’s treated wastewater release, Leaders stressed regional solidarity.
“Leaders reiterated the importance of regional solidarity in addressing the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) water discharge, welcoming the ongoing efforts by the Pacific Community to develop a long-term approach to provide interpretation, guidance and assessment of scientific data on all nuclear-related discharge and contamination issues, including its progress on a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
In their commemorative statement, Leaders recalled the devastating nuclear testing legacy in the Pacific and reiterated opposition to any future nuclear testing.
“Although testing has ceased, our peoples and environments continue to bear the health, cultural and ecological scars across generations. We acknowledge the enduring legacy faced by Pacific communities most directly affected by
nuclear testing, and the continuing need for recognition, assistance and remediation.”
Leaders called for greater global cooperation, urging all states to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and continue dialogue under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
“As we mark this anniversary, we are mindful that the Pacific must never become a theatre for nuclear testing, the dumping of radioactive waste, or the proliferation of nuclear weapons. True security is people-centred, protecting the health, environment, and heritage of our Blue Pacific for generations to come.”
On the 40th anniversary, Forum Leaders recommitted to the vision of a peaceful, nuclear-free Pacific, consistent with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
