Monaco outlines its position on sea-level rise in relation to international law

Le Gouvernement Princier présente sa position au sujet de l’élévation du niveau de la mer au regard du droit international ©DR

During the United Nations’ consideration of the agenda item “Sea-level rise in relation to international law”, Mr Jérémie Adlerfligel, Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Monaco to the United Nations, delivered a statement presenting the position of the Prince’s Government on this matter.

In his statement, the representative reaffirmed the Prince’s Government’s strong commitment to addressing climate change, which is a direct cause of sea-level rise. Confronted with this growing environmental challenge, which disproportionately affects small island developing States (SIDS), he emphasised the need to implement ambitious measures on both mitigation and adaptation. He further recalled that the principles of solidarity and international cooperation must continue to guide collective efforts. Mr Adlerfligel also underlined the importance that the Principality attaches to ensuring that the work of the International Law Commission (ILC) is carried out within the legal framework established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the universal instrument governing activities related to the oceans and seas.

For reference, the work of the International Law Commission, initiated six years ago, aims, inter alia, to identify the legal questions arising from sea-level rise, with a view to assisting States in developing concrete responses to this global challenge.