By Zoila Palma: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted the need to protect the statehood and rights of countries threatened by rising sea levels, stressing that the loss of territory does not necessarily mean the loss of a State’s legal identity.
Guterres made the remarks during the High-Level Event on Sea-Level Rise held this week during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The urgency of the issue was underscored by the pace of rising seas. In 2024, global sea levels increased by nearly six millimetres, marking the highest annual rise on record, while approximately 770 million people worldwide live less than five metres above the high-tide line.
Caribbean countries and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to the impacts.
Guterres, citing developments involving the International Court of Justice and the International Law Commission, also highlighted calls for maritime zones and boundaries to remain preserved as coastlines change. “People’s rights do not disappear because their homes do,” he stated.
The UN Secretary-General called for stronger international cooperation to establish arrangements that address the needs of affected States and communities, stressing that people living on the front lines of sea-level rise must remain at the center of decision-making.
The post International News: United Nations Secretary-General says rising seas must not erase statehood or rights of affected people appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted the need to protect the statehood and rights of countries threatened by rising sea levels, stressing that the loss of territory does not necessarily mean the loss of a State’s legal identity. Guterres made the remarks during the High-Level Event on Sea-Level Rise held this
The post International News: United Nations Secretary-General says rising seas must not erase statehood or rights of affected people appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
