Militarisation of the Pacific
Eroding the Spirit of a Nuclear Free Pacific:
A PANG Discussion Paper Series
Discussion Paper #1: Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific
This first discussion paper provides a brief overview of the US-China tensions and critically examines the predominant security framing through which the US and its allies (especially Australia) are pursuing their geostrategic objectives vis-à-vis China – the Indo-Pacific.
This discussion paper series will examine the recent shifts in the Pacific region, driven largely by the geopolitical competition between the United States and it allies and China. This has lead to a reframing of the Pacific region as part of the “Indo-Pacific”, the AUKUS announcement and proposed nuclear submarines in addition to the greater alignment and integration of the US military into the Australian military institutions and bases. This has undermined disarmament and non-proliferation and resulted in an erosion of the spirit of a nuclear free Pacific.
Discussion Paper #2: AUKUS and US-Australian Militarisation in the Pacific Islands Region
The second discussion paper explores the AUKUS security pact and other key examples of deepening US- Australian military engagement/integration. In doing so it maps the extent and depth of Australian and US military collaboration in the name of securing the Indo-Pacific, especially where these are occurring in the Pacific Islands region.
Discussion Paper #3: AUKUS, the Indo-Pacific and a Destabilised Regional Security
The final paper outlines the security priorities articulated by Pacific Island Countries at a regional level and asks to what extent and in what ways AUKUS and the Indo-Pacific framing address these priorities. Particular attention is given to the implications AUKUS has for the rules-based nuclear security order in the region, most notably the Rarotonga Treaty.
Examining Regional Security in the Pacific Islands
In the past year, the United States has paid far more attention to the Pacific Islands, including by rolling out its first-ever strategy for the region in September 2022. But the United States hasn’t been the only outside power to renew its interest in the region and its security. The Pacific Islands have received increased attention from a wide array of potential and established partners. Amid this shifting regional environment, many Pacific Island countries have started to reassess their own views on security issues — and how they choose to navigate this uptick in international engagement will have a major impact on the regional security landscape going forward.
On September 27, USIP hosted a conversation with regional experts on how Pacific Island countries view the increased engagement of the United States and other outside powers, what challenges the region is facing, and the implications for the Pacific Islands’ international partners.
PANG’s Coordinator, Maureen Penjueli presented on the panel.
Statement to the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights
Discharge of nuclear wastewater from Fukushima into the Ocean by Japan – Special Procedure Communications and Official Statement
Excellencies,
We have the honour to address you in our capacity as the representatives of the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG), and endorsed by a number of NGOs and civil society groups (Annex 1), concerning an imminent risk of severe Human Rights violations caused by the disposal of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS) into the Pacific Ocean by the Government of Japan and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
Acknowledging the previous Communications of the Special Procedures to Japan, especially concerning the discharge of the water into the Ocean by letter dated 20. April 2020 and answer from 12. June 2020 and letter dated 13. January 2021 and answer form 11. March 2021, a renewed Special Procedures Communication and public Statement is crucial for preventing severe and irreversible Human Rights violations for the following reasons:
the dumping of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean is planned to take place in August 2023 and is an imminent threat;
there are new factual developments since the last communication in 2021; and
the dumping violates hitherto unrebuked Human Rights, including but not limited to the Right of Future Generations, as a special expression of the Human Right to a Healthy Environment.
It is urgently indicated to humbly address your Excellencies and respectfully request another Communication with the Government of Japan and, in the light of the imminent risk of severe and irreversible Human Rights violations, to courteously request the release of a public Statement, to prevent the Government of Japan and TEPCO to proceed with the discharge in August 2023.
Allow us to elaborate on the factual background constituting the violations as follows, before briefly commenting on the Human Rights infringed.
The Special Procedures Complaint was endorsed by 56 organisations, movements, alliances and networks from around the Pacific and beyond, that are representative of a large and diverse range of constituencies. The Complaint highlights concerns and facts on the human rights implications of the Fukushima wastewater release into the Pacific Ocean.
These human rights implications threaten both directly and indirectly Pacific peoples' rights to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; The rights of Pacific children and future generations to a clean environment; Access to information and public participation, including in environmental matters and the consultation and Free, Prior Informed Consent for Indigenous Peoples; and among others the the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
Japan’s actions further contradict their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), violating Articles 192 and 195 and nearly all articles in Part 12 which address the protection and preservation of the marine environment.
