The Cook Islands has recently celebrated a milestone with the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ joining the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, known as the Treaty of Rarotonga. This event, celebrated on March 3, 2025—coinciding with Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day—carries profound significance for the Marshall Islands, given their troubled history with nuclear testing.
During a crucial Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga in August 2024, Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands and President Dr. Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands reaffirmed their commitment to regional collaboration on nuclear issues. The Cook Islands’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Tepaeru Herrmann, expressed appreciation for President Heine’s leadership in this significant step, highlighting the enduring solidarity between their nations in seeking justice for the effects of nuclear testing.
Since its inception in 1986, the Treaty of Rarotonga has been pivotal in promoting peace and stability within the Pacific by prohibiting nuclear weapon testing and the disposal of radioactive waste. The accession of the Marshall Islands reinforces the unified stance of Pacific nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, advocating for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Secretary Herrmann emphasized the importance of fully operationalizing the treaty, urging non-party Forum members to consider joining. He highlighted that a collaborative front against nuclear proliferation is essential to safeguard the welfare of Pacific peoples and their future generations amid global uncertainties.
For the Marshall Islands, this treaty signing is a dual victory—it not only signifies commitment to nuclear disarmament but also supports the call for recognition of the suffering inflicted by historical nuclear tests conducted by the United States, which involved 67 atmospheric tests from 1946 to 1958. These tests had devastating effects on the islands’ health, culture, and environment.
The Treaty of Rarotonga serves as a robust symbol of accountability and healing. As Pacific nations unite in the face of challenges, there is encouraging potential for a future defined by justice and sustainable practices, ultimately fostering a stronger, more cohesive Pacific community. This historic signing marks a significant advancement for both the Marshall Islands and the entirety of the Pacific region in their pursuit of peace and environmental integrity.
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