The Cook Islands has recently celebrated the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ (RMI) accession to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, commonly referred to as the Treaty of Rarotonga. The treaty is an essential step in fostering a nuclear-free Pacific region. This historic signing took place on March 3, 2025, coinciding with Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day, which holds significant relevance given the Marshall Islands’ painful history with nuclear testing.
During a pivotal Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Tonga in August 2024, the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, and President of the Marshall Islands, Dr. Hilda Heine, reaffirmed their dedication to regional cooperation regarding nuclear matters. Cook Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Tepaeru Herrmann, expressed gratitude for President Heine’s leadership in joining the treaty, underscoring the long-standing solidarity between the two nations regarding the ongoing pursuit of justice and acknowledgment of the adverse effects of nuclear testing.
The Treaty of Rarotonga, which prohibits the testing and possession of nuclear weapons and the dumping of radioactive waste in the Pacific, has served as a cornerstone for maintaining peace and stability in the region since its establishment in 1986. The signing of the treaty by the Marshall Islands adds to the collective voices of nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, who have long advocated for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Secretary Herrmann highlighted the continued importance of the treaty’s full operationalization and urged non-party Forum members to consider joining the treaty, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring regional security and environmental protection. He reiterated that a unified approach against nuclear proliferation is crucial for safeguarding the welfare of Pacific peoples and their future generations amid global turbulence.
For the Marshall Islands, this signing is not only a commitment to immediate nuclear disarmament, but also a significant movement towards securing long-overdue recognition for the suffering endured as a result of historical nuclear tests conducted by the United States. The islands experienced 67 atmospheric tests between 1946 and 1958, which profoundly affected their health, culture, and environment.
The Rarotonga Treaty stands as a resilient symbol that highlights the necessity of accountability and healing. As Pacific nations rally together in the face of adversity, there is hope for a future where justice and sustainable policies thrive, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more unified Pacific community. This historical moment marks a step forward for both the Marshall Islands and the broader Pacific region in the mission for peace and environmental protection.
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