Blue Ocean Law helps secure joint allegation letter from UN Special Rapporteurs on U.S. military activities in Palau

Coastal waters in Palau, central to community life and livelihoods, amid growing international scrutiny of U.S. military activities. Photo courtesy of Manuel C. Mafnas.

Following a submission filed on behalf of Palauan youth, five United Nations Special Rapporteurs issued a joint allegation letter raising serious concerns about the environmental and human rights impacts of ongoing U.S. military activities in Palau. Blue Ocean Law coordinated the submission, ensuring that youth perspectives and Indigenous knowledge were central to the communication and that the alleged harms were clearly framed within applicable international legal standards.

The joint letter addressed potential violations of international human rights obligations, including duties related to environmental protection, Indigenous peoples’ rights, cultural heritage, and the rights of children. It also raised concerns about the adequacy of consultation, transparency, and safeguards in connection with military-related activities that may cause long-term ecological damage and disrupt traditional land and ocean relationships.

By invoking multiple UN special procedures, the submission placed international scrutiny on activities that are often shielded from public accountability. The resulting joint allegation letter represents a significant use of UN human rights mechanisms to examine the cumulative environmental and social impacts of militarization in a small island context.

Blue Ocean Law’s engagement reflects its broader commitment to advancing accountability through international legal processes and ensuring that communities most affected by large-scale state activities have meaningful access to international oversight. The action underscores the firm’s continued work to protect community rights and ecological integrity in the face of disproportionate geopolitical pressures.