 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is first signed on December 10, 1982. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn) |
UNCLOS was first signed on December 10, 1982, and officially entered into force on November 16, 1994. In 1994, Vietnam became the 63rd state to ratify the Convention, which today has 168 members.
Important legal framework
UNCLOS is seen as an international “Constitution of the Seas and Oceans”, the second most important international treaty after the UN Charter. For the past 42 years UNCLOS has provided a legal framework for the governance of marine resources and the management of maritime disputes.
Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said, "The Convention on the Law of the Sea creates comprehensive and thorough regulations on the right to maritime zones and determine maritime zones. It lays the foundation for countries to establish sovereignty and jurisdiction over maritime zones and stipulates compulsory mechanisms to resolve disputes by peaceful means, including disputes related to the interpretation and application of the Convention."
UNCLOS is the most important legal framework for intergovernmental organizations, particularly the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to promulgate political documents and treaties on navigation, aviation, trade, maritime security, the management, conservation, and exploitation of fisheries, and marine environmental protection.
Vietnam is an active member of UNCLOS 1982
Vietnam has a 3,000-kilometer coastline and thousands of islands, including the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos. Given the importance of its marine interests, Vietnam has made great efforts to implement UNCLOS 1982. Vietnam is committed to working with the international community to build a fair order and encourage cooperation at sea.
In the face of unstable global politics and security, Vietnam has repeatedly called for all countries to respect the rule of law to secure peace, stability, development, and benefits for all.
Dr. Pham Lan Dung, former Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy and President of the Asian Society of International Law for the 2023-2025 term, said Vietnam’s stance is consistent with that of many other countries.
“Countries have acknowledged the importance of international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and affirm the universality and consistency of UNCLOS in governing all maritime activities. The rule of law is honored by the world community,” Dung said.
The UN Convention has faced multiple challenges – the rapid development of science and technology, the management and exploitation of marine resources, climate change, maritime security, and human rights at sea.
Vietnam has been steadily improving its legal system and applying the Convention in its management and use of marine resources peacefully and sustainably.
The "Strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045" clearly defines the goals of making Vietnam a strong, rich maritime country, strengthening international maritime cooperation, and resolving disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means on the basis of international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.
Joining UNCLOS was a wise strategic decision for Vietnam. Since the Vietnamese National Assembly ratified the Convention 30 years ago, Vietnam has made a constant effort to implement and promote it.