UNCLOS

IN NEWS:

• Eight years after Indian police arrested two Italian marines, a five-member international tribunal based on UNCLOS norms rejected India’s contention that the soldiers, who were accused of killing Indian fishermen, could be tried in Indian courts.

ABOUT UNCLOS:

• UNCLOS is an acronym for the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea.
• UNCLOS, as a law of the sea came into operation and became effective from 16^th November 1982.
• The Law of the Sea Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.
• UN has no direct operational role in the implementation of the Convention. There is, however, a role played by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization, the International Whaling Commission, and the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
• The convention has been ratified by 168 parties, which includes 167 states and the European Union.
• United States of America has not ratified the convention.

PRELIMS QUESTION:

Q. Consider the following statements regarding UNCLOS “United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea”:

1. United States of America has not ratified the convention.
2. It defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans.

Which among the above statements is/are correct:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to Prelims question