Unclos is 40 today. Should we celebrate?

There are many reasons to do so as decades on, this living document – a charter for the oceans – retains its relevance, says the Singapore diplomat who oversaw its adoption.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea protects the marine environment from all sources of pollution and helps to prevent conflicts at sea. PHOTO: REUTERS
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On April 30, 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) was adopted after nine years of negotiations. There are currently 168 parties to the convention, which came into force in 1994.

Today, on the 40th anniversary of its adoption, is Unclos still relevant?

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