Vietnam reaffirms commitment to UNCLOS 1982 implementation

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which came into force on November 16, 1994, is regarded as a Constitution for the seas and oceans by the international community. It serves as the primary legal framework for global maritime actions and cooperation at the regional, inter-regional, and global levels.

Vietnam, which was actively involved in the negotiation process and signed the convention as one of its 107 initial signatories, ratified UNCLOS in 1994. To date, 168 countries have endorsed the convention.

In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Cong Gia Khanh, rector of University of Economics and Law, emphasized the importance of UNCLOS as the second most important international treaty after the UN Charter. He highlighted its essential role in shaping international maritime governance to address issues related to seas and oceans.

However, given the rapid advancements in science and technology, especially in maritime and aviation technology, as well as the growing impacts of climate change, UNCLOS requires updates to promote its universal international legal value and ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

“We need to fully recognize and identify the challenges of the future, and the adjustments that may occur, in order to prepare for actions by Vietnam to best protect its sovereignty, as well as its legitimate rights and interests,” said Khanh.

Taking the floor, Mai Ngoc Phuoc, Editor-in-Chief of the Law newspaper of Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that Vietnam is a coastal country located in the East Sea, with sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the Paracel and Spratly Islands. This is one of the world’s busiest and most promising maritime areas, but it is also a region that has been the subject of long-standing disputes for several decades.

Not only Vietnam, but other ASEAN countries, as well as many from Europe and Latin America, pay particular attention to the East Sea, considering it a key geopolitical and geoeconomic center in the Asia-Pacific region, he stressed.

Amidst the turmoil created by the competition between major powers and the significant shifts in the international political and security landscape, he said Vietnamese leaders have repeatedly affirmed that Vietnam does not take sides, and instead it chooses justice, the rule of law, and international law, for the sake of peace, stability, and development, benefiting all parties involved.

“UNCLOS 1982 is one of the most correct and strategic choices Vietnam has made…… In the 21st century, with the many global upheavals, the value of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea is even more evident, and Vietnam continues to pursue it,” affirmed Phuoc.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Huu Phuoc, deputy head of the Faculty of Economic Law at University of Economics and Law, pointed out that climate change was not considered during the UNCLOS negotiations in the 1970s and 1980s. This gap presents significant challenges in the 21st century, particularly as climate change impacts become more apparent. He stressed the need for Vietnam to push forward initiatives that strengthen international cooperation in addressing climate change, including through sustainable maritime management.

At the seminar, scholars emphasized Vietnam’s recognition of the sea and ocean’s critical role in the country’s peace, security and national development. Vietnam has consistently respected and implemented the provisions of the convention, developed its national legal framework to establish maritime boundaries and manage maritime resources, and collaborate with neighboring countries for sustainable use of these resources.

Vietnam has made significant contributions and garnered international recognition for its initiatives related to the convention. Notably, it was instrumental in co-founding the UNCLOS Group of Friends at the United Nations, alongside 11 other countries, representing more than 100 states. In addition, it has played an active role in negotiating and contributing to the drafting of international legal frameworks aimed at sustainable conservation and use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which are vital for global marine conservation efforts.

Following the plenary session, the seminar held two parallel discussions on the themes UNCLOS as the Constitution for Seas and Oceans of the International Community and 30 Years from Commitment to Implementation of UNCLOS by Vietnam.

The seminar was held by University of Economics and Law under Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with the Law newspaper of Ho Chi Minh City, to mark 30 years of the enforcement of the convention.