International Law

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option b

Explanation
Statement 1 is not correct: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) imposes obligations to safeguard the marine environment and uphold the freedom of scientific research on the high seas. It establishes a legal framework for regulating resource exploitation in deep-seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction, while within national jurisdiction, states retain full sovereignty. It is not legally binding. Additionally, UNCLOS can hold states accountable for damages resulting from violations of their international obligations through its three institutions:
1) International Tribunal for Law of Sea
2) International Seabed Authority (ISA)
3) Commission on the limits of the continental shelf

Statement 2 is correct: The UNCLOS clearly and accurately defines Internal Waters, Territorial Waters, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf. It provides rights to landlocked states for access to and from the sea without taxation of traffic through transit states.

Statement 3 is not correct: International Seabed Authority (ISA)has the responsibility to regulate, organise and control all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction.