Context:
Small island nations seek protection from ocean pollution, climate change and appeal to the United Nations maritime tribunal recently.
About ITLOS:
- It is an independent judicial body.
- Established by – 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Aim – To look after and resolve the disputes arising among the nations on the subject matters.
- Subject matters – Delimitation of maritime zones, navigation, conservation and management of the living resources of the sea, protection and preservation of the marine environment and marine scientific research.
- Membership – 21 independent members
- Open to all the States and International organisations which are parties to the Convention.
- Open to States or intergovernmental organisations which are not parties to the Convention.
- Elected by secret ballot by the state parties to the convention.
- Jurisdiction – It has jurisdiction over any dispute that requires concern over or interpretation of any rule laid down by the UNCLOS.
- Powers – Over members of the convention, inter-governmental organisations and private entities.
About Small Island Developing States:
- A distinct group of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions that face unique social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities.
- A group of low-lying island nations that are home to approximately 65 million people.
- 3 geographical regions of SIDS – the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS).
- Extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite being responsible for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: Down to Earth
Previous Year Question
With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements:
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
