What does the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) primarily provide?

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) primarily provides a comprehensive legal framework governing maritime rights. It establishes the rights and responsibilities of nations concerning the use of the world's oceans, promoting the sustainability of ocean resources, navigation, and marine ecological protection. UNCLOS delineates territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and continental shelves, thus clarifying jurisdictional boundaries and the extent to which countries can exploit marine resources.

While it does touch on aspects such as fishing rights and maritime trade, its core purpose is to establish the principles that underpin all aspects of maritime governance, including navigation, environmental protection, and resource management, making it the cornerstone of international maritime law.