Vanuatu's 'epic' win lets top U.N. court set climate obligations
The ICJ is being asked for a legal opinion on nations' legal obligations to fight global warming – and the consequences if they don't.
U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
ASEAN leaders' talks focus on peace in Myanmar and South China Sea
Southeast Asian foreign ministers sought to defuse conflicts from Myanmar's military, China's expanding footprint, and North Korea's missile testing.
A labyrinth of competing interests behind Europe's migration battle
It is a fight that spans the continent and entangles international organizations, border security and others.
Talks fail to clinch global ocean treaty
Diplomats suspended talks after they could not agree on a proposed treaty to protect marine species and minerals in high seas covering 43% of Earth.
New talks set for U.N. high seas treaty proposal
Proponents of a U.N. global high seas treaty for protecting biodiversity are set to resume talks in August with the goal of approving it as soon as possible.
ASEAN hardens stand on China sea claims
ASEAN leaders pushed back at China, asserting a 1982 U.N. treaty should serve as the basis for resolving disputes over claims in the South China Sea.
World leaders urged to adopt binding treaty protecting high seas
The proposed global treaty is intended to strengthen marine protections for international waters that are beyond the 200 nautical mile (370 kilometer) jurisdiction of coastal nations.
U.N. expert group warns of risk to data-carrying underwater cables
Data worth an estimated US$10 trillion — equal to twice Japan's GDP — moves through underwater cables every day.
Leaders from Canada, Mexico and U.S. send 'NAFTA 2.0' to lawmakers
The trade deal fulfills U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge to replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement.
Nations agree to fishing ban allowing Arctic marine protections
Concerns about climate change's rapid rate of advance in the far north drove three years of talks on commercial fishing.
High seas treaty moves a step closer to reality among U.N. delegates
A new treaty is being negotiated aimed at protecting the rich biodiversity of the open ocean against commercial pressures.
An 'alphabet soup' of high seas rules stands in way of sustainability
Ocean areas and deep seabeds beyond national jurisdictions fall within a patchwork of rules for the global commons.
'Low profile' diplomacy: North Korea's hidden avenues to the world
A summit with the U.S. could expand North Korea's little-known involvement with international organizations.