Legal Framework

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

The comprehensive legal framework governing all uses of the oceans and their resources, establishing territorial sea limits, exclusive economic zones, continental shelf rights, navigation rights, and the duty to rescue persons in distress at sea.

Related incidents

1 incident

Naval Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Exports

A naval blockade of Venezuelan oil exports drew condemnation from UN experts as a violation of fundamental international law, with legal analysts characterizing it as an act of war imposed without …

  • Trump announced a 'TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE' of sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela in December 2025.
  • UN experts declared the blockade violated 'fundamental rules of international law,' characterizing it as an unlawful use of force.