PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia’s Senate approved legislation ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), reinforcing the country’s commitment to international law and a rules-based global order, experts said.
The Senate approved the law by consensus on January 21. Fifty-eight senators took part in the session, chaired by First Vice President Uch Borith. Lawmakers met to review and comment on the legislation ratifying the treaty.
Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn attended the session and explained the convention’s significance and its impact on Cambodia.
The Senate vote followed approval by the National Assembly on January 16. Assembly President Khuon Sudary presided over the session, which Prime Minister Hun Manet and members of the seventh legislature attended.
The law contains three articles and followed extensive debate. It will take effect after King Norodom Sihamoni signs and promulgates it, the Senate said.
Cambodia signed UNCLOS in 1983, one year after its adoption in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The treaty entered into force globally in 1994.
The United Nations negotiated UNCLOS during the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea from 1973 to 1982. Governments widely regard the convention as the legal framework for maritime rights, navigation, and resource use.
Him Raksmey, executive director of the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies, said the move shows Cambodia’s long-term commitment to international legal norms.
“For small states like Cambodia, a rules-based order creates space for national development,” he said. “UNCLOS gives coastal states strong legal tools to protect their maritime interests.”
Raksmey said the treaty can help Cambodia strengthen maritime sovereignty, manage marine resources, and settle disputes peacefully. He added that Cambodia must continue investing in institutions, legal expertise, and human resources to gain full benefits from UNCLOS.