Cambodian Senate reviews draft law to ratify UN maritime convention

PHNOM PENH, Jan 20, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Senate has begun reviewing a draft law to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a move officials say would strengthen the country’s maritime governance and international standing.

The review opened on January 19 under Chan Sothavy, chair of the Senate’s Legislative and Justice Committee, with participation from an inter-committee working group.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn led government representatives providing input.

The Senate Standing Committee has tasked the Legislative and Justice Committee, in coordination with committees on foreign affairs, defense and border issues, to examine the draft and report back before a full session.

UNCLOS sets global rules on maritime boundaries, navigation rights and use of the seas, covering commerce, environmental protection and resource management.

The Senate said ratification would allow Cambodia to exercise sovereign control over its maritime territory, safeguard the marine environment and regulate commercial and scientific activities.

It would also enable Cambodia to join international maritime bodies, resolve disputes with other states and benefit from technical and legal assistance, including support for conservation and technology transfer.