{"id":35131,"date":"2026-11-04T11:14:19","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T11:14:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=35131"},"modified":"2026-11-04T11:16:38","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T11:16:38","slug":"freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/","title":{"rendered":"Freedom of the High Seas under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 (UNCLOS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction-freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-international-law\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_Freedom_of_the_High_Seas_Under_International_Law\"><\/span>Introduction: Freedom of the High Seas Under International Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The freedom of the high seas is a foundational principle of international law. The high seas comprise all parts of the sea that are not included in the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, internal waters, or archipelagic waters of any state. These areas are open to all states, whether coastal or landlocked. No state may validly claim sovereignty over any part of the high seas. The principle ensures that the oceans remain available for peaceful use by the international community.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#Introduction_Freedom_of_the_High_Seas_Under_International_Law\" >Introduction: Freedom of the High Seas Under International Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#Legal_Basis_Under_UNCLOS_1982\" >Legal Basis Under UNCLOS, 1982<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#Main_Freedoms_of_the_High_Seas_Under_Article_87\" >Main Freedoms of the High Seas Under Article 87<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#1_Freedom_of_Navigation\" >1. Freedom of Navigation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#2_Freedom_of_Overflight\" >2. Freedom of Overflight<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#3_Freedom_to_Lay_Submarine_Cables_and_Pipelines\" >3. Freedom to Lay Submarine Cables and Pipelines<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#4_Freedom_to_Construct_Artificial_Islands_and_Other_Installations\" >4. Freedom to Construct Artificial Islands and Other Installations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#5_Freedom_of_Fishing\" >5. Freedom of Fishing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#6_Freedom_of_Scientific_Research\" >6. Freedom of Scientific Research<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#Important_Rules_and_Limitations_on_the_Freedom_of_the_High_Seas\" >Important Rules and Limitations on the Freedom of the High Seas<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#1_No_Claim_of_Sovereignty\" >1. No Claim of Sovereignty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#2_Flag-State_Jurisdiction\" >2. Flag-State Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#3_Duty_to_Cooperate_Against_Piracy\" >3. Duty to Cooperate Against Piracy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#4_Suppression_of_the_Slave_Trade\" >4. Suppression of the Slave Trade<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#5_Conservation_of_Living_Resources\" >5. Conservation of Living Resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#6_Protection_of_the_Marine_Environment\" >6. Protection of the Marine Environment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#Important_Case_Law_on_Freedom_of_the_High_Seas\" >Important Case Law on Freedom of the High Seas<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#1_The_Lotus_Case_France_v_Turkey_1927\" >1. The Lotus Case (France v. Turkey, 1927)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#2_The_SS_Wimbledon_Case_1923\" >2. The S.S. Wimbledon Case (1923)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/#Conclusion_Importance_of_Freedom_of_the_High_Seas\" >Conclusion: Importance of Freedom of the High Seas<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-legal-basis-under-unclos-1982\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Basis_Under_UNCLOS_1982\"><\/span>Legal Basis Under UNCLOS, 1982<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UNCLOS provides the modern legal framework for the freedom of the high seas. Article 87 declares that the high seas are open to all states and enumerates the principal freedoms. These freedoms must be exercised with due regard for the interests of other states and for the rights under the Convention with respect to activities in the Area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-main-freedoms-of-the-high-seas-under-article-87\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_Freedoms_of_the_High_Seas_Under_Article_87\"><\/span>Main Freedoms of the High Seas Under Article 87<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 87 of UNCLOS recognises the following freedoms for both coastal and land-locked States:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-freedom-of-navigation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Freedom_of_Navigation\"><\/span>1. Freedom of Navigation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every state has the right to sail ships flying its flag on the high seas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-freedom-of-overflight\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Freedom_of_Overflight\"><\/span>2. Freedom of Overflight<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aircraft of all states may fly over the high seas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-freedom-to-lay-submarine-cables-and-pipelines\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Freedom_to_Lay_Submarine_Cables_and_Pipelines\"><\/span>3. Freedom to Lay Submarine Cables and Pipelines<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Subject to Part VI of the Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-freedom-to-construct-artificial-islands-and-other-installations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Freedom_to_Construct_Artificial_Islands_and_Other_Installations\"><\/span>4. Freedom to Construct Artificial Islands and Other Installations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Permitted under international law, subject to Part VI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-freedom-of-fishing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Freedom_of_Fishing\"><\/span>5. Freedom of Fishing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Subject to the conditions laid down in Section 2 of Part VII (Articles 116\u2013120).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-6-freedom-of-scientific-research\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Freedom_of_Scientific_Research\"><\/span>6. Freedom of Scientific Research<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Subject to Parts VI and XIII.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-important-rules-and-limitations-on-the-freedom-of-the-high-seas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Rules_and_Limitations_on_the_Freedom_of_the_High_Seas\"><\/span>Important Rules and Limitations on the Freedom of the High Seas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The freedoms of the high seas are not absolute. UNCLOS imposes clear limitations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-no-claim-of-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_No_Claim_of_Sovereignty\"><\/span>1. No Claim of Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 89 prohibits any State from subjecting any part of the high seas to its sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-flag-state-jurisdiction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Flag-State_Jurisdiction\"><\/span>2. Flag-State Jurisdiction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Article 92, ships on the high seas are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the flag State, save in exceptional cases expressly provided for in international treaties or the Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-duty-to-cooperate-against-piracy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Duty_to_Cooperate_Against_Piracy\"><\/span>3. Duty to Cooperate Against Piracy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Articles 100\u2013107 require all States to cooperate in the repression of piracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-suppression-of-the-slave-trade\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Suppression_of_the_Slave_Trade\"><\/span>4. Suppression of the Slave Trade<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 99 obliges every state to take effective measures to prevent and punish the transport of slaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-conservation-of-living-resources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Conservation_of_Living_Resources\"><\/span>5. Conservation of Living Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Articles 116\u2013120 require States to cooperate in the conservation and management of the living resources of the high seas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-6-protection-of-the-marine-environment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Protection_of_the_Marine_Environment\"><\/span>6. Protection of the Marine Environment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 192 imposes a general obligation on states to protect and preserve the marine environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-important-case-law-on-freedom-of-the-high-seas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Case_Law_on_Freedom_of_the_High_Seas\"><\/span>Important Case Law on Freedom of the High Seas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-the-lotus-case-france-v-turkey-1927\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_The_Lotus_Case_France_v_Turkey_1927\"><\/span>1. The Lotus Case (France v. Turkey, 1927)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Permanent Court of International Justice affirmed the principle that a State may not exercise jurisdiction over foreign ships on the high seas except where permitted by international law, while recognising that jurisdiction is not invariably exclusive to the flag State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-the-s-s-wimbledon-case-1923\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_SS_Wimbledon_Case_1923\"><\/span>2. The S.S. Wimbledon Case (1923)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court underscored the importance of freedom of navigation in international waterways, reinforcing the broader principle of free maritime communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion-importance-of-freedom-of-the-high-seas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Importance_of_Freedom_of_the_High_Seas\"><\/span>Conclusion: Importance of Freedom of the High Seas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The freedom of the high seas remains a cornerstone of the modern law of the sea. UNCLOS, 1982, safeguards the right of all states to use the high seas for navigation, overflight, fishing, scientific research, and other peaceful purposes. These rights, however, must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the rights of other states, the conservation of marine resources, and the protection of the marine environment. In this way, the high seas continue to function as a common heritage of freedom and cooperation for the benefit of humankind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/law-of-the-land-vs-law-of-the-sea-a-comparative-perspective\/\">Law of the Land vs. Law of the Sea: A Comparative Perspective<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/judicial-principles-shaping-anticipatory-bail\/\">Judicial Principles Shaping Anticipatory Bail<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/when-to-apply-for-regular-bail\/\">When to Apply for Regular Bail<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/international-marine-environmental-law-protection-oceans\/\">Marine Environment Protection Under International Law: Emerging Challenges and Future Perspective<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/marine-insurance-claim-denied-heres-how-indian-courts-view-wrongful-rejections\/\">Marine Insurance Claim Denied? Here\u2019s How Indian Courts View Wrongful Rejections<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction: Freedom of the High Seas Under International Law The freedom of the high seas is a foundational principle of international law. The high seas comprise all parts of the sea that are not included in the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, internal waters, or archipelagic waters of any state. These areas are open to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[355],"class_list":["post-35131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-international-law","tag-international-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Freedom of the High Seas under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 (UNCLOS) - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Freedom of the High Seas under UNCLOS 1982: explore six freedoms, Article 87, legal restrictions, flag-state jurisdiction and landmark cases.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Freedom of the High Seas under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 (UNCLOS)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Freedom of the High Seas under UNCLOS 1982: explore six freedoms, Article 87, legal restrictions, flag-state jurisdiction and landmark cases.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/freedom-of-the-high-seas-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-1982-unclos\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - Articles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-11-04T11:14:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-11-04T11:16:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Md. 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