Pledge on maintaining the integrity of the International Law of the Sea – No Fees / No Tolls

Straits used for international navigation are not only regional waterways but global lifelines. Their security and safety depend on respect for international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), on restraint by all parties, and on sustained multilateral cooperation.

October 12, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

“Straits used for international navigation are not only regional waterways but global lifelines. Their security and safety depend on respect for international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), on restraint by all parties, and on sustained multilateral cooperation.

“We emphasize the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the constitution of the oceans whose provisions generally reflect customary international law, and which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. We reiterate the need to maintain the integrity of the Convention.

“Disruptions to maritime routes—including in strategically vital waterways—have demonstrated the global consequences of disregard for these principles, including significant impacts on international trade, energy flows, supply chains, and food security.

“Introducing restrictions, conditions, discriminatory measures or other obstacles to lawful passage through straits used for international navigation would set a dangerous precedent for global strategic waterways. No State should impose discriminatory limits on the passage of ships through such waterways in a manner inconsistent with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS. This principle is vital for global security.