UN General Assembly
1982

striving together towards a better life. 235. After eight years of hard work the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea achieved its objective. The adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea constitutes a land-mark in the history of mankind. The success of the Conference has enhanced the prestige and credibility of the United Nations, which can be an effective framework for dealing with all questions of vital importance to all States and the international community. 236. The political climate and security in the Indian Ocean area has gravely deteriorated recently. The littoral and hinterland States are worried about the increase in tension in the area, as a result of the rivalries of the great Powers. There is an extremely urgent need to implement the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, pursuant to resolution 2832 (XXVI) of 12 December 1971. The situation of insecurity and instability prevailing in the Indian Ocean requires the speedy holding of the relevant conference in Colombo.