UN General Assembly
1982

international law are based on the adoption in New York, m 1973, of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents. But we believe that a multilateral machinery must be established to deal with acts of terrorism affecting ordinary persons who do not enjoy the special protection of those immunities, but who are, none the less, entitled to international protection as human beings. 291. This year we have witnessed a historic event of great importance: the approval by the great majority of the international community of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,- which establishes a new and comprehensive legal order applicable to the seas and based on the recognition of the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the littoral States in the waters adjacent to their coasts, in an exclusive economic zone, and on the continental shelf, with due regard for the jus communication and the rational exploitation of the resources of the sea. 292. It is also based on co-operation for the development of scientific research, the