text: ofvictims ofnavalwar.Inthe1igbtofthemanychanges anddevelopments that havetakenplaceinthenavalsphere, thereseemstobeaneedformodernization in thisfieldofinternational law.Acomplete revision andUpdating oftherelevant HagueConventions andotherolderinstruments wouldprobably notbearealistic undertaking. However, itshould bepossible tosingleoutcertain issuesof particular interest andofpressing urgency andconsider theadoption ofseparate briefprotocols onthem. Theconclusion andadoption ofsuchprotocols couldmean, first, aprogressive development ofinternational lawinthisfieldand,second, a degreeofprotection forcivilians andcivilian values which,ifadhered tobythe majormilitary Powers, couldhaveconsiderable confidence-building effects. For instance, theproblems ofidentification andcommunication atseacouldprobably be studied intheframework oftheInternational Telecommunication Union, the International Maritime Orqanization andtheInternational CivilAviation Organization. I...A/40/535 English Page85 304.Thefollowing isalistofsuggested topicsthatmightbedealtwithin international instruments: (a)Zonalrestrictions. Inordertoreflect current circumstances, thereis aneedforfurther development Ofinternational lawconcerning suchconcepts as "interception areas", nwarzones", I'blockade zones" or"total exclusion zones'l. Maritime powers havelongbeenresorting tovarious zonalconcepts incrises andin timesofwar.ForStatesthatarenotparties totheconflict, suchactscan involve enforced curtailment oftheprinciple ofthefreedom ofthehighseas.The needforfreedom ofnavigation andforkeeping international seacommunications open,intimesofcrisis andwaraswellasinpeace, should begivendueregard. Thepossibility andpracticability ofgeographical andfunctional restrictions couldbeinvestigated. Merchant andfishing vessels (oncondition thattheyare notengaged inunneutral services) shouldalways belegally protected fromarmed attack, eveniftheymustenterthezoneattheriskofunintentional orcollateral damage. (b)Long-range weapons. Modernlong-range missiles andtorpedoes pose certain problems fortheimplementation ofthegeneral prohibition against indiscriminatory methods andmeansofwarfare thathaslongbeenanestablished principle ininternational humanitarian lawapplicable inarmedconflicts. When weapons arefiredfromsuchgreatdistances itcanbeverydifficult toselect and identify targets. Thereisadangerofaccidental strikes onunitswhichare protected underinternational law,suchashospital shipsandneutral merchant ships. Inordertoprevent disastrous mistakes inwarfare andprotect peaceful shipping, newpractical measures inthecontext ofthelawsofseawarfare should bedeveloped. (c)Seamines. The1907HagueConvention Relative totheLayingofAutomatic Submarine Contact Mines(Convention VIII)isoflimited valuetoday.Its definition ofminesdoesnotaccommodate laterdevelopments, i.e.modern mines whichrelyonmagnetic, acoustic orpressure effectoracombination thereof. Convention VIIIprovides forneutralizing mechanisms (art.1)andinformation regarding danger zones(art.3).Anewtreatycouldusefully buildonthesame concepts, addingrequirements onrecording theposition andtypeofminefields in ordertoprotect thepeaceful usesofthemarineenvironment. (d)Protection ofthemarineenvironment. PartXIIoftheUnitedNations Convention ontheLawoftheSeaisentitled "Protection andpreservation ofthe marine environment". GiventhenatureoftheConvention, therearenoexplicit provisions therein offering protection ofthemarineenvironment against the conseauences ofarmedattacks. Asrecentevents intheGulfhaveshown,oil pollution emanating frommilitary operations canhaveunpredictable andvery harmful consequences forthemarine environment. According tothe1977Protocol Additional totheGenevaConventions of12August 1949,andrelating tothe Protection ofVictims ofInternational ArmedConflicts (Protocol I)itis prohibited toemploymethods ormeansofwarfare whichareintended, ormaybe e~pected, tocausewidespread, long-term andsevere damagetothenatural environment (art.35).Although Protocol Ispecifically applies towarfare onland orintheair,itisforconsideration thatthiSgeneral rulecouldusefUlly be
analysis: The text appears to be discussing the modernization of international law in the field of naval warfare, with a focus on the protection of civilians, civilian values, and the marine environment. It highlights the need for updates to existing conventions and the development of new protocols to address specific issues such as zonal restrictions, long-range weapons, sea mines, and the protection of the marine environment. The text suggests that these developments could have significant confidence-building effects and improve the implementation of international humanitarian law.