Recommendation on international principles applicable to archaeological excavations.
Established by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, meeting at New Delhi, from 5 November to 5 December 1956. [ Visit Website ]

1982 United Nations convention on the law of the sea
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2001 ICOMOS Charter on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage
This Charter is intended to encourage the protection and management of underwater cultural heritage in inland and inshore waters, in shallow seas and in the deep oceans. [ Visit Website ]

Draft International Core Data Standard for Archaeological Sites and Monuments
Produced by the Archaeological Sites Working Group of the International Committee for Documentation (CIDOC) of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the draft standard defines the minimum categories of information required to assess an archaeological site or monument, for planning, management, academic or other purposes.

1964 Venice Charter for the conservation and restoration of monuments and sites.
Article 15 identifies that excavations should be carried out in accordance with scientific standards and the recommendation defining international principles to be applied in the case of archaeological excavation adopted by UNESCO in 1956.