VIENNACONVENTIONONTHELAWOFTREATIESSIGNEDATVIENNA23May1969

ENTRYINTOFORCE:27January1980

TheStatesPartiestothepresentConvention

Consideringthefundamentalroleoftreatiesinthehistoryofinternationalrelations,

Recognizingtheeverincreasingimportanceoftreatiesasasourceofinternationallawandasameansofdeveloping
peacefulcooperationamongnations,whatevertheirconstitutionalandsocialsystems,

Notingthattheprinciplesoffreeconsentandofgoodfaithandthepactasuntservandaruleareuniversallyrecognized,

Affirmingthatdisputesconcerningtreaties,likeotherinternationaldisputes,shouldbesettledbypeacefulmeansandin
conformitywiththeprinciplesofjusticeandinternationallaw,

RecallingthedeterminationofthepeoplesoftheUnitedNationstoestablishconditionsunderwhichjusticeandrespect
fortheobligationsarisingfromtreatiescanbemaintained,

HavinginmindtheprinciplesofinternationallawembodiedintheCharteroftheUnitedNations,suchastheprinciplesof
theequalrightsandselfdeterminationofpeoples,ofthesovereignequalityandindependenceofallStates,ofnon
interferenceinthedomesticaffairsofStates,oftheprohibitionofthethreatoruseofforceandofuniversalrespectfor,
andobservanceof,humanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsforall,

BelievingthatthecodificationandprogressivedevelopmentofthelawoftreatiesachievedinthepresentConventionwill
promotethepurposesoftheUnitedNationssetforthintheCharter,namely,themaintenanceofinternationalpeaceand
security,thedevelopmentoffriendlyrelationsandtheachievementofcooperationamongnations,

Affirmingthattherulesofcustomaryinternationallawwillcontinuetogovernquestionsnotregulatedbytheprovisionsof
thepresentConvention,

Haveagreedasfollows:

PARTI

INTRODUCTION

Article1
ScopeofthepresentConvention

ThepresentConventionappliestotreatiesbetweenStates.

Article2
Useofterms

1.ForthepurposesofthepresentConvention:(a)'treaty'meansaninternationalagreementconcludedbetweenStatesin
writtenformandgovernedbyinternationallaw,whetherembodiedinasingleinstrumentorintwoormorerelated
instrumentsandwhateveritsparticulardesignation(b)'ratification','acceptance','approval'and'accession'meanineach
casetheinternationalactsonamedwherebyaStateestablishesontheinternationalplaneitsconsenttobeboundbya
treaty(c)'fullpowers'meansadocumentemanatingfromthecompetentauthorityofaStatedesignatingapersonor
personstorepresenttheStatefornegotiating,adoptingorauthenticatingthetextofatreaty,forexpressingtheconsent
oftheStatetobeboundbyatreaty,orforaccomplishinganyotheractwithrespecttoatreaty(d)'reservation'meansa
unilateralstatement,howeverphrasedornamed,madebyaState,whensigning,ratifying,accepting,approvingor
accedingtoatreaty,wherebyitpurportstoexcludeortomodifythelegaleffectofcertainprovisionsofthetreatyintheir
applicationtothatState(e)'negotiatingState'meansaStatewhichtookpartinthedrawingupandadoptionofthetext
ofthetreaty(f)'contractingState'meansaStatewhichhasconsentedtobeboundbythetreaty,whetherornotthe
treatyhasenteredintoforce(g)'party'meansaStatewhichhasconsentedtobeboundbythetreatyandforwhichthe
treatyisinforce(h)'thirdState'meansaStatenotapartytothetreaty(i)'internationalorganization'meansan
intergovernmentalorganization.

2.Theprovisionsofparagraph1regardingtheuseoftermsinthepresentConventionarewithoutprejudicetotheuseof
thosetermsortothemeaningswhichmaybegiventothemintheinternallawofanyState.

Article3
InternationalagreementsnotwithinthescopeofthepresentConvention

ThefactthatthepresentConventiondoesnotapplytointernationalagreementsconcludedbetweenStatesandother
subjectsofinternationallaworbetweensuchothersubjectsofinternationallaw,ortointernationalagreementsnotin
writtenform,shallnotaffect:
(a)thelegalforceofsuchagreements(b)theapplicationtothemofanyoftherulessetforthinthepresentConvention
towhichtheywouldbesubjectunderinternationallawindependentlyoftheConvention(c)theapplicationofthe
ConventiontotherelationsofStatesasbetweenthemselvesunderinternationalagreementstowhichothersubjectsof
internationallawarealsoparties.

Article4
NonretroactivityofthepresentConvention

WithoutprejudicetotheapplicationofanyrulessetforthinthepresentConventiontowhichtreatieswouldbesubject
underinternationallawindependentlyoftheConvention,theConventionappliesonlytotreatieswhichareconcludedby
StatesaftertheentryintoforceofthepresentConventionwithregardtosuchStates.

Article5
Treatiesconstitutinginternationalorganizationsandtreatiesadoptedwithinaninternationalorganization

ThepresentConventionappliestoanytreatywhichistheconstituentinstrumentofaninternationalorganizationandto
anytreatyadoptedwithinaninternationalorganizationwithoutprejudicetoanyrelevantrulesoftheorganization.

PARTII

CONCLUSIONANDENTRYINTOFORCEOFTREATIES

SECTION1.CONCLUSIONOFTREATIES

Article6
CapacityofStatestoconcludetreaties

EveryStatepossessescapacitytoconcludetreaties.

Article7
Fullpowers

1.ApersonisconsideredasrepresentingaStateforthepurposeofadoptingorauthenticatingthetextofatreatyorfor
thepurposeofexpressingtheconsentoftheStatetobeboundbyatreatyif:

(a)heproducesappropriatefullpowersor(b)itappearsfromthepracticeoftheStatesconcernedorfromother
circumstancesthattheirintentionwastoconsiderthatpersonasrepresentingtheStateforsuchpurposesandto
dispensewithfullpowers.

2.Invirtueoftheirfunctionsandwithouthavingtoproducefullpowers,thefollowingareconsideredasrepresentingtheir
State:

(a)HeadsofState,HeadsofGovernmentandMinistersforForeignAffairs,forthepurposeofperformingallactsrelating
totheconclusionofatreaty(b)headsofdiplomaticmissions,forthepurposeofadoptingthetextofatreatybetween
theaccreditingStateandtheStatetowhichtheyareaccredited(c)representativesaccreditedbyStatestoan
internationalconferenceortoaninternationalorganizationoroneofitsorgans,forthepurposeofadoptingthetextofa
treatyinthatconference,organizationororgan.

Article8
Subsequentconfirmationofanactperformedwithoutauthorization

Anactrelatingtotheconclusionofatreatyperformedbyapersonwhocannotbeconsideredunderarticle7as
authorizedtorepresentaStateforthatpurposeiswithoutlegaleffectunlessafterwardsconfirmedbythatState.

Article9
Adoptionofthetext

1.TheadoptionofthetextofatreatytakesplacebytheconsentofalltheStatesparticipatinginitsdrawingupexcept
asprovidedinparagraph2.

2.TheadoptionofthetextofatreatyataninternationalconferencetakesplacebythevoteoftwothirdsoftheStates
presentandvoting,unlessbythesamemajoritytheyshalldecidetoapplyadifferentrule.

Article10
Authenticationofthetext

Thetextofatreatyisestablishedasauthenticanddefinitive:

(a)bysuchprocedureasmaybeprovidedforinthetextoragreeduponbytheStatesparticipatinginitsdrawingupor
(b)failingsuchprocedure,bythesignature,signatureadreferendumorinitiallingbytherepresentativesofthoseStates
ofthetextofthetreatyoroftheFinalActofaconferenceincorporatingthetext.
 Article11
Meansofexpressingconsenttobeboundbyatreaty

TheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatymaybeexpressedbysignature,exchangeofinstrumentsconstitutinga
treaty,ratification,acceptance,approvaloraccession,orbyanyothermeansifsoagreed.

Article12
Consenttobeboundbyatreatyexpressedbysignature

1.TheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatyisexpressedbythesignatureofitsrepresentativewhen:(a)thetreaty
providesthatsignatureshallhavethateffect(b)itisotherwiseestablishedthatthenegotiatingStateswereagreedthat
signatureshouldhavethateffector(c)theintentionoftheStatetogivethateffecttothesignatureappearsfromthefull
powersofitsrepresentativeorwasexpressedduringthenegotiation.

2.Forthepurposesofparagraph1:(a)theinitiallingofatextconstitutesasignatureofthetreatywhenitisestablished
thatthenegotiatingStatessoagreed(b)thesignatureadreferendumofatreatybyarepresentative,ifconfirmedbyhis
State,constitutesafullsignatureofthetreaty.

Article13
Consenttobeboundbyatreatyexpressedbyanexchangeofinstrumentsconstitutingatreaty

TheconsentofStatestobeboundbyatreatyconstitutedbyinstrumentsexchangedbetweenthemisexpressedbythat
exchangewhen:(a)theinstrumentsprovidethattheirexchangeshallhavethateffector(b)itisotherwiseestablished
thatthoseStateswereagreedthattheexchangeofinstrumentsshouldhavethateffect

Article14
Consenttobeboundbyatreatyexpressedbyratification,acceptanceorapproval

1.TheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatyisexpressedbyratificationwhen:

(a)thetreatyprovidesforsuchconsenttobeexpressedbymeansofratification(b)itisotherwiseestablishedthatthe
negotiatingStateswereagreedthatratificationshouldberequired(c)therepresentativeoftheStatehassignedthe
treatysubjecttoratificationor(d)theintentionoftheStatetosignthetreatysubjecttoratificationappearsfromthefull
powersofitsrepresentativeorwasexpressedduringthenegotiation.

2.TheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatyisexpressedbyacceptanceorapprovalunderconditionssimilarto
thosewhichapplytoratification.

Article15
Consenttobeboundbyatreatyexpressedbyaccession

TheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatyisexpressedbyaccessionwhen:

(a)thetreatyprovidesthatsuchconsentmaybeexpressedbythatStatebymeansofaccession(b)itisotherwise
establishedthatthenegotiatingStateswereagreedthatsuchconsentmaybeexpressedbythatStatebymeansof
accessionor(c)allthepartieshavesubsequentlyagreedthatsuchconsentmaybeexpressedbythatStatebymeans
ofaccession.

Article16.
Exchangeordepositofinstrumentsofratification,acceptance,approvaloraccession

Unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides,instrumentsofratification,acceptance,approvaloraccessionestablishthe
consentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatyupon:

(a)theirexchangebetweenthecontractingStates(b)theirdepositwiththedepositaryor(c)theirnotificationtothe
contractingStatesortothedepositary,if50agreed.

Article17
Consenttobeboundbypartofatreatyandchoiceofdifferingprovisions

1.Withoutprejudicetoarticles19to23,theconsentofaStatetobeboundbypartofatreatyiseffectiveonlyifthe
treatysopermitsortheothercontractingStatessoagree.

2.TheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatywhichpermitsachoicebetweendifferingprovisionsiseffectiveonlyif
itismadecleartowhichoftheprovisionstheconsentrelates.

Article18
Obligationnottodefeattheobjectandpurposeofatreatypriortoitsentryintoforce

AStateisobligedtorefrainfromactswhichwoulddefeattheobjectandpurposeofatreatywhen:
(a)ithassignedthetreatyorhasexchangedinstrumentsconstitutingthetreatysubjecttoratification,acceptanceor
approval,untilitshallhavemadeitsintentionclearnottobecomeapartytothetreatyor(b)ithasexpressedits
consenttobeboundbythetreaty,pendingtheentryintoforceofthetreatyandprovidedthatsuchentryintoforceisnot
undulydelayed.

SECTION2.RESERVATIONS

Article19
Formulationofreservations

AStatemay,whensigning,ratifying,accepting,approvingoraccedingtoatreaty,formulateareservationunless:

(a)thereservationisprohibitedbythetreaty(b)thetreatyprovidesthatonlyspecifiedreservations,whichdonot
includethereservationinquestion,maybemadeor(c)incasesnotfallingundersubparagraphs(a)and(b),the
reservationisincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeofthetreaty.

Article20
Acceptanceofandobjectiontoreservations

1.Areservationexpresslyauthorizedbyatreatydoesnotrequireanysubsequentacceptancebytheothercontracting
Statesunlessthetreatysoprovides.

2.WhenitappearsfromthelimitednumberofthenegotiatingStatesandtheobjectandpurposeofatreatythatthe
applicationofthetreatyinitsentiretybetweenallthepartiesisanessentialconditionoftheconsentofeachonetobe
boundbythetreaty,areservationrequiresacceptancebyalltheparties.

3.Whenatreatyisaconstituentinstrumentofaninternationalorganizationandunlessitotherwiseprovides,a
reservationrequirestheacceptanceofthecompetentorganofthatorganization.

4.Incasesnotfallingundertheprecedingparagraphsandunlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides:

(a)acceptancebyanothercontractingStateofareservationconstitutesthereservingStateapartytothetreatyin
relationtothatotherStateiforwhenthetreatyisinforceforthoseStates(b)anobjectionbyanothercontractingState
toareservationdoesnotprecludetheentryintoforceofthetreatyasbetweentheobjectingandreservingStatesunless
acontraryintentionisdefinitelyexpressedbytheobjectingState(c)anactexpressingaState'sconsenttobeboundby
thetreatyandcontainingareservationiseffectiveassoonasatleastoneothercontractingStatehasacceptedthe
reservation.

5.Forthepurposesofparagraphs2and4andunlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides,areservationisconsideredtohave
beenacceptedbyaStateifitshallhaveraisednoobjectiontothereservationbytheendofaperiodoftwelvemonths
afteritwasnotifiedofthereservationorbythedateonwhichitexpresseditsconsenttobeboundbythetreaty,
whicheverislater.

Article21
Legaleffectsofreservationsandofobjectionstoreservations

1.Areservationestablishedwithregardtoanotherpartyinaccordancewitharticles19,20and23:

(a)modifiesforthereservingStateinitsrelationswiththatotherpartytheprovisionsofthetreatytowhichthe
reservationrelatestotheextentofthereservationand(b)modifiesthoseprovisionstothesameextentforthatother
partyinitsrelationswiththereservingState.

2.Thereservationdoesnotmodifytheprovisionsofthetreatyfortheotherpartiestothetreatyinterse.

3.WhenaStateobjectingtoareservationhasnotopposedtheentryintoforceofthetreatybetweenitselfandthe
reservingState,theprovisionstowhichthereservationrelatesdonotapplyasbetweenthetwoStatestotheextentof
thereservation.

Article22
Withdrawalofreservationsandofobjectionstoreservations

1.Unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides,areservationmaybewithdrawnatanytimeandtheconsentofaStatewhich
hasacceptedthereservationisnotrequiredforitswithdrawal.

2.Unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides,anobjectiontoareservationmaybewithdrawnatanytime.

3.Unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides,oritisotherwiseagreed:

(a)thewithdrawalofareservationbecomesoperativeinrelationtoanothercontractingStateonlywhennoticeofithas
beenreceivedbythatState(b)thewithdrawalofanobjectiontoareservationbecomesoperativeonlywhennoticeofit
hasbeenreceivedbytheStatewhichformulatedthereservation.
 Article23
Procedureregardingreservations

1.Areservation,anexpressacceptanceofareservationandanobjectiontoareservationmustbeformulatedinwriting
andcommunicatedtothecontractingStatesandotherStatesentitledtobecomepartiestothetreaty.

2.Ifformulatedwhensigningthetreatysubjecttoratification,acceptanceorapproval,areservationmustbeformally
confirmedbythereservingStatewhenexpressingitsconsenttobeboundbythetreaty.Insuchacasethereservation
shallbeconsideredashavingbeenmadeonthedateofitsconfirmation.

3.Anexpressacceptanceof,oranobjectionto,areservationmadepreviouslytoconfirmationofthereservationdoes
notitselfrequireconfirmation.

4.Thewithdrawalofareservationorofanobjectiontoareservationmustbeformulatedinwriting.

SECTION3.ENTRYINTOFORCEANDPROVISIONALAPPLICATIONOFTREATIES

Article24
Entryintoforce

1.AtreatyentersintoforceinsuchmanneranduponsuchdateasitmayprovideorasthenegotiatingStatesmay
agree.

2.Failinganysuchprovisionoragreement,atreatyentersintoforceassoonasconsenttobeboundbythetreatyhas
beenestablishedforallthenegotiatingStates.

3.WhentheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatyisestablishedonadateafterthetreatyhascomeintoforce,the
treatyentersintoforceforthatStateonthatdate,unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides.

4.Theprovisionsofatreatyregulatingtheauthenticationofitstext,theestablishmentoftheconsentofStatestobe
boundbythetreaty,themannerordateofitsentryintoforce,reservations,thefunctionsofthedepositaryandother
mattersarisingnecessarilybeforetheentryintoforceofthetreatyapplyfromthetimeoftheadoptionofitstext.

Article25
Provisionalapplication

1.Atreatyorapartofatreatyisappliedprovisionallypendingitsentryintoforceif:

(a)thetreatyitselfsoprovidesor(b)thenegotiatingStateshaveinsomeothermannersoagreed.

2.UnlessthetreatyotherwiseprovidesorthenegotiatingStateshaveotherwiseagreed,theprovisionalapplicationofa
treatyorapartofatreatywithrespecttoaStateshallbeterminatedifthatStatenotifiestheotherStatesbetweenwhich
thetreatyisbeingappliedprovisionallyofitsintentionnottobecomeapartytothetreaty.

PARTIII

OBSERVANCE,APPLICATIONANDINTERPRETATIONOFTREATIES

SECTION1.OBSERVANCEOFTREATIES

Article26
Pactasuntservanda

Everytreatyinforceisbindinguponthepartiestoitandmustbeperformedbythemingoodfaith.

Article27Internallawandobservanceoftreaties

Apartymaynotinvoketheprovisionsofitsinternallawasjustificationforitsfailuretoperformatreaty.Thisruleis
withoutprejudicetoarticle46.

SECTION2.APPLICATIONOFTREATIES

Article28
Nonretroactivityoftreaties

Unlessadifferentintentionappearsfromthetreatyorisotherwiseestablished,itsprovisionsdonotbindapartyin
relationtoanyactorfactwhichtookplaceoranysituationwhichceasedtoexistbeforethedateoftheentryintoforce
ofthetreatywithrespecttothatparty.

Article29
Territorialscopeoftreaties
Unlessadifferentintentionappearsfromthetreatyorisotherwiseestablished,atreatyisbindinguponeachpartyin
respectofitsentireterritory.

Article30
Applicationofsuccessivetreatiesrelatingtothesamesubjectmatter

1.SubjecttoArticle103oftheCharteroftheUnitedNations,therightsandobligationsofStatespartiestosuccessive
treatiesrelatingtothesamesubjectmattershallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththefollowingparagraphs.

2.Whenatreatyspecifiesthatitissubjectto,orthatitisnottobeconsideredasincompatiblewith,anearlierorlater
treaty,theprovisionsofthatothertreatyprevail.

3.Whenallthepartiestotheearliertreatyarepartiesalsotothelatertreatybuttheearliertreatyisnotterminatedor
suspendedinoperationunderarticle59,theearliertreatyappliesonlytotheextentthatitsprovisionsarecompatible
withthoseofthelattertreaty.

4.Whenthepartiestothelatertreatydonotincludeallthepartiestotheearlierone:

(a)asbetweenStatespartiestobothtreatiesthesameruleappliesasinparagraph3(b)asbetweenaStatepartyto
bothtreatiesandaStatepartytoonlyoneofthetreaties,thetreatytowhichbothStatesarepartiesgovernstheirmutual
rightsandobligations.

5.Paragraph4iswithoutprejudicetoarticle41,ortoanyquestionoftheterminationorsuspensionoftheoperationofa
treatyunderarticle60ortoanyquestionofresponsibilitywhichmayariseforaStatefromtheconclusionorapplication
ofatreaty,theprovisionsofwhichareincompatiblewithitsobligationstowardsanotherStateunderanothertreaty.

SECTION3.INTERPRETATIONOFTREATIES

Article31
Generalruleofinterpretation

1.Atreatyshallbeinterpretedingoodfaithinaccordancewiththeordinarymeaningtobegiventothetermsofthe
treatyintheircontextandinthelightofitsobjectandpurpose.

2.Thecontextforthepurposeoftheinterpretationofatreatyshallcomprise,inadditiontothetext,includingits
preambleandannexes:

(a)anyagreementrelatingtothetreatywhichwasmadebetweenallthepartiesinconnexionwiththeconclusionofthe
treaty(b)anyinstrumentwhichwasmadebyoneormorepartiesinconnexionwiththeconclusionofthetreatyand
acceptedbytheotherpartiesasaninstrumentrelatedtothetreaty.

3.Thereshallbetakenintoaccount,togetherwiththecontext:

(a)anysubsequentagreementbetweenthepartiesregardingtheinterpretationofthetreatyortheapplicationofits
provisions(b)anysubsequentpracticeintheapplicationofthetreatywhichestablishestheagreementoftheparties
regardingitsinterpretation(c)anyrelevantrulesofinternationallawapplicableintherelationsbetweentheparties.

4.Aspecialmeaningshallbegiventoatermifitisestablishedthatthepartiessointended.

Article32
Supplementarymeansofinterpretation

Recoursemaybehadtosupplementarymeansofinterpretation,includingthepreparatoryworkofthetreatyandthe
circumstancesofitsconclusion,inordertoconfirmthemeaningresultingfromtheapplicationofarticle31,orto
determinethemeaningwhentheinterpretationaccordingtoarticle31:

(a)leavesthemeaningambiguousorobscureor(b)leadstoaresultwhichismanifestlyabsurdorunreasonable.

Article33
Interpretationoftreatiesauthenticatedintwoormorelanguages

1.Whenatreatyhasbeenauthenticatedintwoormorelanguages,thetextisequallyauthoritativeineachlanguage,
unlessthetreatyprovidesorthepartiesagreethat,incaseofdivergence,aparticulartextshallprevail.

2.Aversionofthetreatyinalanguageotherthanoneofthoseinwhichthetextwasauthenticatedshallbeconsidered
anauthentictextonlyifthetreatysoprovidesorthepartiessoagree.

3.Thetermsofthetreatyarepresumedtohavethesamemeaningineachauthentictext.

4.Exceptwhereaparticulartextprevailsinaccordancewithparagraph1,whenacomparisonoftheauthentictexts
disclosesadifferenceofmeaningwhichtheapplicationofarticles31and32doesnotremove,themeaningwhichbest
reconcilesthetexts,havingregardtotheobjectandpurposeofthetreaty,shallbeadopted.
 SECTION4.TREATIESANDTHIRDSTATES

Article34
GeneralruleregardingthirdStates

AtreatydoesnotcreateeitherobligationsorrightsforathirdStatewithoutitsconsent.

Article35TreatiesprovidingforobligationsforthirdStates

AnobligationarisesforathirdStatefromaprovisionofatreatyifthepartiestothetreatyintendtheprovisiontobethe
meansofestablishingtheobligationandthethirdStateexpresslyacceptsthatobligationinwriting.

Article36
TreatiesprovidingforrightsforthirdStates

1.ArightarisesforathirdStatefromaprovisionofatreatyifthepartiestothetreatyintendtheprovisiontoaccordthat
righteithertothethirdState,ortoagroupofStatestowhichitbelongs,ortoallStates,andthethirdStateassents
thereto.Itsassentshallbepresumedsolongasthecontraryisnotindicated,unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides.

2.AStateexercisingarightinaccordancewithparagraph1shallcomplywiththeconditionsforitsexerciseprovidedfor
inthetreatyorestablishedinconformitywiththetreaty.

Article37
RevocationormodificationofobligationsorrightsofthirdStates

1.WhenanobligationhasarisenforathirdStateinconformitywitharticle35,theobligationmayberevokedormodified
onlywiththeconsentofthepartiestothetreatyandofthethirdState,unlessitisestablishedthattheyhadotherwise
agreed.

2.WhenarighthasarisenforathirdStateinconformitywitharticle36,therightmaynotberevokedormodifiedbythe
partiesifitisestablishedthattherightwasintendednottoberevocableorsubjecttomodificationwithouttheconsentof
thethirdState.

Article38
RulesinatreatybecomingbindingonthirdStatesthroughinternationalcustom

Nothinginarticles34to37precludesarulesetforthinatreatyfrombecomingbindinguponathirdStateasacustomary
ruleofinternationallaw,recognizedassuch.

PARTIV

AMENDMENTANDMODIFICATIONOFTREATIES

Article39
Generalruleregardingtheamendmentoftreaties

Atreatymaybeamendedbyagreementbetweentheparties.TheruleslaiddowninPartIIapplytosuchanagreement
exceptinsofarasthetreatymayotherwiseprovide.

Article40
Amendmentofmultilateraltreaties

1.Unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides,theamendmentofmultilateraltreatiesshallbegovernedbythefollowing
paragraphs.

2.AnyproposaltoamendamultilateraltreatyasbetweenallthepartiesmustbenotifiedtoallthecontractingStates,
eachoneofwhichshallhavetherighttotakepartin:

(a)thedecisionastotheactiontobetakeninregardtosuchproposal(b)thenegotiationandconclusionofany
agreementfortheamendmentofthetreaty.

3.EveryStateentitledtobecomeapartytothetreatyshallalsobeentitledtobecomeapartytothetreatyasamended.

4.TheamendingagreementdoesnotbindanyStatealreadyapartytothetreatywhichdoesnotbecomeapartytothe
amendingagreementarticle30,paragraph4(b),appliesinrelationtosuchState.

5.AnyStatewhichbecomesapartytothetreatyaftertheentryintoforceoftheamendingagreementshall,failingan
expressionofadifferentintentionbythatState:

(a)beconsideredasapartytothetreatyasamendedand(b)beconsideredasapartytotheunamendedtreatyin
relationtoanypartytothetreatynotboundbytheamendingagreement.
 Article41
Agreementstomodifymultilateraltreatiesbetweencertainofthepartiesonly

1.Twoormoreofthepartiestoamultilateraltreatymayconcludeanagreementtomodifythetreatyasbetween
themselvesaloneif:

(a)thepossibilityofsuchamodificationisprovidedforbythetreatyor(b)themodificationinquestionisnotprohibited
bythetreatyand:(i)doesnotaffecttheenjoymentbytheotherpartiesoftheirrightsunderthetreatyortheperformance
oftheirobligations(ii)doesnotrelatetoaprovision,derogationfromwhichisincompatiblewiththeeffectiveexecution
oftheobjectandpurposeofthetreatyasawhole.

2.Unlessinacasefallingunderparagraph1(a)thetreatyotherwiseprovides,thepartiesinquestionshallnotifythe
otherpartiesoftheirintentiontoconcludetheagreementandofthemodificationtothetreatyforwhichitprovides.

PARTV

INVALIDITY,TERMINATIONANDSUSPENSIONOFTHEOPERATIONOFTREATIES

SECTION1.GENERALPROVISIONS

Article42
Validityandcontinuanceinforceoftreaties

1.ThevalidityofatreatyoroftheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyatreatymaybeimpeachedonlythroughthe
applicationofthepresentConvention.

2.Theterminationofatreaty,itsdenunciationorthewithdrawalofaparty,maytakeplaceonlyasaresultofthe
applicationoftheprovisionsofthetreatyorofthepresentConvention.Thesameruleappliestosuspensionofthe
operationofatreaty.

Article43
Obligationsimposedbyinternationallawindependentlyofatreaty

Theinvalidity,terminationordenunciationofatreaty,thewithdrawalofapartyfromit,orthesuspensionofitsoperation,
asaresultoftheapplicationofthepresentConventionoroftheprovisionsofthetreaty,shallnotinanywayimpairthe
dutyofanyStatetofulfilanyobligationembodiedinthetreatytowhichitwouldbesubjectunderinternationallaw
independentlyofthetreaty.

Article44
Separabilityoftreatyprovisions

1.Arightofaparty,providedforinatreatyorarisingunderarticle56,todenounce,withdrawfromorsuspendthe
operationofthetreatymaybeexercisedonlywithrespecttothewholetreatyunlessthetreatyotherwiseprovidesorthe
partiesotherwiseagree.

2.Agroundforinvalidating,terminating,withdrawingfromorsuspendingtheoperationofatreatyrecognizedinthe
presentConventionmaybeinvokedonlywithrespecttothewholetreatyexceptasprovidedinthefollowingparagraphs
orinarticle60.

3.Ifthegroundrelatessolelytoparticularclauses,itmaybeinvokedonlywithrespecttothoseclauseswhere:

(a)thesaidclausesareseparablefromtheremainderofthetreatywithregardtotheirapplication(b)itappearsfromthe
treatyorisotherwiseestablishedthatacceptanceofthoseclauseswasnotanessentialbasisoftheconsentofthe
otherpartyorpartiestobeboundbythetreatyasawholeand(c)continuedperformanceoftheremainderofthetreaty
wouldnotbeunjust.

4.Incasesfallingunderarticles49and50theStateentitledtoinvokethefraudorcorruptionmaydosowithrespect
eithertothewholetreatyor,subjecttoparagraph3,totheparticularclausesalone.

5.Incasesfallingunderarticles51,52and53,noseparationoftheprovisionsofthetreatyispermitted.

Article45
Lossofarighttoinvokeagroundforinvalidating,terminating,withdrawing
fromorsuspendingtheoperationofatreaty

AStatemaynolongerinvokeagroundforinvalidating,terminating,withdrawingfromorsuspendingtheoperationofa
treatyunderarticles46to50orarticles60and62if,afterbecomingawareofthefacts:

(a)itshallhaveexpresslyagreedthatthetreatyisvalidorremainsinforceorcontinuesinoperation,asthecasemay
beor(b)itmustbyreasonofitsconductbeconsideredashavingacquiescedinthevalidityofthetreatyorinits
maintenanceinforceorinoperation,asthecasemaybe.
 SECTION2.INVALIDITYOFTREATIES

Article46
Provisionsofinternallawregardingcompetencetoconcludetreaties

1.AStatemaynotinvokethefactthatitsconsenttobeboundbyatreatyhasbeenexpressedinviolationofaprovision
ofitsinternallawregardingcompetencetoconcludetreatiesasinvalidatingitsconsentunlessthatviolationwas
manifestandconcernedaruleofitsinternallawoffundamentalimportance.

2.AviolationismanifestifitwouldbeobjectivelyevidenttoanyStateconductingitselfinthematterinaccordancewith
normalpracticeandingoodfaith.

Article47
SpecificrestrictionsonauthoritytoexpresstheconsentofaState

IftheauthorityofarepresentativetoexpresstheconsentofaStatetobeboundbyaparticulartreatyhasbeenmade
subjecttoaspecificrestriction,hisomissiontoobservethatrestrictionmaynotbeinvokedasinvalidatingtheconsent
expressedbyhimunlesstherestrictionwasnotifiedtotheothernegotiatingStatespriortohisexpressingsuchconsent.

Article48
Error

1.AStatemayinvokeanerrorinatreatyasinvalidatingitsconsenttobeboundbythetreatyiftheerrorrelatestoa
factorsituationwhichwasassumedbythatStatetoexistatthetimewhenthetreatywasconcludedandformedan
essentialbasisofitsconsenttobeboundbythetreaty.

2.Paragraph1shallnotapplyiftheStateinquestioncontributedbyitsownconducttotheerrororifthecircumstances
weresuchastoputthatStateonnoticeofapossibleerror.

3.Anerrorrelatingonlytothewordingofthetextofatreatydoesnotaffectitsvalidityarticle79thenapplies.

Article49
Fraud

IfaStatehasbeeninducedtoconcludeatreatybythefraudulentconductofanothernegotiatingState,theStatemay
invokethefraudasinvalidatingitsconsenttobeboundbythetreaty.

Article50
CorruptionofarepresentativeofaState

IftheexpressionofaState'sconsenttobeboundbyatreatyhasbeenprocuredthroughthecorruptionofits
representativedirectlyorindirectlybyanothernegotiatingState,theStatemayinvokesuchcorruptionasinvalidatingits
consenttobeboundbythetreaty.

Article51
CoercionofarepresentativeofaState

TheexpressionofaState'sconsenttobeboundbyatreatywhichhasbeenprocuredbythecoercionofits
representativethroughactsorthreatsdirectedagainsthimshallbewithoutanylegaleffect.

Article52
CoercionofaStatebythethreatoruseofforce

Atreatyisvoidifitsconclusionhasbeenprocuredbythethreatoruseofforceinviolationoftheprinciplesof
internationallawembodiedintheCharteroftheUnitedNations.

Article53
Treatiesconflictingwithaperemptorynormofgeneralinternationallaw(juscogens)

Atreatyisvoidif,atthetimeofitsconclusion,itconflictswithaperemptorynormofgeneralinternationallaw.Forthe
purposesofthepresentConvention,aperemptorynormofgeneralinternationallawisanormacceptedandrecognized
bytheinternationalcommunityofStatesasawholeasanormfromwhichnoderogationispermittedandwhichcanbe
modifiedonlybyasubsequentnormofgeneralinternationallawhavingthesamecharacter.

SECTION3.TERMINATIONANDSUSPENSIONOFTHEOPERATIONOFTREATIES

Article54
Terminationoforwithdrawalfromatreatyunderitsprovisionsorbyconsentoftheparties

Theterminationofatreatyorthewithdrawalofapartymaytakeplace:
(a)inconformitywiththeprovisionsofthetreatyor(b)atanytimebyconsentofallthepartiesafterconsultationwith
theothercontractingStates.

Article55
Reductionofthepartiestoamultilateraltreatybelowthenumbernecessaryforitsentryintoforce

Unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovides,amultilateraltreatydoesnotterminatebyreasononlyofthefactthatthenumber
ofthepartiesfallsbelowthenumbernecessaryforitsentryintoforce.

Article56
Denunciationoforwithdrawalfromatreatycontainingnoprovision
regardingtermination,denunciationorwithdrawal

1.Atreatywhichcontainsnoprovisionregardingitsterminationandwhichdoesnotprovidefordenunciationor
withdrawalisnotsubjecttodenunciationorwithdrawalunless:

(a)itisestablishedthatthepartiesintendedtoadmitthepossibilityofdenunciationorwithdrawalor(b)arightof
denunciationorwithdrawalmaybeimpliedbythenatureofthetreaty.

2.Apartyshallgivenotlessthantwelvemonths'noticeofitsintentiontodenounceorwithdrawfromatreatyunder
paragraph1.

Article57
Suspensionoftheoperationofatreatyunderitsprovisionsorbyconsentoftheparties

Theoperationofatreatyinregardtoallthepartiesortoaparticularpartymaybesuspended:

(a)inconformitywiththeprovisionsofthetreatyor(b)atanytimebyconsentofallthepartiesafterconsultationwith
theothercontractingStates.

Article58
Suspensionoftheoperationofamultilateraltreatybyagreementbetweencertainofthepartiesonly

1.Twoormorepartiestoamultilateraltreatymayconcludeanagreementtosuspendtheoperationofprovisionsofthe
treaty,temporarilyandasbetweenthemselvesalone,if:

(a)thepossibilityofsuchasuspensionisprovidedforbythetreatyor(b)thesuspensioninquestionisnotprohibitedby
thetreatyand:(i)doesnotaffecttheenjoymentbytheotherpartiesoftheirrightsunderthetreatyortheperformanceof
theirobligations(ii)isnotincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeofthetreaty.

2.Unlessinacasefallingunderparagraph1(a)thetreatyotherwiseprovides,thepartiesinquestionshallnotifythe
otherpartiesoftheirintentiontoconcludetheagreementandofthoseprovisionsofthetreatytheoperationofwhichthey
intendtosuspend.

Article59
Terminationorsuspensionoftheoperationofatreatyimpliedbyconclusionofalatertreaty

1.Atreatyshallbeconsideredasterminatedifallthepartiestoitconcludealatertreatyrelatingtothesamesubject
matterand:

(a)itappearsfromthelatertreatyorisotherwiseestablishedthatthepartiesintendedthatthemattershouldbe
governedbythattreatyor(b)theprovisionsofthelatertreatyaresofarincompatiblewiththoseoftheearlieronethat
thetwotreatiesarenotcapableofbeingappliedatthesametime.

2.Theearliertreatyshallbeconsideredasonlysuspendedinoperationifitappearsfromthelatertreatyorisotherwise
establishedthatsuchwastheintentionoftheparties.

Article60
Terminationorsuspensionoftheoperationofatreatyasaconsequenceofitsbreach

1.Amaterialbreachofabilateraltreatybyoneofthepartiesentitlestheothertoinvokethebreachasagroundfor
terminatingthetreatyorsuspendingitsoperationinwholeorinpart.

2.Amaterialbreachofamultilateraltreatybyoneofthepartiesentitles:

(a)theotherpartiesbyunanimousagreementtosuspendtheoperationofthetreatyinwholeorinpartortoterminateit
either:(i)intherelationsbetweenthemselvesandthedefaultingState,or(ii)asbetweenalltheparties(b)aparty
speciallyaffectedbythebreachtoinvokeitasagroundforsuspendingtheoperationofthetreatyinwholeorinpartin
therelationsbetweenitselfandthedefaultingState(c)anypartyotherthanthedefaultingStatetoinvokethebreachas
agroundforsuspendingtheoperationofthetreatyinwholeorinpartwithrespecttoitselfifthetreatyisofsucha
characterthatamaterialbreachofitsprovisionsbyonepartyradicallychangesthepositionofeverypartywithrespect
tothefurtherperformanceofitsobligationsunderthetreaty.
3.Amaterialbreachofatreaty,forthepurposesofthisarticle,consistsin:

(a)arepudiationofthetreatynotsanctionedbythepresentConventionor(b)theviolationofaprovisionessentialtothe
accomplishmentoftheobjectorpurposeofthetreaty.

4.Theforegoingparagraphsarewithoutprejudicetoanyprovisioninthetreatyapplicableintheeventofabreach.

5.Paragraphs1to3donotapplytoprovisionsrelatingtotheprotectionofthehumanpersoncontainedintreatiesofa
humanitariancharacter,inparticulartoprovisionsprohibitinganyformofreprisalsagainstpersonsprotectedbysuch
treaties.

Article61
Superveningimpossibilityofperformance

1.Apartymayinvoketheimpossibilityofperformingatreatyasagroundforterminatingorwithdrawingfromitifthe
impossibilityresultsfromthepermanentdisappearanceordestructionofanobjectindispensablefortheexecutionofthe
treaty.Iftheimpossibilityistemporary,itmaybeinvokedonlyasagroundforsuspendingtheoperationofthetreaty.

2.Impossibilityofperformancemaynotbeinvokedbyapartyasagroundforterminating,withdrawingfromor
suspendingtheoperationofatreatyiftheimpossibilityistheresultofabreachbythatpartyeitherofanobligationunder
thetreatyorofanyotherinternationalobligationowedtoanyotherpartytothetreaty.

Article62
Fundamentalchangeofcircumstances

1.Afundamentalchangeofcircumstanceswhichhasoccurredwithregardtothoseexistingatthetimeoftheconclusion
ofatreaty,andwhichwasnotforeseenbytheparties,maynotbeinvokedasagroundforterminatingorwithdrawing
fromthetreatyunless:

(a)theexistenceofthosecircumstancesconstitutedanessentialbasisoftheconsentofthepartiestobeboundbythe
treatyand(b)theeffectofthechangeisradicallytotransformtheextentofobligationsstilltobeperformedunderthe
treaty.

2.Afundamentalchangeofcircumstancesmaynotbeinvokedasagroundforterminatingorwithdrawingfromatreaty:

(a)ifthetreatyestablishesaboundaryor(b)ifthefundamentalchangeistheresultofabreachbythepartyinvokingit
eitherofanobligationunderthetreatyorofanyotherinternationalobligationowedtoanyotherpartytothetreaty.

3.If,undertheforegoingparagraphs,apartymayinvokeafundamentalchangeofcircumstancesasagroundfor
terminatingorwithdrawingfromatreatyitmayalsoinvokethechangeasagroundforsuspendingtheoperationofthe
treaty.

Article63
Severanceofdiplomaticorconsularrelations

Theseveranceofdiplomaticorconsularrelationsbetweenpartiestoatreatydoesnotaffectthelegalrelations
establishedbetweenthembythetreatyexceptinsofarastheexistenceofdiplomaticorconsularrelationsis
indispensablefortheapplicationofthetreaty.

Article64Emergenceofanewperemptorynormofgeneralinternationallaw(juscogens)

Ifanewperemptorynormofgeneralinternationallawemerges,anyexistingtreatywhichisinconflictwiththatnorm
becomesvoidandterminates.

SECTION4.PROCEDURE

Article65
Proceduretobefollowedwithrespecttoinvalidity,termination,
withdrawalfromorsuspensionoftheoperationofatreaty

1.Apartywhich,undertheprovisionsofthepresentConvention,invokeseitheradefectinitsconsenttobeboundbya
treatyoragroundforimpeachingthevalidityofatreaty,terminatingit,withdrawingfromitorsuspendingitsoperation,
mustnotifytheotherpartiesofitsclaim.Thenotificationshallindicatethemeasureproposedtobetakenwithrespectto
thetreatyandthereasonstherefor.

2.If,aftertheexpiryofaperiodwhich,exceptincasesofspecialurgency,shallnotbelessthanthreemonthsafterthe
receiptofthenotification,nopartyhasraisedanyobjection,thepartymakingthenotificationmaycarryoutinthe
mannerprovidedinarticle67themeasurewhichithasproposed.

3.If,however,objectionhasbeenraisedbyanyotherparty,thepartiesshallseekasolutionthroughthemeans
indicatedinarticle33oftheCharteroftheUnitedNations.
4.Nothingintheforegoingparagraphsshallaffecttherightsorobligationsofthepartiesunderanyprovisionsinforce
bindingthepartieswithregardtothesettlementofdisputes.

5.Withoutprejudicetoarticle45,thefactthataStatehasnotpreviouslymadethenotificationprescribedinparagraph1
shallnotpreventitfrommakingsuchnotificationinanswertoanotherpartyclaimingperformanceofthetreatyoralleging
itsviolation.

Article66
Proceduresforjudicialsettlement,arbitrationandconciliation

If,underparagraph3ofarticle65,nosolutionhasbeenreachedwithinaperiodof12monthsfollowingthedateonwhich
theobjectionwasraised,thefollowingproceduresshallbefollowed:

(a)anyoneofthepartiestoadisputeconcerningtheapplicationortheinterpretationofarticles53or64may,bya
writtenapplication,submitittotheInternationalCourtofJusticeforadecisionunlessthepartiesbycommonconsent
agreetosubmitthedisputetoarbitration(b)anyoneofthepartiestoadisputeconcerningtheapplicationorthe
interpretationofanyoftheotherarticlesinPartVofthepresentConventionmaysetinmotiontheprocedurespecifiedin
theAnnexetotheConventionbysubmittingarequesttothateffecttotheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.

Article67
Instrumentsfordeclaringinvalid,terminating,withdrawingfromorsuspendingtheoperationofatreaty

1.Thenotificationprovidedforunderarticle65paragraph1mustbemadeinwriting.

2.Anyactdeclaringinvalid,terminating,withdrawingfromorsuspendingtheoperationofatreatypursuanttothe
provisionsofthetreatyorofparagraphs2or3ofarticle65shallbecarriedoutthroughaninstrumentcommunicatedto
theotherparties.IftheinstrumentisnotsignedbytheHeadofState,HeadofGovernmentorMinisterforForeign
Affairs,therepresentativeoftheStatecommunicatingitmaybecalledupontoproducefullpowers.

Article68
Revocationofnotificationsandinstrumentsprovidedforinarticles65and67

Anotificationorinstrumentprovidedforinarticles65or67mayberevokedatanytimebeforeittakeseffect.

SECTION5.CONSEQUENCESOFTHEINVALIDITY,TERMINATIONORSUSPENSIONOFTHEOPERATIONOFA
TREATY

Article69
Consequencesoftheinvalidityofatreaty

1.AtreatytheinvalidityofwhichisestablishedunderthepresentConventionisvoid.Theprovisionsofavoidtreaty
havenolegalforce.

2.Ifactshaveneverthelessbeenperformedinrelianceonsuchatreaty:

(a)eachpartymayrequireanyotherpartytoestablishasfaraspossibleintheirmutualrelationsthepositionthatwould
haveexistediftheactshadnotbeenperformed(b)actsperformedingoodfaithbeforetheinvaliditywasinvokedare
notrenderedunlawfulbyreasononlyoftheinvalidityofthetreaty.

3.Incasesfallingunderarticles49,50,51or52,paragraph2doesnotapplywithrespecttothepartytowhichthefraud,
theactofcorruptionorthecoercionisimputable.

4.InthecaseoftheinvalidityofaparticularState'sconsenttobeboundbyamultilateraltreaty,theforegoingrules
applyintherelationsbetweenthatStateandthepartiestothetreaty.

Article70
Consequencesoftheterminationofatreaty

1.Unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovidesorthepartiesotherwiseagree,theterminationofatreatyunderitsprovisionsor
inaccordancewiththepresentConvention:

(a)releasesthepartiesfromanyobligationfurthertoperformthetreaty(b)doesnotaffectanyright,obligationorlegal
situationofthepartiescreatedthroughtheexecutionofthetreatypriortoitstermination.

2.IfaStatedenouncesorwithdrawsfromamultilateraltreaty,paragraph1appliesintherelationsbetweenthatState
andeachoftheotherpartiestothetreatyfromthedatewhensuchdenunciationorwithdrawaltakeseffect.

Article71
Consequencesoftheinvalidityofatreatywhichconflictswitha
peremptorynormofgeneralinternationallaw

1.Inthecaseofatreatywhichisvoidunderarticle53thepartiesshall:
(a)eliminateasfaraspossibletheconsequencesofanyactperformedinrelianceonanyprovisionwhichconflictswith
theperemptorynormofgeneralinternationallawand(b)bringtheirmutualrelationsintoconformitywiththeperemptory
normofgeneralinternationallaw.

2.Inthecaseofatreatywhichbecomesvoidandterminatesunderarticle64,theterminationofthetreaty:

(a)releasesthepartiesfromanyobligationfurthertoperformthetreaty(b)doesnotaffectanyright,obligationorlegal
situationofthepartiescreatedthroughtheexecutionofthetreatypriortoitsterminationprovidedthatthoserights,
obligationsorsituationsmaythereafterbemaintainedonlytotheextentthattheirmaintenanceisnotinitselfinconflict
withthenewperemptorynormofgeneralinternationallaw.

Article72
Consequencesofthesuspensionoftheoperationofatreaty

1.Unlessthetreatyotherwiseprovidesorthepartiesotherwiseagree,thesuspensionoftheoperationofatreatyunder
itsprovisionsorinaccordancewiththepresentConvention:

(a)releasesthepartiesbetweenwhichtheoperationofthetreatyissuspendedfromtheobligationtoperformthetreaty
intheirmutualrelationsduringtheperiodofthesuspension(b)doesnototherwiseaffectthelegalrelationsbetweenthe
partiesestablishedbythetreaty.

2.Duringtheperiodofthesuspensionthepartiesshallrefrainfromactstendingtoobstructtheresumptionofthe
operationofthetreaty.

PARTVI

MISCELLANEOUSPROVISIONS

Article73
CasesofStatesuccession,Stateresponsibilityandoutbreakofhostilities

TheprovisionsofthepresentConventionshallnotprejudgeanyquestionthatmayariseinregardtoatreatyfroma
successionofStatesorfromtheinternationalresponsibilityofaStateorfromtheoutbreakofhostilitiesbetweenStates.

Article74
Diplomaticandconsularrelationsandtheconclusionoftreaties

TheseveranceorabsenceofdiplomaticorconsularrelationsbetweentwoormoreStatesdoesnotpreventthe
conclusionoftreatiesbetweenthoseStates.Theconclusionofatreatydoesnotinitselfaffectthesituationinregardto
diplomaticorconsularrelations.

Article75
CaseofanaggressorState

TheprovisionsofthepresentConventionarewithoutprejudicetoanyobligationinrelationtoatreatywhichmayarisefor
anaggressorStateinconsequenceofmeasurestakeninconformitywiththeCharteroftheUnitedNationswith
referencetothatState'saggression.

PARTVII

DEPOSITARIES,NOTIFICATIONS,CORRECTIONSANDREGISTRATION

Article76
Depositariesoftreaties

1.ThedesignationofthedepositaryofatreatymaybemadebythenegotiatingStates,eitherinthetreatyitselforin
someothermanner.ThedepositarymaybeoneormoreStates,aninternationalorganizationorthechiefadministrative
officeroftheorganization.

2.Thefunctionsofthedepositaryofatreatyareinternationalincharacterandthedepositaryisunderanobligationtoact
impartiallyintheirperformance.Inparticular,thefactthatatreatyhasnotenteredintoforcebetweencertainofthe
partiesorthatadifferencehasappearedbetweenaStateandadepositarywithregardtotheperformanceofthelatter's
functionsshallnotaffectthatobligation.

Article77
Functionsofdepositaries

1.Thefunctionsofadepositary,unlessotherwiseprovidedinthetreatyoragreedbythecontractingStates,comprisein
particular:

(a)keepingcustodyoftheoriginaltextofthetreatyandofanyfullpowersdeliveredtothedepositary(b)preparing
certifiedcopiesoftheoriginaltextandpreparinganyfurthertextofthetreatyinsuchadditionallanguagesasmaybe
requiredbythetreatyandtransmittingthemtothepartiesandtotheStatesentitledtobecomepartiestothetreaty(c)
receivinganysignaturestothetreatyandreceivingandkeepingcustodyofanyinstruments,notificationsand
communicationsrelatingtoit(d)examiningwhetherthesignatureoranyinstrument,notificationorcommunication
relatingtothetreatyisindueandproperformand,ifneedbe,bringingthemattertotheattentionoftheStatein
question(e)informingthepartiesandtheStatesentitledtobecomepartiestothetreatyofacts,notificationsand
communicationsrelatingtothetreaty(f)informingtheStatesentitledtobecomepartiestothetreatywhenthenumber
ofsignaturesorofinstrumentsofratification,acceptance,approvaloraccessionrequiredfortheentryintoforceofthe
treatyhasbeenreceivedordeposited(g)registeringthetreatywiththeSecretariatoftheUnitedNations(h)performing
thefunctionsspecifiedinotherprovisionsofthepresentConvention.

2.IntheeventofanydifferenceappearingbetweenaStateandthedepositaryastotheperformanceofthelatter's
functions,thedepositaryshallbringthequestiontotheattentionofthesignatoryStatesandthecontractingStatesor,
whereappropriate,ofthecompetentorganoftheinternationalorganizationconcerned.

Article78
Notificationsandcommunications

ExceptasthetreatyorthepresentConventionotherwiseprovide,anynotificationorcommunicationtobemadebyany
StateunderthepresentConventionshall:

(a)ifthereisnodepositary,betransmitteddirecttotheStatesforwhichitisintended,orifthereisadepositary,tothe
latter(b)beconsideredashavingbeenmadebytheStateinquestiononlyuponitsreceiptbytheStatetowhichitwas
transmittedor,asthecasemaybe,uponitsreceiptbythedepositary(c)iftransmittedtoadepositary,beconsidered
asreceivedbytheStateforwhichitwasintendedonlywhenthelatterStatehasbeeninformedbythedepositaryin
accordancewitharticle77,paragraph1(e).

Article79
Correctionoferrorsintextsorincertifiedcopiesoftreaties

1.Where,aftertheauthenticationofthetextofatreaty,thesignatoryStatesandthecontractingStatesareagreedthat
itcontainsanerror,theerrorshall,unlesstheydecideuponsomeothermeansofcorrection,becorrected:

(a)byhavingtheappropriatecorrectionmadeinthetextandcausingthecorrectiontobeinitialledbydulyauthorized
representatives(b)byexecutingorexchanginganinstrumentorinstrumentssettingoutthecorrectionwhichithasbeen
agreedtomakeor(c)byexecutingacorrectedtextofthewholetreatybythesameprocedureasinthecaseofthe
originaltext.

2.Wherethetreatyisoneforwhichthereisadepositary,thelattershallnotifythesignatoryStatesandthecontracting
Statesoftheerrorandoftheproposaltocorrectitandshallspecifyanappropriatetimelimitwithinwhichobjectionto
theproposedcorrectionmayberaised.If,ontheexpiryofthetimelimit:

(a)noobjectionhasbeenraised,thedepositaryshallmakeandinitialthecorrectioninthetextandshallexecutea
procsverbaloftherectificationofthetextandcommunicateacopyofittothepartiesandtotheStatesentitledto
becomepartiestothetreaty(b)anobjectionhasbeenraised,thedepositaryshallcommunicatetheobjectiontothe
signatoryStatesandtothecontractingStates.

3.Therulesinparagraphs1and2applyalsowherethetexthasbeenauthenticatedintwoormorelanguagesandit
appearsthatthereisalackofconcordancewhichthesignatoryStatesandthecontractingStatesagreeshouldbe
corrected.

4.Thecorrectedtextreplacesthedefectivetextabinitio,unlessthesignatoryStatesandthecontractingStates
otherwisedecide.

5.ThecorrectionofthetextofatreatythathasbeenregisteredshallbenotifiedtotheSecretariatoftheUnitedNations.

6.Whereanerrorisdiscoveredinacertifiedcopyofatreaty,thedepositaryshallexecuteaprocsverbalspecifying
therectificationandcommunicateacopyofittothesignatoryStatesandtothecontractingSlates.

Article80
Registrationandpublicationoftreaties

1.Treatiesshall,aftertheirentryintoforce,betransmittedtotheSecretariatoftheUnitedNationsforregistrationorfiling
andrecording,asthecasemaybe,andforpublication.

2.Thedesignationofadepositaryshallconstituteauthorizationforittoperformtheactsspecifiedinthepreceding
paragraph.

PARTVIII

FINALPROVISIONS
 Article81
Signature

ThepresentConventionshallbeopenforsignaturebyallStatesMembersoftheUnitedNationsorofanyofthe
specializedagenciesoroftheInternationalAtomicEnergyAgencyorpartiestotheStatuteoftheInternationalCourtof
Justice,andbyanyotherStateinvitedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheUnitedNationstobecomeapartytothe
Convention,asfollows:until30November1969,attheFederalMinistryforForeignAffairsoftheRepublicofAustria,
andsubsequently,until30April1970,atUnitedNationsHeadquarters,NewYork.

Article82
Ratification

ThepresentConventionissubjecttoratification.TheinstrumentsofratificationshallbedepositedwiththeSecretary
GeneraloftheUnitedNations.

Article83
Accession

ThepresentConventionshallremainopenforaccessionbyanyStatebelongingtoanyofthecategoriesmentionedin
article81.TheinstrumentsofaccessionshallbedepositedwiththeSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.

Article84
Entryintoforce

1.ThepresentConventionshallenterintoforceonthethirtiethdayfollowingthedateofdepositofthethirtyfifth
instrumentofratificationoraccession.

2.ForeachStateratifyingoraccedingtotheConventionafterthedepositofthethirtyfifthinstrumentofratificationor
accession,theConventionshallenterintoforceonthethirtiethdayafterdepositbysuchStateofitsinstrumentof
ratificationoraccession.

Article85
Authentictexts

TheoriginalofthepresentConvention,ofwhichtheChinese,English,French,RussianandSpanishtextsareequally
authentic,shallbedepositedwiththeSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.

INWITNESSWHEREOFtheundersignedPlenipotentiaries,beingdulyauthorizedtheretobytheirrespective
Governments,havesignedthepresentConvention.

DONEatVienna,thistwentythirddayofMay,onethousandninehundredandsixtynine.

ANNEX

1.AlistofconciliatorsconsistingofqualifiedjuristsshallbedrawnupandmaintainedbytheSecretaryGeneralofthe
UnitedNations.Tothisend,everyStatewhichisaMemberoftheUnitedNationsorapartytothepresentConvention
shallbeinvitedtonominatetwoconciliators,andthenamesofthepersonssonominatedshallconstitutethelist.The
termofaconciliator,includingthatofanyconciliatornominatedtofillacasualvacancy,shallbefiveyearsandmaybe
renewed.Aconciliatorwhosetermexpiresshallcontinuetofulfilanyfunctionforwhichheshallhavebeenchosenunder
thefollowingparagraph.

2.WhenarequesthasbeenmadetotheSecretaryGeneralunderarticle66,theSecretaryGeneralshallbringthe
disputebeforeaconciliationcommissionconstitutedasfollows:

TheStateorStatesconstitutingoneofthepartiestothedisputeshallappoint:(a)oneconciliatorofthenationalityof
thatStateorofoneofthoseStates,whomayormaynotbechosenfromthelistreferredtoinparagraph1and(b)one
conciliatornotofthenationalityofthatStateorofanyofthoseStates,whoshallbechosenfromthelist.

TheStateorStatesconstitutingtheotherpartytothedisputeshallappointtwoconciliatorsinthesameway.Thefour
conciliatorschosenbythepartiesshallbeappointedwithinsixtydaysfollowingthedateonwhichtheSecretaryGeneral
receivestherequest.

Thefourconciliatorsshall,withinsixtydaysfollowingthedateofthelastoftheirownappointments,appointafifth
conciliatorchosenfromthelist,whoshallbechairman.

Iftheappointmentofthechairmanorofanyoftheotherconciliatorshasnotbeenmadewithintheperiodprescribed
aboveforsuchappointment,itshallbemadebytheSecretaryGeneralwithinsixtydaysfollowingtheexpiryofthat
period.TheappointmentofthechairmanmaybemadebytheSecretaryGeneraleitherfromthelistorfromthe
membershipoftheInternationalLawCommission.Anyoftheperiodswithinwhichappointmentsmustbemademaybe
extendedbyagreementbetweenthepartiestothedispute.
Anyvacancyshallbefilledinthemannerprescribedfortheinitialappointment.

3.TheConciliationCommissionshalldecideitsownprocedure.TheCommission,withtheconsentofthepartiestothe
dispute,mayinviteanypartytothetreatytosubmittoititsviewsorallyorinwriting.Decisionsandrecommendationsof
theCommissionshallbemadebyamajorityvoteofthefivemembers.

4.TheCommissionmaydrawtheattentionofthepartiestothedisputetoanymeasureswhichmightfacilitatean
amicablesettlement.

5.TheCommissionshallheartheparties,examinetheclaimsandobjections,andmakeproposalstothepartieswitha
viewtoreachinganamicablesettlementofthedispute.

6.TheCommissionshallreportwithintwelvemonthsofitsconstitution.ItsreportshallbedepositedwiththeSecretary
Generalandtransmittedtothepartiestothedispute.ThereportoftheCommission,includinganyconclusionsstated
thereinregardingthefactsorquestionsoflaw,shallnotbebindinguponthepartiesanditshallhavenoothercharacter
thanthatofrecommendationssubmittedfortheconsiderationofthepartiesinordertofacilitateanamicablesettlement
ofthedispute.

7.TheSecretaryGeneralshallprovidetheCommissionwithsuchassistanceandfacilitiesasitmayrequire.The
expensesoftheCommissionshallbebornebytheUnitedNations.