Obligations when a treaty enters force
A state binds itself to a treaty by ratifying it. In many cases the state will be required to amend national legislation to comply with a treaty. The agreements laid down in a treaty are binding and must therefore be complied with.
Resolving disputes regarding compliance
Many treaties contain provisions on how to resolve any disputes regarding compliance. Ultimately, the International Court of Justice in The Hague may be called on to adjudicate on the matter.
Withdrawal from a treaty
A state may decide to withdraw from a treaty unilaterally. This is also referred to as ‘denunciation’. Treaties usually stipulate the requirements to be fulfilled when withdrawing from a treaty. It may for instance be necessary for the withdrawing state to notify the other parties within a particular time limit.
Information on treaties
Information on treaties can be found in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Treaty Database.