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The Antarctic Treaty

Document type
Multilateral
Field of application
Regional/restricted
Date
Dec 1, 1959
Source
IUCN (ID: TRE-000457)
Title (French)

Traité sur l'Antarctique

Title (Other)

Antarktis-Vertrag

Place of adoption
Washington D.C.
Depository
United States of America
Language
English, French, Russian, Spanish
Entry into force
Jun 23, 1961
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems, Sea, Fisheries
Keyword
Research Inspection Institution Military activities Data collection/reporting Monitoring Nuclear energy
Geographical area
Antarctica
Abstract

Objectives: To ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes, for international cooperation in scientific research, and does not become the scene or object of international discord.

Summary of provisions: No military bases are to be established nor military manoeuvres or weapon testing undertaken in Antarctica (art. 1). Parties are to ensure freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation in the exchange of information regarding plans for such investigation and of personnel engaged in such investigation, and of information resulting from such investigation (arts. 2 and 3). Territorial claims in Antarctica are not affected by the Convention (art. 4). Parties are to appoint observers to inspect stations, installations and equipment (art. 7). The Agreement also contains detailed agreed measures for the conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora.

Institutional mechanisms: Meetings of Parties are to be held for consultation and to formulate and recommend measures to further the objectives of the Treaty.

(Source: IUCN ELC, 08.2005, based on UNEP Register of International Treaties and Other Agreements in the Field of the Environment, 1996)

Full text
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Website
www.ats.aq
www.ats.aq
www.state.gov

Country/Territory/Participant

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Countries Entry into force Ratification * Simple signature
Argentina
Australia
Austria -
Belarus -
Belgium
Brazil -
Bulgaria -
Canada -
Chile
China -
Colombia -
Cuba -
Czech Republic -
Denmark -
Ecuador -
Estonia -
Finland -
France
Germany -
Greece -
Guatemala -
Hungary -
Iceland -
India -
Italy -
Japan
Kazakhstan -
Korea, Dem. People's Rep. -
Korea, Republic of -
Malaysia -
Monaco -
Mongolia -
Netherlands -
New Zealand
Norway
Pakistan -
Papua New Guinea -
Peru -
Poland -
Portugal -
Romania -
Russian Federation
Slovakia -
South Africa
Spain -
Sweden -
Switzerland -
Turkey -
Ukraine -
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay -
Venezuela, Boliv. Rep. of -

* [1] Ratification [2] Accession/approbation [3] Acceptance/approval [4] Succession [5] Consent to be bound [6] Definite signature

References - Treaties

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Literature
76 records related to this treaty. View literature