Vienna Convention on the law of treaties
The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) is an international treaty that governs the formation, interpretation, and termination of treaties between states. It was adopted on May 23, 1969, and entered into force on January 27, 1980. The VCLT is considered one of the foundational instruments of international treaty law.Here are some key features and principles of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties:1. Scope: The VCLT applies to treaties between states (or other subjects of international law) regardless of their form, such as bilateral or multilateral treaties.2. Definitions: The VCLT provides definitions for various terms related to treaties, including treaty, ratification, signature, reservation, and others.3. Formation of Treaties: The VCLT sets out the procedures for the negotiation, adoption, and authentication of treaties. It establishes that a treaty is formed through the consent of states and that consent may be expressed through various means, such as signature, ratification, or accession.4. Obligation to Perform Treaties: The VCLT establishes the principle of pacta sunt servanda, which means that treaties are binding on the parties and must be performed in good faith. States are required to fulfill their treaty obligations once they have entered into force.5. Interpretation of Treaties: The VCLT provides guidelines for the interpretation of treaty provisions. It emphasizes that treaty interpretation should be based on the ordinary meaning of the terms, in their context and in light of the treaty’s object and purpose.6. Invalidity and Termination: The VCLT identifies circumstances under which treaties may be considered invalid or terminated. These include situations of error, fraud, coercion, fundamental change of circumstances, or the emergence of a jus cogens norm.7. Reservations and Declarations: The VCLT allows states to make reservations or declarations when signing or ratifying a treaty. However, such reservations must be compatible with the object and purpose of the treaty and not be contrary to any essential provision.8. Succession of States: The VCLT addresses the issue of state succession in relation to treaties, providing rules and principles to determine the rights and obligations of successor states.The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties has been widely ratified and adhered to by numerous states, making it a primary reference point for the interpretation and application of international treaties. It contributes to maintaining stability and predictability in international relations by establishing rules and principles that govern the creation, interpretation, and termination of treaties.