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(click on the below link to view and/or download the .pdf file)

900 Page .pdf Compulation of United Nations Documents

See Below for Significant Listing of Other Documents and Resources

  1. Instructions for the Government of Armies of the United States in the Field. Prepared by Francis Lieber (The Lieber Code) (1863)
  2. Convention (I) for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes (29 Jul 1899)
  3. Convention (II) with Respect to the Laws and Customs of War on Land (29 Jul 1899)
  4. Convention (II) for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes (18 Oct 1907)
  5. Convention (III) Relative to the Opening of Hostilities (18 Oct 1907)
  6. Convention (IV) Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land
    (18 Oct 1907)
  7. Convention (V) Respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land (18 Oct 1907)
  8. Convention (VI) Relating to the Status of Enemy Merchant Ships at the Outbreak of Hostilities (18 Oct 1907)
  9. Convention (VII) Relating to the Conversion of Merchant Ships into War-Ships (18 Oct 1907)
  10. Convention (VIII) Relative to the Laying of Automatic Submarine Contact Mines (18 Oct 1907)
  11. Convention (IX) Concerning Bombardment by Naval Forces in Time of War (18 Oct 1907)
  12. Convention (X) for the Adaption to Maritime War of the Principles of the Geneva Convention (18 Oct 07)
  13. Convention (XI) Relative to Certain Restrictions with Regard to the Exercise of the Right of Capture in Naval War (18 Oct 1907)
  14. Convention (XIII) Concerning the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers in Naval War (18 Oct 1907)
  15. Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare (17 Jun 1925)
  16. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide (9 Dec 1948)
  17. Geneva Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field. WWW version (12 Aug 1949)
  18. Geneva Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea (12 Aug 1949)
  19. Geneva Convention (III) Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (12 Aug 1949)
  20. Geneva Convention (IV) Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (12 Aug 1949)
  21. Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (14 May 1954). WWW version
  22. Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water (5 Aug 1963)
  23. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (1 Jul 1968)
  24. Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Seabed and the Ocean Floor and in the Subsoil Thereof (11 February 1971)
  25. Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (10 Apr 1972)
  26. Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Anti-ballistic Missile Systems (26 May 1972); and Protocol of 3 July 1974.
  27. Convention on the Prohibition of Military or any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques (10 Dec 1976)
  28. Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the protection of victims of international armed conflict (Protocol I) (8 Jun 1977)
  29. Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the protection of victims of non-international armed conflict (Protocol II) (8 Jun 1977)
  30. Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects (10 Oct 1980)
  31. South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (6 Aug 1985)
  32. Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe   (19 Nov 1990)
  33. Treaty on Open Skies;   (24 Mar 1992). Text and annexes from U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Arms Control.
  34. Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (13 Jan 1993).   Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and Ratification Status.  
  35. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty  (Click on CTBT)(10 Sept 1996).  UN Centre for Disarmamant Affairs
  36. United Nations  International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (12 Jan 1998)

THE INTERNATIONAL BILL OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, G.A. res. 217A (III), U.N. Doc A/810 at 71 (1948).
Arabic || Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish || Korean || Japanese
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, G.A. res. 2200A (XXI), 21 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 16) at 49, U.N. Doc. A/6316 (1966), 993 U.N.T.S. 3, entered into force Jan. 3, 1976.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || Dari || Korean
Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription || ratifications from U.N.H.C.H.R.
Open-Ended Working Group on an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Draft Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, U.N. Doc. A/HRC/8/WG.4/3 (Apr. 4, 2008).
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, G.A. res. 2200A (XXI), 21 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 16) at 52, U.N. Doc. A/6316 (1966), 999 U.N.T.S. 171, entered into force Mar. 23, 1976.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || Dari || Korean
Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription || ratifications from U.N.H.C.H.R.
Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, G.A. res. 2200A (XXI), 21 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 16) at 59, U.N. Doc. A/6316 (1966), 999 U.N.T.S. 302, entered into force March 23, 1976.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || Korean
Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription || ratifications from U.N.H.C.H.R.
Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, G.A. res. 44/128, annex, 44 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 49) at 207, U.N. Doc. A/44/49 (1989), entered into force July 11, 1991.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || Korean
Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription || ratifications from U.N.H.C.H.R.
United Nations, Economic and Social Council, Siracusa Principles on the Limitation and Derogation Provisions in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/1985/4, Annex (1985).

LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT
Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field , 75 U.N.T.S. 31, entered into force Oct. 21, 1950.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || ratification information
Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, 75 U.N.T.S. 85, entered into force Oct. 21, 1950.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || ratification information
Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 75 U.N.T.S. 135, entered into force Oct. 21, 1950.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || ratification information
Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, 75 U.N.T.S. 287, entered into force Oct. 21, 1950.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || ratification information
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), 1125 U.N.T.S. 3, entered into force Dec. 7, 1978.
Arabic || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || ratification information
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II), 1125 U.N.T.S. 609, entered into force Dec. 7, 1978.
Arabic || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || ratification information
Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the adoption of an additional distinctive emblem (Protocol III), Dec. 8, 2005.
Hague Conventions
Resolutions of the Geneva International Conference, Geneva, October 26-29, 1863. 
Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field, 18 Martens Nouveau Recueil (ser. 1) 607, 129 Consol. T.S. 361, entered into force June 22, 1865.
ratification information
Additional Articles relating to the Condition of the Wounded in War, 18 Martens Nouveau Recueil (ser.1) 612, 138 Consol. T.S. 189.
ratification information
Declaration Renouncing the Use, in Time of War, of certain Explosive Projectiles, 18 Martens Nouveau Recueil (ser. 1) 474, 138 Consol. T.S. 297, entered into force November 29/December 11, 1868.
Japanese || Russian || ratification information

Project of an International Declaration Concerning the Laws and Customs of War, Aug. 27, 1874, 4 Martens Nouveau Recueil (ser. 2) 219, 65 BRIT. FOREIGN & ST. PAPERS 1005 (1873-74).

The Laws of War on Land, Manual published by the Institute of International Law (Oxford Manual), Adopted by the Instutute of International Law at Oxford, September 9, 1880. 
Final Act Of the International Peace Conference, 26 Martens Nouveau Recueil (ser. 2) 258.
ratification information 
Declaration (XIV) Prohibiting the Discharge of Projectiles and Explosives from Balloons, The Hague, 3 Martens Nouveau Recueil (ser. 3) 745, 205 Consol. T.S. 403, entered into force Nov. 27, 1909.
ratification information
Final Protocol to the Naval Conference of London, 208 Consol. T.S. 338 (1909).
ratification information
Declaration concerning the Laws of Naval War, 208 Consol. T.S. 338 (1909).
ratification information
Convention for the Exemption of Hospital Ships, in Time of War, from The Payment of all Dues and Taxes Imposed for the Benefit of the State, 2 Martens Nouveau Recueil (ser. 3) 213, 197 Consol. T.S. 331, entered into force March 26, 1907.
ratification information
Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies in the Field, 11 L.N.T.S. 440, entered into force August 9, 1907. No longer in force.
ratification information
Additional Protocol to the Convention relative to the Establishment of an International Prize Court, 7 Marten Nouveau Recueil (ser. 3) 73, 212 Consol. T.S. 173 (1910).
ratification information
Manual of the Laws of Naval War, Oxford, Adopted by the International Institute of International Law, August 9, 1913.
Treaty relating to the Use of Submarines and Noxious Gases in Warfare, Washington, 25 L.N.T.S. 202 (1922).
ratification information
Rules concerning the Control of Wireless Telegraphy in Time of War and Air Warfare, Drafted by a Commission of Jurists at the Hague, December 1922 - February 1923. 
Japanese
Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare, Geneva, 94 L.N.T.S. 65, entered into force Feb. 8, 1928.
Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Convention on Duties and Rights of States in the Event of Civil Strife, 134 L.N.T.S. 45, entered into force May 21, 1929.
Convention on Maritime Neutrality, 135 L.N.T.S. 187, entered into force Jan. 21, 1931.
ratification information
Final Act of the Diplomatic Conference, Geneva, July 27, 1929.
ratification information
Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies in the Field, 118 L.N.T.S. 303, entered into force June 19, 1931.
ratification information
Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 118 L.N.T.S. 343, entered into force June 19, 1931.
ratification information
Treaty for the Limitation and Reduction of Naval Armaments, (Part IV, Art. 22, relating to submarine warfare), 112 L.N.T.S. 65, entered into force Dec. 31, 1930.
Japanese || ratification information
First draft Convention adopted in Monaco (Sanitary cities and localities), July 27, 1934.
Draft International Convention on the Condition and Protection of Civilians of enemy nationality who are on territory belonging to or occupied by a belligerent, Tokyo, 1934.
Treaty on the Protection of Artistic and Scientific Institutions and Historic Monuments (Roerich Pact), 167 L.N.T.S. 289, entered into force Aug. 26, 1935.
Russian || ratification information
Procès-verbal relating to the Rules of Submarine Warfare set forth in Part IV of the Treaty of London of 22 April 1930, 173 L.N.T.S. 353, entered into force Nov. 6, 1936.
ratification information
The Nyon Agreement, 181 L.N.T.S. 137, entered into force Sept. 14, 1937.
ratification information
Agreement supplementary to The Nyon Agreement, 181 L.N.T.S. 137, entered into force Sept. 17, 1937.
ratification information
Draft Convention for the Protection of Civilian Populations Against New Engines of War, Amsterdam, 1938.
Agreement for the Prosecution and Punishment of the Major War Criminals of the European Axis, and Charter of the International Military Tribunal, 82 U.N.T.S. 280, entered into force Aug. 8, 1945.
ratification information

Affirmation of the Principles of International Law Recognized by the Charter of the Nürnberg Tribunal, G.A. Res. 95 (I), U.N. GAOR, 1st Sess., pt. 2, at 1144, U.N. Doc. A/236 (1946).
Russian

Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, 75 U.N.T.S. 287, entered into force Oct. 21, 1950.
Russian || ratification information
Resolutions of the Diplomatic Conference, 75 U.N.T.S. 21, Aug. 12, 1949.
Principles of International Law Recognized in the Charter of the Nüremberg Tribunal and in the Judgment of the Tribunal, U.N. Doc. A/CN.4/Ser.A/1950/Add.1 (1950). 
Russian
Final Act of the Intergovernmental Conference on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, 249 U.N.T.S. 216, May 14, 1954.
ratification information
Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, 249 U.N.T.S. 240, entered into force Aug. 7, 1956.
Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Protocol for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, 249 U.N.T.S. 358, entered into force Aug. 7, 1956.
Russian || ratification information
Resolutions of the Intergovernmental Conference on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, The Hague, 14 May 1954.
Draft Rules for the Limitation of the Dangers incurred by the Civilian Population in Time of War, New Delhi, 1957.
Protocol to the Convention on Duties and Rights of States in the Event of Civil Strife, Opened for signature on 1st May 1957.
Human Rights in Armed Conflicts. Resolution XXIII adopted by the International Conference on Human Rights, Teheran, 12 May 1968.
Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, 754 U.N.T.S. 73, 8 I.L.M. 68, entered into force Nov. 11, 1970.
ratification information

Declaration on Respect for Human Rights in Armed Conflicts, G.A. Res. 2444 (XXIII), U.N. GAOR, 23rd Sess., Supp. No. 18, at 164, U.N. Doc. A/7433 (1968).

Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction, G.A. Res. 65, U.N. GAOR, 48th Sess., Supp. No. 49, at 68, U.N. Doc. A/48/49 (1993), 1015 U.N.T.S. 163 entered into force Mar. 25, 1975.
Russian || ratification information 

European Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes, ETS 82, 13 I.L.M. 540, Jan. 25, 1974, not in force.
Russian || ratification information

Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, G.A.Res. 72, 31st Sess., Supp. No. 39, at 36, U.N.Doc. A/31/39 (1977), entered into force Oct. 5, 1978.
Russian || ratification information 

Final Act of the Diplomatic Conference of Geneva of 1974-1977.
ratification information
Resolutions of the Diplomatic Conference of Geneva of 1974-1977.
Convention of the OAU for the Elimination of Mercenarism in Africa, O.A.U. Doc. CM/433/Rev. L. Annex 1 (1972), entered into force April 22, 1985.
ratification information
Resolution on Small-Calibre Weapon Systems, Geneva, 28 September 1979.
Final Act of the United Nations Conference on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, 19 I.L.M. 1523, Oct. 10 1980.
Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, 1342 U.N.T.S. 137, 19 I.L.M. 1524, entered into force Dec. 2, 1983.
Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Protocol on Non-Detectable Fragments (Protocol I), 1342 U.N.T.S. 168, 19 I.L.M. 1529, entered into force Dec. 2, 1983.
Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which may be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate Effects and Protocols, U.N. Doc. A/Conf.95/15, Annex I (1980), entered into force Dec. 2, 1983.
ratification information
Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices (Protocol II), 1342 U.N.T.S. 168, 19 I.L.M. 1529, entered into force Dec. 2, 1983; as amended May 3, 1996, 35 I.L.M. 1206.
Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Protocol III), 1342 U.N.T.S. 171, 19 I.L.M. 1534, entered into force Dec. 2, 1983.
Russian || ratification information
Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War, U.N. Doc. CCW/MSP/2003/2 (Nov. 27, 2003), entered into force May 16, 2006.
European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and inhuman or Degrading treatment or Punishment, ETS 126, 27 I.L.M. 1152, entered into force Feb. 1, 1989.
ratification information

The International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing, and Training of Mercenaries, G.A. Res. 34, U.N. GAOR, 44th Sess., Supp. No. 43, at 590, U.N. Doc. A/44/43 (1989), 29 I.L.M. 91, not in force.
ratification information 

International Law Institute, The Protection of Human Rights and the Principle of Non-Intervention in Internal Affairs of States, 63 Institut de Droit International Annuaire 338 (1989).

Declaration on the Rules of international humanitarian law governing the conduct of hostilities in non-international armed conflicts, San Remo, 7 April 1990.

Declaration of Minimum Humanitarian Standards, reprinted in Report of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities on its Forty-sixth Session, Commission on Human Rights, 51st Sess., Provisional Agenda Item 19, at 4, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/1995/116 (1995) (Declaration of Turku).

Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law, C.H.R. res. 2005/35, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/2005/ L.10/Add.11 (19 April 2005).
Definition of Aggression, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX).
Japanese
Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, G.A. res. 255, Nov. 15, 2000, U.N. Doc. A/RES/55/255 (2001), not yet entered into force.

WAR CRIMES AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, GENOCIDE, AND TERRORISM
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, 2187 U.N.T.S. 90, entered into force July 1, 2002. 
Arabic || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || Chinese || Coalition for the International Criminal Court ||Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription
Control Council Law No. 10, Punishment of Persons Guilty of War Crimes, Crimes Against Peace and Against Humanity, 3 Official Gazette Control Council for Germany 50-55 (1946).

Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, G.A. Res. 2391, U.N. GAOR, 23d Sess., Supp. No. 18, at 40, U.N. Doc. A/7218 (1968), entered into force Nov. 11, 1970.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish || Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, 78 U.N.T.S. 277, entered into force Jan. 12, 1951.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Japanese || Russian || Spanish || Korean
Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription
Convention with Respect to the Laws and Customs of War on Land (Hague, II) (29 July 1899), entered into force September 4, 1900.
Convention Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land (Hague IV) (18 October, 1907), entered into force January 26, 1910.
Statute of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991, U.N. Doc. S/25704 at 36, annex (1993) and S/25704/Add.1 (1993), adopted by Security Council on 25 May 1993, U.N. Doc. S/RES/827 (1993).
Statute of the International Tribunal, adopted by S.C. Res. 827, U.N. SCOR, 48th Sess., 3217th mtg. at 6, U.N. Doc. S/RES/827 (1993), 32 I.L.M. 1203 (1993).
Chinese
Statute of the International Tribunal for Rwanda, adopted by S.C. Res. 955, U.N. SCOR, 49th Sess., 3453d mtg. at 3, U.N. Doc. S/RES/955 (1994), 33 I.L.M. 1598, 1600 (1994).
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Rules of Procedure and Evidence, U.N. Doc. ITR/3/REV.1 (1995), entered into force 29 June 1995.
Nuremberg Rules, in Agreement for the Prosecution and Punishment of the Major War Criminals of the European Axis, 82 U.N.T.S. 279, entered into force Aug. 8, 1945.
Japanese || Russian
Principles of International Co-Operation in the Detection, Arrest, Extradition and Punishment of Persons Guilty of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, G.A. res. 3074 (XXVIII), 28 U.N. GAOR Supp. (30A) at 78, U.N. Doc. A/9030/Add.1 (1973).
Arabic || Russian || Chinese
Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law, C.H.R. res. 2005/35, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/2005/ L.10/Add.11 (19 April 2005).
Chinese
The Princeton Principles on Universal Jurisdiction 28, Princeton University Program in Law and Public Affairs (2001).
International Criminal Court, Elements of Crimes, U.N. Doc. PCNICC/2000/1/Add.2 (2000).
Arabic || French || Spanish || Chinese
International Criminal Court, Rules of Procedure and Evidence, U.N. Doc. PCNICC/2000/1/Add.1 (2000).
Arabic || French || Spanish || Arabic || Russian || Chinese
International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, G.A. Res. 109, U.N. GAOR, 54th Sess., Supp. No. 49, U.N. Doc A/54/49 (Vol. I) (1999), S. Treaty Doc. No. 106-49 (2000), 39 I.L.M. 270 (2000), adopted 9 Dec. 1999, entered into force 10 Apr. 2002.
Chinese || Japanese || Russian || Spanish
ratification information
European Committee of Ministers, Guidelines on human rights and the fight against terrorism (2002).

 

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Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
World Heritage Center, UNESCO, Paris, France. 

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Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction   Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), The Hague, Netherlands.

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Human Rights/Humanitarianism

Bayefsky.com Database on the United Nations Human Rights Treaty System from York University. All material is organized by state and by subject matter. Includes detailed guidance on using the complaint option of the treaty system.

European Convention on Human Rights Strasbourg, European Court of Human Rights.

Fourth World Documentation Archive From the Center for World Indigenous Studies.

Human Rights Web Includes a Summary of UN Agreements on Human Rights.

International Humanitarian Law Database From the International Committee of the Red Cross.   

Project Diana An international human rights database from Yale Law School.

UN Documentation Research Guide on Human Rights  

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: International Human Rights Instruments

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UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights 

University of Minnesota Human Rights Library has a well-organized, comprehensive, and easy-to-use collection of human rights treaties and instruments. This site includes citations to print sources for each instrument.   

Private International Law

Hague Conventions on Private International Law Texts and status information. Includes bibliographies and translations. 

UNIDROIT International Conventions drawn up by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and adopted at diplomatic conferences convened by member States of UNIDROIT. Texts and status information.   

U. S. Department of State. Office of the Legal Advisor; Private International Law  "The purpose of this web site is to provide a convenient location to find treaties in force for the United States, other international instruments, and information on current negotiations and projects covering the private international law of such areas as trade and commerce, finance and banking, trusts and estates, family and children matters, and international judicial assistance.

Status Information

United Nations Department of Disarmament Affairs page on the status of Multilateral Arms Regulation and Disarmament Agreements.

U.S. Department of State

U.S. Senate Legislation and Records: Treaties  This site identifies treaties received from the President, treaties on the Executive Calendar, treaties approved by the Senate, and listings of other recent treaty status actions, including treaties that were rejected by the Senate or withdrawn by the President, during the current Congress. 

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS BY TOPIC

U.N. CHARTER
Declarations of acceptance of Charter obligations (available by U.N. subscription)

THE INTERNATIONAL BILL OF HUMAN RIGHTS

TREATIES, INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION; OTHER RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL LAW PROVISIONS
SELF-DETERMINATION

PREVENTION OF DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, OR BELIEF; AND PROTECTION OF MINORITIES

WOMEN'S HUMAN RIGHTS
SLAVERY AND SLAVERY-LIKE PRACTICES
TRAFFICKING AND HUMAN RIGHTS
RIGHTS OF PRISONERS AND DETAINEES
PROTECTION FROM TORTURE, ILL-TREATMENT, AND DISAPPEARANCE
HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
JUVENILE OFFENDERS
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
WORLD CONFERENCES ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND MILLENNIUM DECLARATION
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
EMPLOYMENT AND FORCED LABOUR
MARRIAGE
EDUCATION
BIOETHICS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS GUIDELINES FOR BUSINESS
ECONOMIC RIGHTS, PRIVACY AND PEACE
INDIGENOUS RIGHTS
DEVELOPMENT
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
POLITICAL RIGHTS, FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, AND RIGHT TO CULTURE
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND RIGHT TO CULTURE
REFUGEES, ASYLUM, INTERNALLY DISPLACED, AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
NATIONALITY, STATELESSNESS AND RIGHTS OF NON-CITIZENS
WAR CRIMES AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, GENOCIDE, AND TERRORISM
LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT
TERRORISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS
U.N. ACTIVITIES AND EMPLOYEES
REGIONAL CONVENTIONS
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS
LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES

REGIONAL CONVENTIONS
AFRICA

African [Banjul] Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, adopted June 27, 1981, OAU Doc. CAB/LEG/67/3 rev. 5, 21 I.L.M. 58 (1982), entered into force Oct. 21, 1986.
Français || Korean
Ratification information || Français ratification

Rules of Procedure of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, adopted on October 6, 1995. This document can additionally be found at the site for the Organization of African Unity.
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, OAU Doc. OAU/LEG/MIN/AFCHPR/PROT.1 rev.2 (1997), entered into force January 25, 2004.
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, Adopted by the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, Maputo, CAB/LEG/66.6 (Sept. 13, 2000); reprinted in 1 Afr. Hum. Rts. L.J. 40, entered into force Nov. 25, 2005.
Ratification information
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and People's Rights, June 9, 1998, OAU Doc. OAU/LEG/EXP/AFCHPR/PROT (III).
Charter of the Organization of African Unity, 479 U.N.T.S. 39, entered into force Sept. 13, 1963.
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, OAU Doc. CAB/LEG/24.9/49 (1990), entered into force Nov. 29, 1999.
ratification information
Constitutive Act of the African Union, OAU Doc. CAB/LEG/23.15, entered into force May 26, 2001.
The Addis Ababa Document on Refugees and Forced Population Displacements in Africa, Adopted by the OAU/UNHCR Symposium on Refugees and Forced Population Displacements in Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 8 - 10 September 1994
African Convention on Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
ratification information
Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, 1001 U.N.T.S. 45, entered into force June 20, 1974.
Ratification information || Français || Français ratification
African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Fair Trial and Legal Assistance in Africa, DOC/OS(XXX) 247, reprinted in 12 Int'l Hum. Rts. Rep. 1180 (2005).
UNICEF, Cape Town Annotated Principles And Best Practices On The Prevention
Of Recruitment Of Children Into The Armed Forces And Demobilization And
Social Reintegration Of Child Soldiers In Africa (April 1997).
Declaration on a Code of Conduct for Inter-African Relations, Assembly of Heads of State and Government, Thirtieth Ordinary Session, Tunis, Tunisia, 13-15 June 1994.
The Dar es Salaam Declaration on Academic Freedom and Social Responsibility of Academics (1990).
The Kampala Declaration on Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibility (1990).
The Khartoum Declaration on Africa's Refugee Crisis, September (1990).
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Rules of Procedure and Evidence, U.N. Doc. ITR/3/REV.1 (1995), entered into force 29 June 1995.
OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenaries in Africa, O.A.U. Doc. CM/433/Rev.L, Annex 1(1972).
ratification information
OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, OAU Doc. AHG/Dec. 132 (XXXV) 1999.
Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region, 2001.
The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) 2001.
League of Arab States
AMERICAS
Charter of the Organization of American States, 119 U.N.T.S. 3, entered into force December 13, 1951; amended by Protocol of Buenos Aires, 721 U.N.T.S. 324, O.A.S. Treaty Series, No. 1-A, entered into force Feb. 27, 1970; amended by Protocol of Cartagena, O.A.S. Treaty Series, No. 66, 25 I.L.M. 527, entered into force Nov. 16, 1988; amended by Protocol of Washington, 1-E Rev. OEA Documentos Oficiales OEA/Ser.A/2 Add. 3 (SEPF), 33 I.L.M. 1005, entered into force September 25, 1997; amended by Protocol of Managua, 1-F Rev. OEA Documentos Oficiales OEA/Ser.A/2 Add.4 (SEPF), 33 I.L.M. 1009, entered into force January 29, 1996.
ratification information || Spanish || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Protocol of Amendment to the Charter of the Organization of American States "Protocol of Buenos Aires", O.A.S. Treaty Series No. 1-A, entered into force March 12, 1970.
ratification information || Spanish || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Protocol of Amendment to the Charter of the Organization of American States "Protocol of Cartagena de Indias", O.A.S. Treaty Series No. 66, entered into force November 16, 1988.
ratification information || Spanish || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Protocol of Amendment to the Charter of the Organization of American States "Protocol of Managua", 1-F Rev. OEA Documentos Oficiales OEA/Ser.A/2 Add.4 (SEPF), entered into force January 29, 1996.
ratification information || Spanish || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Protocol of Amendment to the Charter of the Organization of American States "Protocol of Washington", 1-E Rev. OEA Documentos Oficiales OEA/Ser.A/2 Add. 3 (SEPF), entered into force September 25, 1997.
ratification information || Spanish || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, O.A.S. Res. XXX, adopted by the Ninth International Conference of American States (1948), reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at 17 (1992). 
Spanish
American Convention on Human Rights, O.A.S. Treaty Series No. 36, 1144 U.N.T.S. 123, entered into force July 18, 1978, reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at 25 (1992). 
French || Spanish || Korean
ratification information || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, O.A.S. Treaty Series No. 69 (1988), signed November 17, 1988, reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at 67 (1992). 
Spanish || Korean
ratification information || Information acerca de la ratificacion
Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights to Abolish the Death Penalty, O.A.S. Treaty Series No. 73 (1990), adopted June 8, 1990, reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at 80 (1992).  
Spanish || Korean
ratification information || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Inter-American Democratic Charter, Inter-American Democratic Charter, OAS
Doc. OEA/SerP/AG/Res.1 (2001); 28th Spec. Sess., OAS Doc. OEA/Ser.P/AG/RES.1 (XXVIII-E/01) (OAS General Assembly) (Sept. 11, 2001), 40 I.L.M. 1289 (2001).
Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities, AG/RES. 1608, 7 June 1999.
ratification information
Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons, 33 I.L.M.1429 (1994), entered into force March 28, 1996.
ratification information
Français || et l'etat actuel des ratifications
Español || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture, O.A.S. Treaty Series No. 67, entered into force Feb. 28, 1987, reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc. 6 rev.1 at 83, 25 I.L.M. 519 (1992).  
ratification information || French || Spanish || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence Against Women, 33 I.L.M. 1534 (1994), entered into force March 5, 1995.
ratification information || Français || et l'etat actuel des ratifications || Español || Informacion acerca de la ratificacion
Organization of American States, Permanent Council, Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs, Working Group to Prepare the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Record of the Current Status of the Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, O.A.S. Doc. OEA/Ser.K/XVI, GT/DADIN/doc.260/06 rev. 1 (2006).
Proposed American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Approved by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on February 26, 1997, at its 1333rd session, 95th Regular Session), OEA/Ser/L/V/.II.95 Doc.6 (1997).
Statute of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, O.A.S. Res. 447 (IX-0/79), O.A.S. Off. Rec. OEA/Ser.P/IX.0.2/80, Vol. 1 at 88, Annual Report of the Inter- American Commission on Human Rights, OEA/Ser.L/V/11.50 doc.13 rev. 1 at 10 (1980), reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at 93 (1992). 
Spanish
Regulations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at 103 (1992). 
Spanish
New Rules of Procedure of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Español
Statute of the Inter-American Court on Human Rights, O.A.S. Res. 448 (IX-0/79), O.A.S. Off. Rec. OEA/Ser.P/IX.0.2/80, Vol. 1 at 98, Annual Report of the Inter- American Court on Human Rights, OEA/Ser.L/V.III.3 doc. 13 corr. 1 at 16 (1980), reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at 133 (1992). 
Spanish
Rules of Procedure of the Inter-American Court on Human Rights, Annual Report of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, 1991, O.A.S. Doc. OEA/Ser.L/V/III.25 doc.7 at 18 (1992), reprinted in Basic Documents Pertaining to Human Rights in the Inter-American System, OEA/Ser.L.V/II.82 doc.6 rev.1 at 145 (1992). 
Spanish
Human Rights and the Environment, AG/RES. 1926 (XXXIII-O/03), Adopted at the fourth plenary session held on June 10, 2003.
Organization of American States Convention on Territorial Asylum,
Mar. 28, 1954, 1438 U.N. 129, OAS Treaty Series, No. 19.
Organization of American States Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, Mar.
28, 1954, 1438 U.N. 104, OAS Treaty Series, No. 18.
EUROPE
[European] Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 5), 213 U.N.T.S. 222, entered into force Sept. 3, 1953, as amended by Protocols Nos 3, 5, and 8 which entered into force on 21 September 1970, 20 December 1971 and 1 January 1990 respectively. 
French || Japanese || Russian || Korean
ratification information
Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 9), 213 U.N.T.S. 262, entered into force May 18, 1954. 
French || Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Protocol No. 2 to the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 44), entered into force Sept. 21, 1970. 
French || Russian || ratification information
Protocol No. 3 to the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 45), entered into force Sept. 21, 1970. 
French || ratification information
Protocol No. 4 to the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 46), entered into force May 2, 1968. 
French || Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Protocol No. 5 to the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 55), entered into force Dec. 20, 1971. 
French || ratification information
Protocol No. 6 to the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 114), entered into force March 1, 1985. 
French || Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Protocol No. 7 to the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 117), entered into force Nov. 1, 1988. 
French || Japanese || Russian || ratification information
Protocol No. 8 to the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS 118), entered into force Jan.1, 1990. 
French || ratification information
Protocol No. 9 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS No. 140), Rome, 6.XI.1990.
French || Russian || ratification information
Protocol No. 10 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS No. 146), Strasbourg, 25.III.1992.
French || Russian || ratification information
Protocol No. 11 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, restructuring the control machinery established thereby, (ETS No. 155), Strasbourg, 11.V.1994.
French || ratification information
Protocol No. 12 to the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, (ETS No. 177), Rome,4.XI.2000.
Français || ratification information
Protocol No. 13 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances, (ETS No. 187),Vilnius, 3.V.2002.
Français || ratification information
Protocol No. 14 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, amending the control system of the Convention, (ETS No. 194), Strasbourg, 13.V.2004.
Français || ratification information
European Social Charter, (ETS No. 35), Turin, 18.X.1961.
Français || ratification information
Protocol Amending the European Social Charter, (ETS No. 142), Turin, 21.X.1991.
French || Russian || ratification information
Additional Protocol to the European Social Charter, (ETS No. 128), Strasbourg, 5.V.1988.
Français || ratification information
Additional Protocol to the European Social Charter Providing for a System of Collective Complaints, (ETS No. 158), entered into force January 7, 1998.
Français || ratification information
European Social Charter (revised), (ETS No. 163), entered into force January 7, 1999.
Français || ratification information
European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, E.T.S. 126, entered into force Feb. 1, 1989. 
French || ratification information
Protocol No. 1 to the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, (ETS No. 151), Strasbourg, 4.XI.1993.
French || ratification information
Protocol No. 2 to the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (ETS 152), Strasbourg, 4.XI.1993.
French || ratification information
Additional Protocol to the Convention on cybercrime, concerning the criminalisation of acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems, (ETS No. 189), Strasbourg, January 28, 2003.
Français || ratification information
Convention on contact concerning children, (ETS No. 192), Strasbourg, 15.V.2003.
Français || ratification information
Additional Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, concerning Biomedical Research, (ETS No. 195), Strasbourg, January 25, 2005.
Français || ratification information
Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, (ETS No. 196), Warsaw, 16.V.2005.
Français || ratification information
Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, (ETS No. 197), Warsaw, 16.V.2005.
Français || ratification information
European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance, (ETS No. 14), Paris, 11.XII.1953.
Français || ratification information
Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism, (ETS No. 198), Warsaw, 16.V.2005.
Français || ratification information
European Committee of Ministers, Guidelines on human rights and the fight against terrorism (2002).
European Committee of Ministeres, Form for reports to be submitted in
pursuance of the revised European Social Charter (2001).

NATIONALITY, STATELESSNESS, AND RIGHTS OF NON-CITIZENS
Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 596 U.N.T.S. 261, entered into force 19 March 1967.
ratification information

Convention on the Nationality of Married Women, 309 U.N.T.S. 65, entered into force Aug. 11, 1958. 
Russian || Spanish
ratification information

Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, 989 U.N.T.S. 175, entered into force Dec. 13, 1975.
Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish || Korean
Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription
Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, 360 U.N.T.S. 117, entered into force June 6, 1960.
Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish || Korean
Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription
Declaration on the Human Rights of Individuals Who are not Nationals of the Country in which They Live, G.A. res. 40/144, annex, 40 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 53) at 252, U.N. Doc. A/40/53 (1985).
Arabic || Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish
Migration for Employment (Revised) (ILO No. 97), xxx U.N.T.S. xxx, entered into force January 22, 1952.
Arabic || French || Spanish || ratification information

United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Trafficking, E/2002/68/Add.1 (2002).
Chinese

REFUGEES AND ASYLUM
Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, 189 U.N.T.S. 150, entered into force April 22, 1954.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish || Korean
ratification information
Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, 606 U.N.T.S. 267, entered into force Oct. 4, 1967.
Arabic || Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish || ratification information
Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, G.A. res. 428 (V), annex, 5 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 20) at 46, U.N. Doc. A/1775 (1950).
Arabic || Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish
Declaration on Territorial Asylum, G.A. res. 2312 (XXII), 22 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 16) at 81, U.N. Doc. A/6716 (1967).
Arabic || Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish
Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/1998/53/Add.2 (1998), noted in Comm. Hum. Rts. res. 1998/50.
Russian || Spanish || Chinese
Cartagena Declaration on Refugees, Nov. 22, 1984, Annual Report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, OAS Doc. OEA/Ser.L/V/II.66/doc.10, rev. 1, at 190-93 (1984-85). (17 April 1998).
Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, 1001 U.N.T.S. 45, entered into force June 20, 1974.
UNHCR, Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, U.N. Doc. HCR/IP/4/Eng/REV.1 (1992). [PDF version]
* Official document from UNHCR site
Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Guidelines on International Protection: Gender-Related Persecution within the Context of Article 1a(2) of the 1951 Convention and Its 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, U.N. Doc. HCR/GIP/02/01 (2002).
(WORD)
U.N. Commission on Human Rights Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment regarding the situation of immigrants and asylum seekers, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/2000/4/Annex 2 (1999).
Chinese

International Case Law Relating to Refugees and Asylum Seekers:
Australia: Refugee Review Tribunal
Belgium: Permanent Refugee Appeals Commission
New Zealand: RefNZ Case Search
U.S.: Board of Immigration Appeals
U.S.: Selected Refugee Cases from Federal Circuit Courts (1994-97)  

Organization of American States Convention on Territorial Asylum,
Mar. 28, 1954, 1438 U.N. 129, OAS Treaty Series, No. 19.
Organization of American States Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, Mar.
28, 1954, 1438 U.N. 104, OAS Treaty Series, No. 18.
Links to other sites with information on refugees and aid agencies

TERRORISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS

International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages, G.A. Res. 146 (XXXIV), U.N. GAOR, 34th Sess., Supp. No. 46, at 245, U.N. Doc. A/34/46 (1979), entered into force June 3, 1983.
Chinese || Japanese || Russian || Spanish
ratification information

International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing, G.A. Res. 164, U.N. GAOR, 52nd Sess., Supp. No. 49, at 389, U.N. Doc. A/52/49 (1998), entered into force May 23, 2001.
Chinese || Russian || Spanish
ratification information

International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, G.A. Res. 109, U.N. GAOR, 54th Sess., Supp. No. 49, U.N. Doc A/54/49 (Vol. I) (1999), S. Treaty Doc. No. 106-49 (2000), 39 I.L.M. 270 (2000), adopted 9 Dec. 1999, entered into force 10 Apr. 2002.
Chinese || Japanese || Russian || Spanish
ratification information

International Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft [Hijacking Convention], 860 U.N.T.S. 105, entered into force Oct. 14, 1971.
Russian
ratification information  
International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons, 1035 U.N.T.S. 167, 13 I.L.M. 41, entered into force Feb. 20, 1977.
Japanese || Russian || Spanish || Chinese
ratification information
Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism, June 3, 2002, OAS Treaty
A-66, 42 I.L.M. 19 (2003).
ratification information
Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, 974 U.N.T.S. 178, entered into force January 26, 1973.
ratification information
European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, (ETS No. 090), entered into force August 4, 1978.
ratification information
Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1678 U.N.T.S. 221, 27 I.L.M. 668 (1988), entered into force March 1, 1992.
ratification information
The Cleveland Principles of International Law on the Detention and Treatment of Persons in Connection with the "Global War on Terror."

POLITICAL RIGHTS, FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, AND RIGHT TO CULTURE
Convention on the International Right of Correction, 435 U.N.T.S. 191, entered into force Aug. 24, 1962.
Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish || Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription
Declaration of the Principles of International Cultural Co-operation, adopted by the UNESCO General Conference at its fourteenth session, Paris, 4 november 1966, UNESCO's Standard-Setting Instruments, IV.C. (1994).
Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish
The Johannesburg Principles on National Security, Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/1996/39 (1996).
Spanish
Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by the UNESCO General Conference at its eighteenth session, Paris, 19 November 1974, UNESCO's Standard-Setting Instruments, I.B. (1994).
Chinese || Russian || Spanish
UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, Nov. 2, 2001, UNESCO Doc. 31C/Res 25, Annex 1 (2001).
Chinese || French || Russian || Spanish
Fribourg Declaration on Cultural Rights (May 7, 2007)

U.N. ACTIVITIES AND EMPLOYEES
Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, 1 U.N.T.S. 15, 13 February 1946.
Japanese || Russian || Spanish || Current ratifications available by U.N. subscription
Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, G.A. res. 49/59, 49 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 49) at 299, U.N. Doc. A/49/49, entered into force January 15, 1999.
ratification information
Chinese
Observance by United Nations forces of international humanitarian law, U.N. Doc. ST/SGB/1999/13 (1999). (PDF)
Russian || Spanish || French || Chinese

Treaties & Documents by Topic

Criminal Repression | Cultural Property | Methods and Means of Warfare | Naval and Airwarfare | Victims of Armed Conflicts | Miscellaneous

Criminal Repression

 

 

  • Affirmation of the Principles of International Law recognised by the Charter of the Nüremberg Tribunal. Resolution 95 (I) of the United Nations General Assembly, 11 December 1946.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

  • Principles of International Law Recognized in the Charter of the Nüremberg Tribunal and in the Judgment of the Tribunal, 1950.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

 

 

  • Statute of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991, 25 May 1993.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

  • Statute of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan citizens responsible for genocide and other such violations committed in the territory of neighbouring States, between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1994, 8 November 1994.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

 

 

Cultural Property

 

 

 

 

 

  • Resolutions of the Intergovernmental Conference on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The Hague, 14 May 1954.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

 

Methods and Means of Warfare

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Convention (II) with Respect to the Laws and Customs of War on Land and its annex: Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land. The Hague, 29 July 1899.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][State parties - 49]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Rules concerning the Control of Wireless Telegraphy in Time of War and Air Warfare. Drafted by a Commission of Jurists at the Hague, December 1922 - February 1923.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

 

 

  • The Distinction between Military Objectives and Non-Military Objectives in General and Particularly the Problems Associated with Weapons of Mass Destruction. Edinburgh, 9 September 1969.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

  • Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction. Opened for Signature at London, Moscow and Washington. 10 April 1972.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][State parties - 162][State signatories - 13]

 

 

  • Final Act of the United Nations Conference on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects. Geneva, 10 October 1980.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices as amended on 3 May 1996 (Protocol II to the 1980 Convention as amended on 3 May 1996)[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][State parties - 92]

 

 

  • Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects. Geneva, 10 October 1980. Amendment article 1, 21 December 2001.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][State parties - 63]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Rules concerning the Control of Wireless Telegraphy in Time of War and Air Warfare. Drafted by a Commission of Jurists at the Hague, December 1922 - February 1923.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victims of Armed Conflicts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Draft International Convention on the Condition and Protection of Civilians of enemy nationality who are on territory belonging to or occupied by a belligerent. Tokyo, 1934.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Human Rights in Armed Conflicts. Resolution XXIII adopted by the International Conference on Human Rights. Teheran, 12 May 1968.[Introduction][Full Text][Articles]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1949 Conventions & Additional Protocols
 
Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field. Geneva, 12 August 1949.

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries][State parties - 194]

 

Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea. Geneva, 12 August 1949.

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries][State parties - 194]

 

Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Geneva, 12 August 1949.

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries][State parties - 194]

 

Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. Geneva, 12 August 1949.

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries][State parties - 194]

 

Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), 8 June 1977.

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries][State parties - 168][State signatories - 5]

 

Annex I (to the Protocol I) : Regulations concerning identification (as amended on 30 November 1993)

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries]

 

Annex I (to the Protocol I) : Regulations concerning identification (as of 6 June 1977)

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries]

 

Annex II (to the Protocol I)

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries]

 

Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II), 8 June 1977.

[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries][State parties - 164][State signatories - 4]

 

Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem (Protocol III), 8 December 2005
[Introduction][Full Text][Articles][Commentaries][State parties - 33][State signatories - 54]

Geneva Conventions

Declaration on Torture & Inhuman Treatment

International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights