International Convention

Summary

An international Convention is an agreement between states or nations; used synonymously with 'international treaty'. International Conventions are binding at international law on governments that have signed them.

Extended Definition

When the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopts a Convention, it creates international norms and standards. Once a Convention is adopted by the UN General Assembly, Member States can then ratify the Convention, promising to uphold it. Governments that violate the standards set forth in a Convention will be subject to the enforcement mechanisms in that Convention.