Ratifikimi

Ratifikimi, or ratification, is the formal act by which a state expresses its consent to be bound by a treaty. It follows negotiation and signing and may occur after a period of provisional application if provided by the treaty. When a state ratifies, it undertakes legal obligations under international law; until ratification, the state is not generally bound by the treaty in most cases, though it may be bound provisionally or by other arrangements.

Domestic procedures: The authority to ratify is usually defined by a state's constitution. In some countries, ratification requires approval by the legislature; in others, the head of state may ratify on the government's advice, or both. Certain treaties may require referendums or supermajorities. Even after signing, domestic steps are commonly needed to align national law with treaty obligations.

Effect and entry into force: A treaty generally enters into force for a state upon ratification, or on the date specified in the treaty. Some treaties stipulate that entry into force depends on ratifications by a specified number of states or on mutual exchange of instruments of ratification with the depositary. Ratification obliges the state to implement the treaty's provisions and to refrain from acts that would defeat its object and purpose.

Accession and other forms: Accession is the act by which a state joins a treaty that it did not sign, typically after the treaty has already been negotiated or opened for signature. Ratification and accession are both forms of consent to be bound, but they apply in different circumstances. See also: signature, entry into force, and treaty depositary.