ratifikationsinstrument

An instrument of ratification is a formal diplomatic document through which a state expresses its consent to be bound by a treaty, usually after signing or following domestic approval. It represents the state’s binding commitment under international law to be governed by the treaty’s provisions.

The instrument is part of the process that moves from negotiation and signature to actual legal obligation. In many systems, signature signals intent but does not by itself create binding obligations; ratification completes the consent, often after approval by a legislature or other domestic authority. After a state issues its instrument of ratification, the instrument is typically deposited with a designated depositary or with the organization that oversees the treaty. For multilateral treaties, the depositary is often a distinguished international body or the state acting as a depositary; for many United Nations treaties, the Secretary-General serves as depositary.

Entry into force for a given state depends on the treaty’s terms. Some treaties bind a state from the date of its ratification; others specify that the treaty enters into force for that state only after the instrument is deposited or after a set number of other parties have ratified. Until the requisite conditions are met, the treaty may not apply to that state. States may also attach reservations, interpretive declarations, or understandings to their instrument of ratification, subject to the treaty’s rules on reservations.

The concept is closely linked with accession, which is the mechanism by which a state that did not sign a treaty can still become a party by submitting an instrument of accession.