treatité

A treaty, in international law, is a formal agreement concluded between sovereign states in written form. Treaties can be bilateral, meaning they are between two parties, or multilateral, involving three or more parties. They are legally binding under international law, establishing rights and obligations for the signatory nations. The process of creating a treaty typically involves negotiation, signature, ratification, and entry into force. Ratification is a crucial step where a state formally consents to be bound by the treaty, often through its domestic legislative process.

The subject matter of treaties is vast and diverse, covering areas such as peace, alliances, trade, extradition, environmental protection, human rights, and the regulation of international conduct. The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, adopted in 1969, codifies many of the rules governing treaties, including their interpretation, amendment, and termination. Treaties are a primary source of international law, alongside custom and general principles of law. They represent a deliberate expression of the will of states to regulate their relationships and address common concerns through legally binding commitments. Failure to comply with treaty obligations can lead to international disputes and potentially have consequences under international law.