What is the Difference Between Convention and Declaration?

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The main difference between a convention and a declaration lies in their legal binding nature and the way countries agree to be bound by them.

Convention:

  • A convention is a legally binding international agreement, also known as a treaty or covenant.
  • Countries agree to be bound by a convention through a process of ratification or adhesion.
  • When a convention is ratified in sufficient numbers, it enters into force and becomes legally binding on the states that have ratified and signed it.

Declaration:

  • A declaration is a statement recognizing a universally valid principle, but it is not a legally binding agreement.
  • Declarations are not subject to ratification, and countries do not have to submit reports on their compliance.
  • They often originate from resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and can carry considerable moral force.

For example, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a declaration that recognizes the universally valid principle of human rights, but it is not legally binding on countries. On the other hand, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is a legally binding agreement that countries can ratify and be held accountable for.

Comparative Table: Convention vs Declaration

The main difference between a convention and a declaration is that a convention is legally binding, while a declaration is not. Here is a table comparing the two:

Convention Declaration
Legally binding Not legally binding
An agreement among countries to act in a particular manner An agreed-upon document
Examples: Various international treaties and agreements Examples: Declarations made by governments, organizations, or individuals

In the context of programming and databases, the terms "CONVENTION" and "DECLARATION" might have different meanings. However, the information provided above pertains to their general usage in international relations and agreements.