What is the Difference Between Treaty and Convention?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚A treaty and a convention are both international legal instruments that bind the countries that choose to accept the obligations contained in them. However, there are some differences between the two:
- Formality: Conventions are generally considered less formal than treaties. Treaties are often used to address a wide range of issues, while conventions typically focus on a specific set of rules to solve a problem that affects a larger part of the world.
- Compliance Mechanisms: Conventions usually have built-in mechanisms to ensure compliance, such as procedures for inspections. Treaties, on the other hand, may rely on each signing party's adherence to the agreement and may not have specific enforcement mechanisms.
- Enforcement: Conventions often include methods to enforce noncompliance, such as economic sanctions. Treaties may also have enforcement mechanisms, but these may vary depending on the specific agreement.
In summary, both treaties and conventions are international legal instruments that create obligations for the countries that accept them, but conventions tend to be less formal and more focused on specific issues, with built-in compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
Comparative Table: Treaty vs Convention
The terms "treaty" and "convention" are often used interchangeably in the context of international law, as both represent formal agreements between countries. However, there are some differences between the two:
| Treaty | Convention |
|---|---|
| A treaty is an international agreement concluded between states in written form and governed by international law. | A convention is a type of treaty that is usually negotiated under an international organization and has global participation, with every member country able to participate. |
| Treaties can cover a broad range of topics, such as environmental and trade agreements, human rights, and more. | Conventions are negotiated under the auspices of an international organization, such as the United Nations, UNESCO, or UNICEF, and are binding agreements that create legal rights and duties for the contracting parties. |
In summary, while both treaties and conventions are formal agreements between countries, conventions are a specific type of treaty that is negotiated under an international organization and has global participation.
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