About the Conferences on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (Article XIV Conferences)
- Visit the 2007 Article XIV Conference area.
- Visit 2005 Article XIV Conference area.
Brief Background
- The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted in New York on 10 September 1996.
- The Treaty, which prohibits nuclear explosions in any environment, consists of 17 Articles, 2 Annexes and a Protocol.
- Article XIV specifies the conditions for the Treaty's entry into force. This will take place 180 days after the 44 States listed in Annex 2 to the Treaty have all ratified.
- Visit 2003 Article XIV Conference area.
- The negotiators of the CTBT included a mechanism under Article XIV to accelerate the Treaty's entry into force, if this has not taken place three years after the anniversary of its opening for signature.
- Ratifying States can request the Depositary of the Treaty to convene a Conference to examine how the ratification process can be accelerated.
- These Conferences can be convened at subsequent anniversaries until the Treaty enters into force.
- Visit 2001 Article XIV Conference area.
Participating States and Organizations
- Representatives of States which have ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) are invited to participate in deliberations.
- Signatory States, non-signatory States, intergovernmental organizations, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations are invited to attend as observers
Objective of the Conferences
- Visit 1999 Article XIV Conference area.
Decide which measures consistent with international law may be taken to accelerate the ratification process in order to facilitate the Treaty's entry into force.
Previous Conferences on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the CTBT
Conferences on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the CTBT have been held in Vienna in 1999, 2003 and 2007, and in 2001 and 2005 in New York.
