How to become a Party?
The 1954 Hague Convention and the 1954 First Protocol
In order to become a party to the 1954 Hague Convention and/or the 1954 First Protocol, interested States must take legal and procedural measures both at national and international level. Internally, in accordance with domestic legislation, States must take necessary measures to ensure the full and effective application of the Convention by respective government authorities. Internationally, States should deposit an instrument of ratification (for signatory States) or accession (for non-signatory States) with the Director-General of UNESCO.
The 1999 Second Protocol
Only High Contracting Parties to the 1954 Hague Convention may become party to the 1999 Second Protocol. Interested States should deposit an instrument of ratification, acceptance or approbation (for signatory States) or an instrument of accession (for non-signatory States) with the Director-General of UNESCO.
The 1954 Hague Convention, the 1954 First Protocol and the 1999 Second Protocol enter into force three months after the deposit of the relevant instrument. The one exception to this rule is that, in the case of international or non-international armed conflict, or in the case of occupation, these instruments enter into force immediately.
For more information on how to ratify, please contact the 1954 Hague Convention Secretariat: 54HC@unesco.org