August 25, 2000
Nearly 70 Member States have heeded Secretary-General Kofi Annan's call for governments to take advantage of the upcoming Millenium Summit by becoming parties to the treaties deposited with him. The Summit which is expected to be the largest gathering of world leaders ever, will be held at UN Headquarters in New York on 6-8 September. In a response described by UN officials as "exceptional," 69 countries to date have informed the United Nations of their intention to sign, accede to, or deposit instruments of ratification of treaties deposited with the Secretary-General.
Most instruments are expected to be signed by heads of States or Government, who in some instances will take action on several accords at a special facility designated for treaty ceremonies. Most treaty actions will deal with 37 instruments related to human rights, disarmament, environment and international criminal law. At least 35 governments have indicated their intention to sign the two recently concluded Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child relating to child prostitution and children in armed conflict.
Other instruments on which action will be taken by several States include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, and the Statute of the International Criminal Court. The body of 517 multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General covers a large spectrum of human activity and reflects the desire of States to establish enforceable rights and obligations to enhance the international rule of law.
The treaties also voice the concerns and aspirations of ordinary people and have the distinct potential to improve their daily lives.
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