FOREWORD  

Since the founding of the United Nations in 1945, over 500 multilateral treaties have been deposited with the Secretary-General. Without exception, all of these treaties have been the result of meticulous negotiations and reflect a careful balance of national, regional, economic and other interests. In many instances, these international agreements were actively promoted by non-governmental organizations. The aspirations of nations and of individuals for a better world governed by clear and predictable rules agreed upon at the international level are reflected in these instruments. They constitute a comprehensive international legal framework covering the whole spectrum of human activity, including human rights, humanitarian affairs, international criminal matters, the environment, disarmament, narcotics, outer space, trade, commodities and transportation.
      The norms of international behaviour expressed through these treaties
      make the modern world a far better place to live in than before.
                Some of these multilateral treaties, though negotiated many years ago, are still to receive the minimum number of ratifications and accessions required for their entry into force. Others are still far from achieving universal participation. It is my hope that Heads of State and Government will make use of the unique opportunity provided by the Millennium Summit which will take place in New York in September 2000 to rededicate themselves to the multilateral treaty framework and thereby contribute to advancing the international rule of law and the cause of peace by signing and ratifying and, where appropriate, acceding to those treaties to which they are not already party.
                I appreciate that in many cases the absence of ratification or of accession to a treaty does not reflect a lack of interest on the part of Governments. Instead, it may be caused by a lack of resources, including the necessary technical expertise, for becoming a party to a multilateral convention or for giving effect to its provisions domestically through the enactment of appropriate laws and regulations. Sometimes, domestic implementation may be difficult due to the lack of infrastructural resources, including the shortage of trained personnel.

                I have invited Heads of State and Government to indicate whether their States would require assistance to become party to any of these multilateral treaties. When such information is received by the Secretariat, I have requested the various departments together with the organs of the United Nations system to provide assistance, as appropriate, to enable all States which so desire to become party to the multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General and to implement them effectively in the domestic sphere. 

                It is my hope that, as we enter the twenty-first century, nations would leave behind a world that was governed for most of history by a reliance on might and become more dependent on the international rule of law as envisaged by the Charter to guide their relations among each other.