The Secretary-General, in a letter dated 15 June 2000, to Heads of State and Government, identified a core group of 25 multilateral treaties representative of the key objectives of the Organization and the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations to be the focus of a sustained effort to encourage signature and ratification or accession during the Millennium Summit, to be held in New York, 6-8 September 2000. In addition, the Secretary-General has invited Heads of State or Government to consider signing and ratifying or acceding to those other treaties deposited with the Secretary-General, of which there are over 500 at present. A list containing the treaties in the core group and a list of all treaties deposited with the Secretary-General were attached to the Secretary-General's letter. These treaties affect almost all aspects of human endeavour and international interaction and provide a comprehensive legal framework to govern international relations. By becoming party to these multilateral treaties, States would contribute significantly to the advancement of the rule of law in international relations and the cause of peace.
It is noted that, consistent with the rules of international law and the practice of the Secretary-General, a Head of State or Government or a Foreign Minister does not require Full Powers to execute a treaty action in person. Furthermore, where general Full Powers have been issued to a person and have been deposited with the Secretariat in advance, specific Full Powers are not required for that person.
However, where an action relating to a treaty deposited with the Secretary-General is to be undertaken by a person other than the Head of State or Government or the Foreign Minister, duly executed Full Powers are necessary. Full Powers should:
Bear the signature of the Head of State or Government or the
Foreign Minister;
Clearly indicate the title of that signatory;
Specify the title of the instrument to be signed;
State the full name of the person authorized to sign the instrument
concerned.
Wherever possible, Full Powers should be submitted for verification to the Treaty Section of the United Nations in advance of the intended date of the treaty action (Fax No. 212-963-3693).
Further information on Full Powers can be obtained from the publication Summary of Practice of the Secretary-General as Depositary of Multilateral Treaties (ST/LEG/7/Rev.1).
Information on the status of treaties deposited with the Secretary-General as at 31 December 1999 can be obtained from Multilateral Treaties Deposited with the Secretary-General as at 31 December 1999 (ST/LEG/SER.E/18) or from the “United Nations Treaty Collection on the Internet” (UNTC) at http://untreaty.un.org, which is updated on a daily basis. The UNTC also contains an overview of key terms used in the UNTC and a glossary of terms.
The Secretary-General has requested States to inform him by 1 August 2000 of their intention to sign, ratify or accede to, during the Millennium Summit, any of the multilateral treaties deposited with him. The Secretariat will make arrangements to provide all the necessary facilities for Heads of State or Government or Foreign Ministers to execute these solemn treaty actions at the United Nations during the Summit.
The Secretary-General has also requested advice on the nature of any assistance that may be required by a State in order to sign, ratify or accede to or to give effect internally to the relevant treaty obligations. Once this information is received by the Secretariat, a plan will be developed to make the required assistance available, using the resources of the Organization and its organs.
For further information, please contact the Treaty Section, Office of Legal Affairs:
Tel. No.: 212-963-5048
Fax No.: 212-963-3693
Email: treaty@un.org