In order to be become a Party to the Basel Convention, a State must express its consent to be bound by the treaty – indicating, through a concrete act, it is willing to undertake the legal rights and obligations contained in the treaty.
When a State wishes to ratify, accept, approve or accede to the Basel Convention, it must execute an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
Signature of the Head of State, Head of Government or Minister for Foreign Affairs (the official seal is not adequate) or any other person acting in such a position for the time being or with full powers for that purpose issued by one of the above authorities.
An instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession becomes effective only when it is deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Treaty Section of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (UN OLA), based in New York, acts as the Depositary on behalf of the Secretary-General.
When instruments are deposited at the Treaty Section of the UN OLA, the Depositary takes the necessary action. The Secretariat updates its information and contacts new Parties with a welcome package on the basis of information received from the Depositary.
Please click here to access the list of Parties and Signatories to the Basel Convention.