International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Party

Colombia modified

• Reservations / Declarations: Yes

• added reservation
  10-07-2026
  … I declare on behalf of the Republic of Colombia that we recognize the subsidiary competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals, within our jurisdiction, who claim that they are victims of violations by the State of any of the rights set forth in the Convention, and that they have exhausted available local remedies. I also reiterate the firm commitment of the Colombian State to the fight against racism and racial discrimination, as well as its support and recognition of the work of the Committee, as a body of experts that monitors the implementation of the Convention and works to act against the injustice of racial discrimination and the dangers it represents.

General information

• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Kingdom part

Netherlands (in Europe)

• Entry into force: 09-01-1972

Netherlands (Bonaire)

• Entry into force: 10-10-2010

Netherlands (Sint Eustatius)

• Entry into force: 10-10-2010

Netherlands (Saba)

• Entry into force: 10-10-2010

Aruba

• Entry into force: 01-01-1986

Curaçao

• Entry into force: 10-10-2010

Sint Maarten

• Entry into force: 10-10-2010

Party

Afghanistan

• Ratification: 06-07-1983 (A)
• Entry into force: 05-08-1983
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  06-07-1983
  While acceding to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention since according to this article, in the event of disagreement between two or several States Parties to the Convention on the interpretation and implementation of provisions of the Convention, the matters could be referred to the International Court of Justice upon the request of only one side. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, therefore, states that should any disagreement emerge on the interpretation and implementation of the Convention, the matter will be referred to the International Court of Justice only if all concerned parties agree with that procedure. Furthermore, the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan states that the provisions of articles 17 and 18 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination have a discriminatory nature against some states and therefore are not in conformity with the principle of universality of international treaties.

Albania

• Ratification: 11-05-1994 (A)
• Entry into force: 10-06-1994

Angola

• Signature: 24-09-2013
• Ratification: 02-10-2019 (R)
• Entry into force: 01-11-2019

Armenia

• Ratification: 23-06-1993 (A)
• Entry into force: 23-07-1993

Bangladesh

• Ratification: 11-06-1979 (A)
• Entry into force: 11-07-1979

Belize

• Signature: 06-09-2000
• Ratification: 14-11-2001 (R)
• Entry into force: 14-12-2001

Benin

• Signature: 02-02-1967
• Ratification: 30-11-2001 (R)
• Entry into force: 30-12-2001

Bhutan

• Signature: 26-03-1973

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Ratification: 16-07-1993 (Su)
• Entry into force: 06-03-1992

Botswana

• Ratification: 20-02-1974 (A)
• Entry into force: 22-03-1974

Burkina Faso

• Ratification: 18-07-1974 (A)
• Entry into force: 17-08-1974

Burundi

• Signature: 01-02-1967
• Ratification: 27-10-1977 (R)
• Entry into force: 26-11-1977

Cabo Verde

• Ratification: 03-10-1979 (A)
• Entry into force: 02-11-1979

Cambodia

• Signature: 12-04-1966
• Ratification: 28-11-1983 (R)
• Entry into force: 28-12-1983

Cameroon

• Signature: 12-12-1966
• Ratification: 24-06-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 24-07-1971

Central African Republic

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 16-03-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 15-04-1971

Chad

• Ratification: 17-08-1977 (A)
• Entry into force: 16-09-1977

Colombia

• Signature: 23-03-1967
• Ratification: 02-09-1981 (R)
• Entry into force: 02-10-1981

Comoros

• Signature: 22-09-2000
• Ratification: 27-09-2004 (R)
• Entry into force: 27-10-2004

Côte d'Ivoire

• Ratification: 04-01-1973 (A)
• Entry into force: 03-02-1973

Croatia

• Ratification: 12-10-1992 (Su)
• Entry into force: 08-10-1991

Czechoslovakia (<01-01-1993)

• Signature: 07-10-1966
• Ratification: 29-12-1966 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Ratification: 21-04-1976 (A)
• Entry into force: 21-05-1976

Djibouti

• Signature: 14-06-2006
• Ratification: 30-09-2011 (R)
• Entry into force: 30-10-2011

Dominica

• Ratification: 13-05-2019 (A)
• Entry into force: 12-06-2019

Dominican Republic

• Ratification: 25-05-1983 (A)
• Entry into force: 24-06-1983

Eritrea

• Ratification: 31-07-2001 (A)
• Entry into force: 30-08-2001

Eswatini

• Ratification: 07-04-1969 (A)
• Entry into force: 07-05-1969

Ethiopia

• Ratification: 23-06-1976 (A)
• Entry into force: 23-07-1976

Fiji

• Ratification: 11-01-1973 (Su)
• Entry into force: 10-10-1970

Gabon

• Signature: 20-09-1966
• Ratification: 29-02-1980 (R)
• Entry into force: 30-03-1980

Gambia, The

• Ratification: 29-12-1978 (A)
• Entry into force: 28-01-1979

Ghana

• Signature: 08-09-1966
• Ratification: 08-09-1966 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Greece

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 18-06-1970 (R)
• Entry into force: 18-07-1970

Guatemala

• Signature: 08-09-1967
• Ratification: 18-01-1983 (R)
• Entry into force: 17-02-1983

Guinea

• Signature: 24-03-1966
• Ratification: 14-03-1977 (R)
• Entry into force: 13-04-1977

Guinea-Bissau

• Signature: 12-09-2000
• Ratification: 01-11-2010 (R)
• Entry into force: 01-12-2010

Haïti

• Signature: 30-10-1972
• Ratification: 19-12-1972 (R)
• Entry into force: 18-01-1973

Holy See

• Signature: 21-11-1966
• Ratification: 01-05-1969 (R)
• Entry into force: 31-05-1969

Honduras

• Ratification: 10-10-2002 (A)
• Entry into force: 09-11-2002

Iran

• Signature: 08-03-1967
• Ratification: 29-08-1968 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Jordan

• Ratification: 30-05-1974 (A)
• Entry into force: 29-06-1974

Kenya

• Ratification: 13-09-2001 (A)
• Entry into force: 13-10-2001

Kyrgyzstan

• Ratification: 05-09-1997 (A)
• Entry into force: 05-10-1997

Laos

• Ratification: 22-02-1974 (A)
• Entry into force: 24-03-1974

Latvia

• Ratification: 14-04-1992 (A)
• Entry into force: 14-05-1992

Lesotho

• Ratification: 04-11-1971 (A)
• Entry into force: 04-12-1971

Liberia

• Ratification: 05-11-1976 (A)
• Entry into force: 05-12-1976

Lithuania

• Signature: 08-06-1998
• Ratification: 10-12-1998 (R)
• Entry into force: 09-01-1999

Malawi

• Ratification: 11-06-1996 (A)
• Entry into force: 11-07-1996

Maldives

• Ratification: 24-04-1984 (A)
• Entry into force: 24-05-1984

Mali

• Ratification: 16-07-1974 (A)
• Entry into force: 15-08-1974

Marshall Islands

• Ratification: 11-04-2019 (A)
• Entry into force: 11-05-2019

Mauritania

• Signature: 21-12-1966
• Ratification: 13-12-1988 (R)
• Entry into force: 12-01-1989

Mauritius

• Ratification: 30-05-1972 (A)
• Entry into force: 29-06-1972

Namibia

• Ratification: 11-11-1982 (A)
• Entry into force: 11-12-1982

Nauru

• Signature: 12-11-2001

New Zealand

• Signature: 25-10-1966
• Ratification: 22-11-1972 (R)
• Entry into force: 22-12-1972
• Tokelau Islands
  Entry into force: 22-12-1972

Nicaragua

• Ratification: 15-02-1978 (A)
• Entry into force: 17-03-1978

Niger

• Signature: 14-03-1966
• Ratification: 27-04-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Nigeria

• Ratification: 16-10-1967 (A)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Oman

• Ratification: 02-01-2003 (A)
• Entry into force: 01-02-2003

Pakistan

• Signature: 19-09-1966
• Ratification: 21-09-1966 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Palau

• Signature: 20-09-2011

Paraguay

• Signature: 13-09-2000
• Ratification: 18-08-2003 (R)
• Entry into force: 17-09-2003

Philippines

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 15-09-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Qatar

• Ratification: 22-07-1976 (A)
• Entry into force: 21-08-1976

Republic of the Congo

• Ratification: 11-07-1988 (A)
• Entry into force: 10-08-1988

Rwanda

• Ratification: 16-04-1975 (A)
• Entry into force: 16-05-1975

Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Ratification: 13-10-2006 (A)
• Entry into force: 12-11-2006

Saint Lucia

• Ratification: 14-02-1990 (Su)
• Entry into force: 22-02-1979

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Ratification: 09-11-1981 (A)
• Entry into force: 09-12-1981

São Tomé e Principe

• Signature: 06-09-2000
• Ratification: 10-01-2017 (R)
• Entry into force: 09-02-2017

Seychelles

• Ratification: 07-03-1978 (A)
• Entry into force: 06-04-1978

Sierra Leone

• Signature: 17-11-1966
• Ratification: 02-08-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Solomon Islands

• Ratification: 17-03-1982 (Su)
• Entry into force: 07-07-1978

Somalia

• Signature: 26-01-1967
• Ratification: 26-08-1975 (R)
• Entry into force: 25-09-1975

Sri Lanka

• Ratification: 18-02-1982 (A)
• Entry into force: 20-03-1982

Sudan

• Ratification: 21-03-1977 (A)
• Entry into force: 20-04-1977

Suriname

• Ratification: 15-03-1984 (Su)
• Entry into force: 25-11-1975

Tajikistan

• Ratification: 11-01-1995 (A)
• Entry into force: 10-02-1995

Tanzania

• Ratification: 27-10-1972 (A)
• Entry into force: 26-11-1972

Timor-Leste

• Ratification: 16-04-2003 (A)
• Entry into force: 16-05-2003

Trinidad and Tobago

• Signature: 09-06-1967
• Ratification: 04-10-1973 (R)
• Entry into force: 03-11-1973

Tunisia

• Signature: 12-04-1966
• Ratification: 13-01-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Turkmenistan

• Ratification: 29-09-1994 (A)
• Entry into force: 29-10-1994

Uganda

• Ratification: 21-11-1980 (A)
• Entry into force: 21-12-1980

Uzbekistan

• Ratification: 28-09-1995 (A)
• Entry into force: 28-10-1995

Yugoslavia (< 25-06-1991)

• Signature: 15-04-1966
• Ratification: 02-10-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969

Zambia

• Signature: 11-10-1968
• Ratification: 04-02-1972 (R)
• Entry into force: 05-03-1973

Zimbabwe

• Ratification: 13-05-1991 (A)
• Entry into force: 12-06-1991

Algeria

• Signature: 09-12-1966
• Ratification: 14-02-1972 (R)
• Entry into force: 15-03-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  12-09-1989
  The Algerian Government declares, pursuant to article 14 of the Convention, that it recognizes the competence of the Commit tee to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by it of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Andorra

• Signature: 05-08-2002
• Ratification: 22-09-2006 (R)
• Entry into force: 22-10-2006
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  22-09-2006
  Pursuant to paragraph 1 of article 14 of the Convention, the Principality of Andorra declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals claiming to be victims of a violation by the Principality of Andorra of any of the rights set forth in the Convention. However, this procedure applies only insofar as the Committee has established that the same matter is not being examined, or has not been examined by another international body of investigation or settlement.

Antigua and Barbuda

• Ratification: 25-10-1988 (Su)
• Entry into force: 01-11-1981
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  25-10-1988
  The Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda entrenches and guarantees to every person in Antigua and Barbuda the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual irrespective of race or place of origin. The Constitution prescribes judicial processes to be observed in the event of the violation of any of these rights, whether by the state or by a private individual. Acceptance of the Convention by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda does not imply the acceptance of obligations going beyond the constitutional limits nor the acceptance of any obligations to introduce judicial processes beyond those provided in the Constitution. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda interprets article 4 of the Convention as requiring a Party to enact measures in the fields covered by subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only where it is considered that the need arises to enact such legislation.

Argentina

• Signature: 13-07-1967
• Ratification: 02-10-1968 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  05-02-2007
  Pursuant to the provisions of article 14, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Government of the Republic of Argentina designates the National Institute to Combat Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (INADI) as competent within the national legal system to receive and consider petitions from individuals and groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Argentina, who claims to be victims of a violation by the national government of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Australia

• Signature: 13-10-1966
• Ratification: 30-09-1975 (R)
• Entry into force: 30-10-1975
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  30-09-1975
  The Government of Australia [...] declares that Australia is not at present in a position specifically to treat as offences all the matters covered by article 4 (a) of the Convention. Acts of the kind there mentioned are punishable only to the extent provided by the existing criminal law dealing with such matters as the maintenance of public order, public mischief, assault, riot, criminal libel, conspiracy and attempts. It is the intention of the Australian Government, at the first suitable moment, to seek from Parliament legislation specifically implementing the terms of article 4 (a).

  reservation
  28-01-1993
  The Government of Australia hereby declares that it recognises, for and on behalf of Australia, the competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by Australia of any of the rights set forth in the aforesaid Convention.

Austria

• Signature: 22-07-1969
• Ratification: 09-05-1972 (R)
• Entry into force: 08-06-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  22-07-1969
  Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination provides that the measures specifically described in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) shall be undertaken with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights expressly set forth in article 5 of the Convention. The Republic of Austria therefore considers that through such measures the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association may not be jeopardized. These rights are laid down in articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; they were reaffirmed by the General Assembly of the United Nations when it adopted articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and are referred to in article 5 (d) (viii) and (ix) of the present Convention.

  reservation
  20-02-2002
  The Republic of Austria recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Austria claiming to be victims of a violation by Austria of any of the rights set forth in the Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communication from an individual or a group of individuals unless the Committee has ascertained that the facts of the case are not being examined or have not been examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement. Austria reserves the right to indicate a national body as set forth in Article 14 paragraph 2.

Azerbaijan

• Ratification: 16-08-1996 (A)
• Entry into force: 15-09-1996
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  27-09-2001
  In accordance with article 14, paragraph 1, of the International Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation of any of the rights set forth in the above-mentioned Convention.

Bahamas

• Ratification: 05-08-1975 (Su)
• Entry into force: 10-07-1973
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  05-08-1975
  Firstly the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas wishes to state its understanding of article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It interprets article 4 as requiring a party to the Convention to adopt further legislative measures in the fields covered by subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only in so far as it may consider with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration set out in article 5 of the Convention (in particular to freedom of opinion and expression and the right of freedom of peaceful assembly and association) that some legislative addition to, or variation of existing law and practice in these fields is necessary for the attainment of the ends specified in article 4. Lastly, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas entrenches and guarantees to every person in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual irrespective of his race or place of origin. The Constitution prescribes judicial process to be observed in the event of the violation of any of these rights whether by the State or by a private individual. Acceptance of this Convention by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas does not imply the acceptance of obligations going beyond the constitutional limits nor the acceptance of any obligations to introduce judicial process beyond these prescribed under the Constitution.

Bahrain

• Ratification: 27-03-1990 (A)
• Entry into force: 26-04-1990
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  27-03-1990
  With reference to article 22 of the Convention, the Government of the State of Bahrain declares that, for the submission of any dispute in terms of this article to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, the express consent of all the parties to the dispute is required in each case.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Israel, 25-06-1990

  [The Government of Israel] has noted the political character of the declaration made by the Government of Bahrain. In the view of the Government of Israel, the Convention is not the proper place for making such political pronouncements. The Government of Israel will, in so far as concerns the substance of the matter, adopt towards the Government of Bahrain an attitude of complete reciprocity.

Barbados

• Ratification: 08-11-1972 (A)
• Entry into force: 08-12-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  08-11-1972
  The Constitution of Barbados entrenches and guarantees to every person in Barbados the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual irrespective of his race or place of origin. The Constitution prescribes judicial processes to be observed in the event of the violation of any of these rights whether by the State or by a private individual. Accession to the Convention does not imply the acceptance of obligations going beyond the constitutional limits nor the acceptance of any obligations to introduce judicial processes beyond those provided in the Constitution. The Government of Barbados interprets article 4 of the said Convention as requiring a Party to the Convention to enact measures in the fields covered by sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only where it is considered that the need arises to enact such legislation.

Belarus

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 08-04-1969 (R)
• Entry into force: 08-05-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  08-04-1969
  The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic states that the provision in article 17, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination whereby a number of States are deprived of the opportunity to become Parties to the Convention is of a discriminatory nature, and hold that, in accordance with the principle of the sovereign equality of States, the Convention should be open to participation by all interested States without discrimination or restriction of any kind.

Belgium

• Signature: 17-08-1967
• Ratification: 07-08-1975 (R)
• Entry into force: 06-09-1975
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  07-08-1975
  In order to meet the requirements of article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Kingdom of Belgium will take care to adapt its legislation to the obligations it has assumed in becoming a party to the said Convention. The Kingdom of Belgium nevertheless wishes to emphasize the importance which it attaches to the fact that article 4 of the Convention provides that the measures laid down in subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c) should be adopted with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights expressly set forth in article 5 of the Convention. The Kingdom of Belgium therefore considers that the obligations imposed by article 4 must be reconciled with the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Those rights are proclaimed in articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and have been reaffirmed in articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They have also been stated in article 5, subparagraph (d) (viii) and (ix) of the said Convention. The Kingdom of Belgium also wishes to emphasize the importance which it attaches to respect for the rights set forth in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, especially in articles 10 and 11 dealing respectively with freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

  reservation
  10-10-2000
  Belgium recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established by the aforementioned Convention, to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by Belgium of any of the rights set forth in the Convention. Pursuant to article 14, paragraph 2, of the Convention, the Centre pour l'Egalité des Chances et la Lutte contre le Racisme (Centre for Equal Opportunity and the Struggle against Racism), established by the Act of 15 February 1993, has been designated as competent to receive and consider petitions from individuals and groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Belgium who claim to be victims of a violation of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Bolivia

• Signature: 07-06-1966
• Ratification: 22-09-1970 (R)
• Entry into force: 22-10-1970
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  14-02-2006
  The Government of Bolivia recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination established under article 8 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in compliance with article 14 of the Convention.

Brazil

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 27-03-1968 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  17-06-2002
  [...] the Federative Republic of Brazil recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider complaints of human rights violations, as provided for under article XIV of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which was opened for signature in New York on 7th of March 1966.

Bulgaria

• Signature: 01-06-1966
• Ratification: 08-08-1966 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  08-08-1966
  The Government of the People's Republic of Bulgaria considers that the provisions of article 17, paragraph 1, and article 18, paragraph 1, of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the effect of which is to prevent sovereign States from becoming Parties to the Convention, are of a discriminatory nature. The Convention, in accordance with the principle of the sovereign equality of States, should be open for accession by all States without any discrimination or restrictions whatsoever.

  reservation
  12-05-1993
  The Republic of Bulgaria declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Bulgaria of any of the rights set forth in this Convention.

Canada

• Signature: 24-08-1966
• Ratification: 14-10-1970 (R)
• Entry into force: 13-11-1970
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  14-05-2014
  The Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations presents its compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and has the honour to refer to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Secretary-General's communication of 9 April 2014, numbered C.N.179.2014.TREATIES-IV.2, relating to that treaty. The Permanent Mission of Canada notes that this communication was made pursuant to the Secretary General's capacity as Depositary for the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Permanent Mission of Canada notes the technical and administrative role of the Depositary, and that it is for States Parties to a treaty, not the Depositary, to make their own determination with respect to any legal issues raised by instruments circulated by a depositary. In that context, the Permanent Mission of Canada notes that 'Palestine' does not meet the criteria of a state under international law and is not recognized by Canada as a state. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion, the Permanent Mission of Canada wishes to note its position that in the context of the purported Palestinian accession to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, 'Palestine' is not able to accede to this convention, and that the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination does not enter into force, or have an effect on Canada's treaty relations, with respect to the 'State of Palestine'.

Chile

• Signature: 03-10-1966
• Ratification: 20-10-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 19-11-1971
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  18-05-1994
  In accordance with article 14 (1) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Government of Chile declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Government of Chile of any of the rights set forth in this Convention.

China

• Ratification: 29-12-1981 (A)
• Entry into force: 28-01-1982
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No
• Hong Kong SAR
  Entry into force: 01-07-1997Macao SAR
  Entry into force: 20-12-1999

• reservation
  29-12-1981
  The People's Republic of China has reservations on the provisions of article 22 of the Convention and will not be bound by it. The signing and ratification of the said Convention by the Taiwan authorities in the name of China are illegal and null and void.

  reservation
  10-06-1997
  The reservation of the People's Republic of China on behalf of the the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region interprets the requirement in article 6 concerning "reparation and satisfaction" as being fulfilled if one or other of these forms of redress is made available and interprets "satisfaction" as including any form of redress effective to bring the discriminatory conduct to an end.

  reservation
  27-04-1999
  Upon resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Macao, China notified the Secretary-General that the Convention with the reservation made by China will also apply to the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Costa Rica

• Signature: 14-03-1966
• Ratification: 16-01-1976 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  08-01-1974
  Costa Rica recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination established under article 8 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in accordance with article 14 of the Convention, to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the State of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Cuba

• Signature: 07-06-1966
• Ratification: 15-02-1972 (R)
• Entry into force: 16-03-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  15-02-1972
  The Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Cuba does not accept the provision in article 22 of the Convention to the effect that disputes between two or more States Parties shall be referred to the International Court of Justice, since it considers that such disputes should be settled exclusively by the procedures expressly provided for in the Convention or by negotiation through the diplomatic channel between the disputants. This Convention, intended to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, should not, as it expressly does in articles 17 and 18, exclude States not Members of the United Nations, members of the specialized agencies or Parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice from making an effective contribution under the Convention, since these articles constitute in themselves a form of discrimination that is at variance with the principles set out in the Convention; the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Cuba accordingly ratifies the Convention, but with the qualification just indicated.

Cyprus

• Signature: 12-12-1966
• Ratification: 21-04-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  30-12-1993
  The Republic of Cyprus recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination established under article 14 (1) of [the Convention] to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Cyprus of any of the rights set forth in this Convention.

Czech Republic

• Ratification: 22-02-1993 (Su)
• Entry into force: 01-01-1993
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  11-10-2000
  The Czech Republic declares that according to Article 14, paragraph 1 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation of any of the rights set forth in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Denmark

• Signature: 21-06-1966
• Ratification: 09-12-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 08-01-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No
• Faroes
  Entry into force: 01-11-1972

• reservation
  11-10-1985
  Denmark recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within Danish jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by Denmark of any of the rights set forth in the Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communications unless it has ascertained that the same matter has not been, and is not being, examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

Ecuador

• Ratification: 22-09-1966 (A)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  18-03-1977
  The State of Ecuador, by virtue of Article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation of the rights set forth in the above-mentioned Convention.

Egypt

• Signature: 28-09-1966
• Ratification: 01-05-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  01-05-1967
  The United Arab Republic does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision, and it states that, in each individual case, the consent of all parties to such a dispute is necessary for referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

El Salvador

• Ratification: 30-11-1979 (A)
• Entry into force: 30-12-1979
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  23-03-2016
  … the Government of the Republic of El Salvador recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of a State Party who claim to be victims of violations by that State of any of the rights set forth in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as provided for in article 14 of the said Convention.

Equatorial Guinea

• Ratification: 08-10-2002 (A)
• Entry into force: 07-11-2002
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  08-10-2002
  The Republic of Equatorial Guinea does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea considers that, in each individual case, the consent of all parties is necessary for referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

Estonia

• Ratification: 21-10-1991 (A)
• Entry into force: 20-11-1991
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  21-07-2010
  The Republic of Estonia declares that pursuant to Article 14 paragraph 1 of the Convention it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Estonia claiming to be victims of a violation by Estonia of any of the rights set forth in the Convention if this violation results from circumstances or events occurring after the deposit of this Declaration. Estonia recognizes that competence on the understanding that the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination shall not consider any communications without ascertaining that the same matter is not being considered or has not already been considered by another international body of investigation or settlement.

Finland

• Signature: 06-10-1966
• Ratification: 14-07-1970 (R)
• Entry into force: 13-08-1970
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  16-11-1994
  Finland recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Finland claiming to be victims of a violation by Finland of any of the rights set forth in the said Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communication from an individual or a group of individuals unless the Committee has ascertained that the same matter is not being examined or has not been examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

France

• Ratification: 28-07-1971 (A)
• Entry into force: 27-08-1971
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  28-07-1971
  With regard to article 4, France wishes to make it clear that it interprets the reference made therein to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to the rights set forth in article 5 of the Convention as releasing the States Parties from the obligation to enact anti-discrimination legislation which is incompatible with the freedoms of opinion and expression and of peaceful assembly and association guaranteed by those texts. With regard to article 6, France declares that the question of remedy through tribunals is, as far as France is concerned, governed by the rules of ordinary law. With regard to article 15, France's accession to the Convention may not be interpreted as implying any change in its position regarding the resolution mentioned in that provision. In a communication subsequently, the Government of France indicated that the first paragraph of the declaration did not purport to limit the obligations under the Convention in respect of the French Government, but only to record the latter's interpretation of article 4 of the Convention.

  reservation
  16-08-1982
  [The Government of the French Republic declares], in accordance with article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination opened for signature on 7 March 1966, [that it] recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within French jurisdiction that either by reason of acts or omissions, events or deeds occurring after 15 August 1982, or by reason of a decision concerning the acts or omissions, events or deeds after the said date, would complain of being victims of a violation, by the French Republic, of one of the rights mentioned in the Convention.

Georgia

• Ratification: 02-06-1999 (A)
• Entry into force: 02-07-1999
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  30-06-2005
  In accordance with Article 14, Paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination done at New York on March 7, 1966 Georgia recognizes the competence of the Committee for the elimination of racial discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation, by Georgia, of any of the rights set forth in the abovementioned Convention.

Germany

• Signature: 10-02-1967
• Ratification: 16-05-1969 (R)
• Entry into force: 15-06-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  30-08-2001
  The Federal Republic of Germany hereby declares that pursuant to Article 14 paragraph 1 of the Convention it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within her jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Federal Republic of Germany of any of the rights set forth in this Convention. However, this shall only apply insofar as the Committee has determined that the same matter is not being or has not been examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

Grenada

• Signature: 17-12-1981
• Ratification: 10-05-2013 (R)
• Entry into force: 09-06-2013
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  10-05-2013
  The Constitution of Grenada entrenches and guarantees to every person in the State of Grenada the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual irrespective of his race or place of origin. The Constitution prescribes judicial processes to be observed in the event of the violation of any of these rights whether by the State or by a private individual. Ratification of the Convention by Grenada does not imply the acceptance of obligations going beyond the constitutional limits nor the acceptance of any obligations to introduce judicial processes beyond those provided in the Constitution. The Government of Grenada interprets article 4 of the said Convention as requiring a Party to the Convention to enact measures in the fields covered by sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only where it considers that the need arises to enact such legislation.

  objection to reservation

  Objection France, 07-08-2013

  The Government of the French Republic has examined the declaration formulated by the Government of Grenada at the time of the deposit of its instrument of ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination of 7 March 1966. The Government of the French Republic takes note of this ratification. It regrets, however, that the declaration made by Grenada, which constitutes a reservation, gives rise to a restriction on the international obligations accepted by Grenada under the Convention and to legal uncertainty. The reservation has indeed a general and indeterminate scope, since its aim is to subordinate the implementation of Grenada's obligations under the Convention to respect for its domestic law, with no indication of which provisions are concerned. The States Parties to the Convention cannot, therefore, assess the scope of the reservation. By the present declaration, however, the Government of the French Republic does not oppose Grenada becoming a party to the Convention.

  Objection United Kingdom, 09-08-2013

  The Government of the United Kingdom has examined the Declaration made by Grenada. In the view of the United Kingdom, the Declaration amounts to a reservation. The Declaration makes only a general reference to national law without specifying its contents and does not clearly define for the other States Parties to the Convention the extent to which Grenada has accepted the obligations of the Convention. The United Kingdom therefore objects to the reservation made by Grenada in its Declaration and hereby gives notice that it does not accept it. This objection shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Grenada.

Guyana

• Signature: 11-12-1968
• Ratification: 15-02-1977 (R)
• Entry into force: 17-03-1977
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  11-12-1968
  The Government of the Republic of Guyana do not interpret the provisions of this Convention as imposing upon them any obligation going beyond the limits set by the Constitution of Guyana or imposing upon them any obligation requiring the introduction of judicial processes going beyond those provided under the same Constitution.

Hungary

• Signature: 15-09-1966
• Ratification: 04-05-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  04-05-1967
  The Hungarian People's Republic considers that the provisions of article 17, paragraph 1, and of article 18, paragraph 1, of the Convention, barring accession to the Convention by all States, are of a discriminating nature and contrary to international law. The Hungarian People's Republic maintains its general position that multilateral treaties of a universal character should, in conformity with the principles of sovereign equality of States, be open for accession by all States without any discrimination whatever.

  reservation
  13-09-1989
  The Hungarian People's Republic hereby recognizes the competence of the Committee established by the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination provided for in paragraph 1 of article 14 of the Convention.

Iceland

• Signature: 14-11-1966
• Ratification: 13-03-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 12-04-1967
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  10-08-1981
  [The Government of Iceland declares] in accordance with article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination which was opened for signature in New York on 7 March 1966, that Iceland recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Iceland claiming to be victims of a violation by Iceland of any of the rights set forth in the Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communication from an individual or group of individuals unless the Committee has ascertained that the same matter is not being examined or has not been examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

India

• Signature: 02-03-1967
• Ratification: 03-12-1968 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  03-12-1968
  The Government of India declare that for reference of any dispute to the International Court of Justice for decision in terms of Article 22 of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, the consent of all parties to the dispute is necessary in each individual case.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Pakistan, 24-02-1969

  The Government of Pakistan has decided not to accept the reservation made by the Government of India in her instrument of ratification.

Indonesia

• Ratification: 25-06-1999 (A)
• Entry into force: 25-07-1999
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  25-06-1999
  The Government of the Republic of Indonesia does not consider itself bound by the provision of Article 22 and takes the position that disputes relating to the interpretation and application of the [Convention] which cannot be settled through the channel provided for in the said article, may be referred to the International Court of Justice only with the consent of all the parties to the dispute.

Iraq

• Signature: 18-02-1969
• Ratification: 14-01-1970 (R)
• Entry into force: 13-02-1970
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  18-02-1969
  The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq hereby declares that signature for and on behalf of the Republic of Iraq of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 21 December 1965, as well as approval by the Arab States of the said Convention and entry into it by their respective governments, shall in no way signify recognition of Israel or lead to entry by the Arab States into such dealings with Israel as may be regulated by the said Convention. Furthermore, the Government of the Republic of Iraq does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article twenty-two of the Convention afore-mentioned and affirms its reservation that it does not accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice provided for in the said article.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Israel, 10-07-1969

  [The Government of Israel] has noted the political character of the declaration made by the Government of Iraq on signing the above Convention. In the view of the Government of Israel, the Convention is not the proper place for making such political pronouncements. The Government of Israel will, in so far as concerns the substance of the matter, adopt towards the Government of Iraq an attitude of complete reciprocity. Moreover, it is the view of the Government of Israel that no legal relevance can be attached to those Iraqi statements which purport to represent the views of the other States.

  reservation
  14-01-1970
  1. The acceptance and ratification of the Convention by Iraq shall in no way signify recognition of Israel or be conducive to entry by Iraq into such dealings with Israel as are regulated by the Convention; 2. Iraq does not accept the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, concerning the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. The Republic of Iraq does not consider itself to be bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention and deems it necessary that in all cases the approval of all parties to the dispute be secured before the case is referred to the International Court of Justice.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Israel, 21-04-1970

  With regard to the political declaration in the guise of a reservation made on the occasion of the ratification of the above Treaty, the Government of Israel wishes to refer to its objection circulated by the Secretary-General in his letter [. . .] and to maintain that objection.

Ireland

• Signature: 21-03-1968
• Ratification: 29-12-2000 (R)
• Entry into force: 28-01-2001
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  29-12-2000
  Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination provides that the measures specifically described in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) shall be undertaken with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights expressly set forth in Article 5 of the Convention. Ireland threfore considers that through such measures, the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to peaceful assembly and association may not be jeopardised. These rights are laid down in Articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; they were reaffirmed by the General Assembly of the United Nations when it adopted Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and are referred to in Article 5 (d)(viii) and (ix) of the present Convention.

  reservation
  29-12-2000
  With reference to article 14, paragraph 1, of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, opened for signature at New York on 7 March 1966, Ireland recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established by the afore-mentioned Convention to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within Ireland claiming to be victims of a violation by Ireland of any of the rights set forth in the Convention. Ireland recognizes that competence on the understanding that the said Committee shall not consider any communication without ascertaining that the same matter is not being considered or has not already been considered by another international body of investigation or settlement.

Israel

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 03-01-1979 (R)
• Entry into force: 02-02-1979
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  03-01-1979
  The State of Israel does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the said Convention.

  reservation
  16-05-2014
  The Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations presents its compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as depositary to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and refers to the communication by the depositary, dated 9 April 2014, regarding the Palestinian request to accede to this Convention (Reference number C.N.179.2014.TREATIES-IV.2). 'Palestine' does not satisfy the criteria for statehood under international law and lacks the legal capacity to join the aforesaid convention bath under general international law and the terms of bilateral Israeli-Palestinian agreements. The Government of Israel does not recognize 'Palestine' as a State, and wishes to place on record, for the sake of clarity, its position that it does not consider 'Palestine' a party to the Convention and regards the Palestinian request for accession as being without legal validity and without effect upon Israel's treaty relations under the Convention.

Italy

• Signature: 13-03-1968
• Ratification: 05-01-1976 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-02-1976
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  05-01-1976
  (a) The positive measures, provided for in article 4 of the Convention and specifically described in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of that article, designed to eradicate all incitement to, or acts of, discrimination, are to be interpreted, as that article provides, "with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights expressly set forth in article 5" of the Convention. Consequently, the obligations deriving from the aforementioned article 4 are not to jeopardize the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association which are laid down in articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were reaffirmed by the General Assembly of the United Nations when it adopted articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and are referred to in articles 5 (d) (viii) and (ix) of the Convention. In fact, the Italian Government, in conformity with the obligations resulting from Articles 55 (c) and 56 of the Charter of the United Nations, remains faithful to the principle laid down in article 29 (2) of the Universal Declaration, which provides that "in the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society." (b) Effective remedies against acts of racial discrimination which violate his individual rights and fundamental freedoms will be assured to everyone, in conformity with article 6 of the Convention, by the ordinary courts within the framework of their respective jurisdiction. Claims for reparation for any damage suffered as a result of acts of racial discrimination must be brought against the persons responsible for the malicious or criminal acts which caused such damage.

  reservation
  05-05-1978
  With reference to article 14, paragraph 1, of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, opened for signature at New York on 7 March 1966, the Government of the Italian Republic recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established by the afore-mentioned Convention, to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within Italian jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by Italy of any of the rights set forth in the Convention. The Government of the Italian Republic recognizes that competence on the understanding that the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination shall not consider any communication without ascertaining that the same matter is not being considered or has not already been considered by another international body of investigation or settlement.

Jamaica

• Signature: 14-08-1966
• Ratification: 04-06-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-07-1971
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  04-06-1971
  The Constitution of Jamaica entrenches and guarantees to every person in Jamaica the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual irrespective of his race or place of origin. The Constitution prescribes judicial processes to be observed in the event of the violation of any of these rights whether by the State or by a private individual. Ratification of the Convention by Jamaica does not imply the acceptance of obligations going beyond the constitutional limits nor the acceptance of any obligation to introduce judicial processes beyond those prescribed under the Constitution.

Japan

• Ratification: 15-12-1995 (A)
• Entry into force: 14-01-1996
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  15-12-1995
  In applying the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of article 4 of the [said Convention] Japan fulfills the obligations under those provisions to the extent that fulfillment of the obligations is compatible with the guarantee of the rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression and other rights under the Constitution of Japan, noting the phrase `with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights expressly set forth in article 5 of this Convention' referred to in article 4.

Kazakhstan

• Ratification: 26-08-1998 (A)
• Entry into force: 25-09-1998
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  29-05-2008
  In accordance with article 14, paragraph 1, of the International convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination done at New York on December 21, 1965 the Republic of Kazakhstan hereby declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee of elimination of racial discrimination within its jurisdiction to receive and consider communications from or on behalf of individuals who claim to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Kazakhstan of the provisions of the Convention.

Kuwait

• Ratification: 15-10-1968 (A)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  15-10-1968
  In acceding to the said Convention, the Government of the State of Kuwait takes the view that its accession does not in any way imply recognition of Israel, nor does it oblige it to apply the provisions of the Convention in respect of the said country. The Government of the State of Kuwait does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any party to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision, and it states that, in each individual case, the consent of all parties to such a dispute is necessary for referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Israel, 12-12-1968

  [The Government of Israel] has noted the political character of the declaration made by the Government of Kuwait. In the view of the Government of Israel, the Convention is not the proper place for making such political pronouncements. The Government of Israel will, in so far as concerns the substance of the matter, adopt towards the Government of Kuwait an attitude of complete reciprocity.

Lebanon

• Ratification: 12-11-1971 (A)
• Entry into force: 12-12-1971
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  12-11-1971
  The Republic of Lebanon does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any party to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision, and it states that, in each individual case, the consent of all States parties to such a dispute is necessary for referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

Libya

• Ratification: 03-07-1968 (A)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  03-07-1968
  (a) The Kingdom of Libya does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision, and it states that, in each individual case, the consent of all parties to such a dispute is necessary for referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice. (b) It is understood that the accession to this Convention does not mean in any way a recognition of Israel by the Government of the Kingdom of Libya. Furthermore, no treaty relations will arise between the Kingdom of Libya and Israel.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Israel, 16-08-1968

  [The Government of Israel] has noted the political character of the declaration made by the Government of Libya. In the view of the Government of Israel, the Convention is not the proper place for making such political pronouncements. The Government of Israel will, in so far as concerns the substance of the matter, adopt towards the Government of Libya an attitude of complete reciprocity.

Liechtenstein

• Ratification: 01-03-2000 (A)
• Entry into force: 31-03-2000
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  18-03-2004
  [.. ] the Principality of Liechtenstein recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Liechtenstein claiming to be victims of a violation by Liechtenstein of any of the rights set forth in the Convention. The Principality of Liechtenstein recognizes that competence on the understanding that the said Committee shall not consider any communication without ascertaining that the same matter is not being considered or has not already been considered under another international procedure of investigation or settlement. Pursuant to article 14, paragraph 2, of the Convention, the Constitutional Court has been designated as competent to receive and consider petitions from individuals and groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Liechtenstein who claim to be victims of a violation of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Luxembourg

• Signature: 12-12-1967
• Ratification: 01-05-1978 (R)
• Entry into force: 31-05-1978
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  22-07-1996
  Pursuant to article 14 (1) of the [said Convention], Luxembourg declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by Luxembourg of any of the rights set forth in the Convention. Pursuant to article 14 (2) of the [said Convention], the "Commission spéciale permanente contre la discrimination", created in May 1996 pursuant to article 24 of the Law dated 27 July 1993 on the integration of aliens shall be competent to receive and consider petitions from individuals and groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Luxembourg who claim to be victims of a violation of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Madagascar

• Signature: 18-12-1967
• Ratification: 07-02-1969 (R)
• Entry into force: 09-03-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  07-02-1969
  The Government of the Malagasy Republic does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision, and states that, in each individual case, the consent of all parties to such a dispute is necessary for referral of the dispute to the International Court.

Malta

• Signature: 05-09-1968
• Ratification: 27-05-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 26-06-1971
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  27-05-1971
  The Government of Malta wishes to state its understanding of certain articles in the Convention. It interprets article 4 as requiring a party to the Convention to adopt further measures in the fields covered by sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article should it consider, with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights set forth in article 5 of the Convention, that the need arises to enact 'ad hoc' legislation, in addition to or variation of existing law and practice to bring to an end any act of racial discrimination. Further, the Government of Malta interprets the requirements in article 6 concerning `reparation or satisfaction' as being fulfilled if one or other of these forms of redress is made available and interprets `satisfaction' as including any form of redress effective to bring the discriminatory conduct to an end.

  reservation
  16-12-1998
  Malta declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals subject to the jurisdiction of Malta who claim to be victims of a violation by Malta of any of the rights set forth in the Convention which results from situations or events occurring after the date of adoption of the present declaration, or from a decision relating to situations or events occurring after that date. The Government of Malta recognizes this competence on the understanding that the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination shall not consider any communication without ascertaining that the same matter is not being considered or has not already been considered by another international body of investigation or settlement.

Mexico

• Signature: 01-11-1966
• Ratification: 20-02-1975 (R)
• Entry into force: 22-03-1975
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  15-03-2002
  The United Mexican States recognizes as duly binding the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established by article 8 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 2106 (XX) of 21 December 1965 and opened for signature on 7 March 1966. The United Mexican States declares, pursuant to article 14 of the Convention, that it recognizes the competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by that State of any of the rights stipulated in the Convention. Accordingly, in exercise of the power vested in me under article 89, subparagraph X, of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States and in accordance with article 5 of the Conclusion of Treaties Act, I hereby issue this instrument of acceptance, the Declaration on Recognition of the Competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as set out in the Declaration adopted by the Senate of the Distinguished Congress of the Union, and promise, on behalf of the Mexican Nation, to implement it, uphold it and ensure that it is implemented and upheld.

Moldova

• Ratification: 26-01-1993 (A)
• Entry into force: 25-02-1993
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  08-05-2013
  According to Article 14, paragraph 1 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Republic of Moldova recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Moldova claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Moldova of any of the rights set forth in the Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communication unless it has ascertained that the same matter is not being examined or has not been examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

  reservation
  06-03-2014
  [T]he Government decides: 1. To designate the Bureau of Inter-Ethnic Relations as the body responsible for the submission of the Moldovan Government's comments on communications from individuals and groups of individuals concerning the Republic of Moldova addressed to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 2. The Bureau of Inter-Ethnic Relations shall keep official records in accordance with this decision. 3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration shall inform the depositary of the designation of the competent body.

Monaco

• Ratification: 27-09-1995 (A)
• Entry into force: 27-10-1995
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  27-09-1995
  Article 2, paragraph 1: Monaco reserves the right to apply its own legal provisions concerning the admission of foreigners to the labour market of the Principality. Article 4: Monaco interprets the reference in that article to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to the rights enumerated in article 5 of the Convention as releasing States Parties from the obligation to promulgate repressive laws which are incompatible with freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association, which are guaranteed by those instruments.

  reservation
  06-11-2001
  We hereby declare that we recognize the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and examine communications from individuals or groups of individuals under its jurisdiction who claim to be victims of a violation by the Principality of Monaco of any of the rights set forth in the said Convention, such competence to be exercised only when all domestic remedies have been exhausted, and we pledge our word as Prince and promise, on behalf of ourselves and our successors, to observe and execute it faithfully and loyally.

Mongolia

• Signature: 03-05-1966
• Ratification: 06-08-1969 (R)
• Entry into force: 05-09-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  06-08-1969
  The Mongolian People's Republic states that the provision in article 17, paragraph 1, of the Convention whereby a number of States are deprived of the opportunity to become Parties to the Convention is of a discriminatory nature, and it holds that, in accordance with the principle of the sovereign equality of States, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination should be open to participation by all interested States without discrimination or restriction of any kind.

Montenegro

• Ratification: 23-10-2006 (Su)
• Entry into force: 03-06-2006
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  23-10-2006
  Confirmed upon succession: By affirming its commitment to establish the principles of the rule of law and promote and protect human rights, the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia recognizes the competence of the Committee on the elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider complaints submitted by individuals and groups alleging violations of rights guaranteed under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia determines the competence of the Federal Constitutional Court to accept and consider, within its domestic legal system, the complaints submitted by individuals and groups under the State jurisdiction, alleging to have been victims of rights violations under the Convention, and who have exhausted all available legal means provided for by the national legislation.

Morocco

• Signature: 18-09-1967
• Ratification: 18-12-1970 (R)
• Entry into force: 17-01-1971
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  18-12-1970
  The Kingdom of Morocco does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision. The Kingdom of Morocco states that, in each individual case, the consent of all parties to such a dispute is necessary for referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

  reservation
  19-10-2006
  In accordance with article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco declares that it recognizes, on the date of deposit of the present document, the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation, subsequent to the date of deposit of the present document, of any of the rights set forth in this Convention.

Mozambique

• Ratification: 18-04-1983 (A)
• Entry into force: 18-05-1983
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  18-04-1983
  The People's Republic of Mozambique does not consider to be bound by the provision of article 22 and wishes to restate that for the submission of any dispute to the International Court of Justice for decision in terms of the said article, the consent of all parties to such a dispute is necessary in each individual case.

Nepal

• Ratification: 30-01-1971 (A)
• Entry into force: 01-03-1971
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  30-01-1971
  The Constitution of Nepal contains provisions for the protection of individual rights, including the right to freedom of speech and expression, the right to form unions and associations not motivated by party politics and the right to freedom of professing his/her own religion; and nothing in the Convention shall be deemed to require or to authorize legislation or other action by Nepal incompatible with the provisions of the Constitution of Nepal. His Majesty's Government interprets article 4 of the said Convention as requiring a Party to the Convention to adopt further legislative measures in the fields covered by sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only insofar as His Majesty's Government may consider, with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that some legislative addition to, or variation of, existing law and practice in those fields is necessary for the attainment of the end specified in the earlier part of article 4. His Majesty's Government interprets the requirement in article 6 concerning `reparation or satisfaction' as being fulfilled if one or other of these forms of redress is made available; and further interprets `satisfaction' as including any form of redress effective to bring the discriminatory conduct to an end. His Majesty's Government does not consider itself bound by the provision of article 22 of the Convention under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision.

Netherlands, the Kingdom of the

• Signature: 24-10-1966
• Ratification: 10-12-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 09-01-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  08-07-2011
  In accordance with article 14, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination concluded at New York on 7 March 1966, the Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes, for the European part of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba), the competence of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation, by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, of any of the rights set forth in the above-mentioned Convention.

North Macedonia

• Ratification: 18-01-1994 (Su)
• Entry into force: 17-11-1991
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  22-12-1999
  The Republic of Macedonia declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communcations from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Macedonia of any of its rights set forth in this Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communication from individuals or groups of individuals, unless it has ascertained that the same matter has not been, and is not being, examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

Norway

• Signature: 21-11-1966
• Ratification: 06-08-1970 (R)
• Entry into force: 05-09-1970
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  23-01-1976
  The Norwegian Government recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Norway claiming to be victims of a violation by Norway of any of the rights set forth in the International Convention of 21 December 1965 on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination according to article 14 of the said Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communication from an individual or group of individuals unless the Committee has ascertained that the same matter is not being examined or has not been examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

Palestine

• Ratification: 02-04-2014 (A)
• Entry into force: 02-05-2014
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  06-06-2014
  The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as Depositary, and has the honor to refer to depositary notification C.N.258.2014.TREATIES-IV.2, dated 15 May 2014, conveying a communication of the United States of America regarding the accession of the State of Palestine to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, dated 7 March 1966. The Government of the State of Palestine regrets the position of the United States of America and wishes to recall United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 according Palestine 'non-member observer State status in the United Nations'. In this regard, Palestine is a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the international community. As a State Party to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, which entered into force on 2 May 2014, the State of Palestine will exercise its rights and honor its obligations with respect to all States Parties. The State of Palestine trusts that its rights and obligations will be equally respected by its fellow States Parties.

  reservation
  06-06-2014
  The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as Depositary, and has the honor to refer to depositary notification C.N.293.2014.TREATIES-IV.2, dated 22 May 2014, conveying a communication of Israel regarding the accession of the State of Palestine to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, dated 7 March 1966. The Government of the State of Palestine regrets the position of Israel, the occupying Power, and wishes to recall United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 according Palestine 'non-member observer State status in the United Nations'. In this regard, Palestine is a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the international community. As a State Party to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, which will enter into force on 2 May 2014, the State of Palestine will exercise its rights and honor its obligations with respect to all States Parties. The State of Palestine trusts that its rights and obligations will be equally respected by its fellow States Parties.

  reservation
  06-06-2014
  The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as Depositary, and has the honor to refer to depositary notification C.N.265.2014.TREATIES-IV.2, dated 22 May 2014, conveying a communication of Canada regarding the accession of the State of Palestine to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, dated 7 March 1966. The Government of the State of Palestine regrets the position of Canada and wishes to recall United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 according Palestine 'non-member observer State status in the United Nations'. In this regard, Palestine is a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the international community. As a State Party to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, which entered into force on 2 May 2014, the State of Palestine will exercise its rights and honor its obligations with respect to all States Parties. The State of Palestine trusts that its rights and obligations will be equally respected by its fellow States Parties.

  reservation
  08-08-2019
  […] the Government of the State of Palestine makes the following declaration in relation to article 14 and recognizes the competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals and groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of violation by State of Palestine of any rights set forth in this Convention, and who have exhausted all available legal means provided for by the national legislation. State of Palestine indicates the Independent Commission for Human Rights as the body with the competence to receive and consider complaints from individuals and groups that claim to be victims of violations of any rights set forth in the Convention.

Panama

• Signature: 08-12-1966
• Ratification: 16-08-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  07-05-2015
  […] the Republic of Panama recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of violations by the Republic of Panama of any of the rights set forth in the referred Convention.

Papua New Guinea

• Ratification: 27-01-1982 (A)
• Entry into force: 26-02-1982
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  27-01-1982
  The Government of Papua New Guinea interprets article 4 of the Convention as requiring a party to the Convention to adopt further legislative measures in the areas covered by sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only in so far as it may consider with due regard to the principles contained in the Universal Declaration set out in Article 5 of the Convention that some legislative addition to, or variation of existing law and practice, is necessary to give effect to the provisions of article 4. In addition, the Constitution of Papua New Guinea guarantees certain fundamental rights and freedoms to all persons irrespective of their race or place of origin. The Constitution also provides for judicial protection of these rights and freedoms. Acceptance of this Convention does not therefore indicate the acceptance of obligations by the Government of Papua New Guinea which go beyond those provided by the Constitution, nor does it indicate the acceptance of any obligation to introduce judicial process beyond that provided by the Constitution.

Peru

• Signature: 22-07-1966
• Ratification: 29-09-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 29-10-1971
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  27-11-1984
  [The Government of the Republic of Peru declares] that, in accordance with its policy of full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, without distinctions as to race, sex, language or religion, and with the aim of strengthening the international instruments on the subject, Peru recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction, who claim to be victims of violations of any of the rights set forth in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in conformity with the provisions of article 14 of the Convention.

Poland

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 05-12-1968 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  05-12-1968
  The Polish People's Republic considers that the provisions of article 17, paragraph 1, and article18, paragraph 1, of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which make it impossible for many States to become parties to the said Convention, are of a discriminatory nature and are incompatible with the object and purpose of that Convention. The Polish People's Republic considers that, in accordance with the principle of the sovereign equality of States, the said Convention should be open for participation by all States without any discrimination or restrictions whatsoever.

  reservation
  01-12-1998
  The Government of the Republic of Poland recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established by the provisions of the afore-mentioned Convention, to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within jurisdiction of the Republic of Poland claiming, to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Poland of the rights set forth in the above Convention and concerning all deeds, decisions and facts which will occur after the day this Declaration has been deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Portugal

• Ratification: 24-08-1982 (A)
• Entry into force: 23-09-1982
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No
• Macao (<20-12-1999)
  Entry into force: 27-04-1999
  Termination: 20-12-1999

• reservation
  02-03-2000
  [...] The Government of Portugal recognises the competence of the Committee established under Article 14 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Portugal of any of the rights set forth in that Convention. Portugal recognises such jurisdiction provided that the Committee does not consider any communication unless it is satisfied that the matter has neither been examined nor is it subject to appreciation by any other international body with powers of inquiry or decision. Portugal indicates the High Commissioner for Immigration and Ethnic Minorities as the body with competence to receive and consider petitions from individuals and groups of individuals that claim to be victims of violation of any of the rights set forth in the Convention

Republic of Korea, the

• Signature: 08-08-1978
• Ratification: 05-12-1978 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1979
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  05-03-1997
  The Government of the Republic of Korea recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Korea claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Korea of any of the rights set forth in the said Convention.

Romania

• Ratification: 15-09-1970 (A)
• Entry into force: 15-10-1970
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  15-09-1970
  [...] The Council of State of the Socialist Republic of Romania declares that the provisions of articles 17 and 18 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination are not in accordance with the principle that multilateral treaties, the aims and objectives of which concern the world community as a whole, should be open to participation by all States.

  reservation
  21-03-2003
  Romania declares, in accordance with article 14 paragraph 1 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from persons within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by Romania of any of the rights set forth in the Convention, to which Romania acceded by Decree no. 345 of 1970. Without prejudice to the article 14 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Romania considers that the mentioned provisions do not confer to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination the competence of examining communications of persons invoking the existence and infringement of collective rights. The body which is competent in Romania, according to domestic law, to receive and to examine communications in accordance with article 14 paragraph 2 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination is the National Council for Combating Discrimination established by the Government Decision no. 1194 of 2001.

Russian Federation

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 04-02-1969 (R)
• Entry into force: 06-03-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  04-02-1969
  The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics states that the provision in article 17, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination whereby a number of States are deprived of the opportunity to become Parties to the Convention is of a discriminatory nature, and hold that, in accordance with the principle of the sovereign equality of States, the Convention should be open to participation by all interested States without discrimination or restriction of any kind.

  reservation
  01-10-1991
  The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications, in respect of situations and events occurring after the adoption of the present declaration, from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of the USSR claiming to be victims of a violation by the USSR of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

San Marino

• Signature: 11-12-2001
• Ratification: 12-03-2002 (R)
• Entry into force: 11-04-2002
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  22-02-2008
  The Republic of San Marino, in accordance with article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of San Marino of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Saudi Arabia

• Ratification: 23-09-1997 (A)
• Entry into force: 23-10-1997
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  23-09-1997
  [The Government of Saudi Arabia declares that it will] implement the provisions [of the above Convention], providing these do not conflict with the precepts of the Islamic Shariah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall not be bound by the provisions of article (22) of this Convention, since it considers that any dispute should be referred to the International Court of Justice only with the approval of the States Parties to the dispute.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Sweden, 27-01-1998

  With regard to the general reservation made by Saudi Arabia upon accession: The Government of Sweden notes that the said reservation is a reservation of a general kind in respect of the provisions of the Convention which may be in conflict with the precepts of the Islamic Shariah . The Government of Sweden is of the view that this general reservation raises doubts as to the commitment [of] Saudi Arabia to the object and purpose of the Convention and would recall that, according to article 20, paragraph 2, of the Convention, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of this Convention shall not be permitted. It is in the common interest of states that treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected, as to their object and purpose, by all parties and that states are prepared to undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the treaties. The Government of Sweden is further of the view that general reservations of the kind made by the Government of Saudi Arabia, which do not clearly specify the provisions of the Convention to which they apply and the extent of the derogation therefrom, contribute to undermining the basis of international treaty law. The Government of Sweden therefore objects to the aforesaid general reservation made by the Government of Saudi Arabia to the [said Convention]. This objection does not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between Saudi Arabia and Sweden. The Convention will thus become operative between the two states without Saudi Arabia benefiting from this reservation.

  Objection Germany, 03-02-1998

  With regard to the general reservation made by Saudi Arabia upon accession: The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany is of the view that this reservation may raise doubts as to the commitment of Saudi Arabia to the object and purpose of the Convention. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany would like to recall that, according to paragraph 2 of article 20 of the Convention, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be permitted. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany therefore objects to the said reservation. The objection does not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Germany.

  Objection Netherlands, the Kingdom of the, 03-02-1998

  With regard to the general reservation made by Saudi Arabia upon accession: The Kingdom of the Netherlands objects to the above-mentioned general reservation, as it is incompatible with object and purpose of the Convention. This general reservation is not an obstacle for the entry into force of this Convention between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.

  Objection Finland, 06-02-1998

  With regard to the general reservation made by Saudi Arabia upon accession: The Government of Finland is of the view that this general reservation raises doubts as to the commitment of Saudi Arabia to the object and purpose of the Convention and would recall that according to paragraph 2 of article 20 of the Convention, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention shall not be permitted. The Government of Finland would also like to recall that according to the said paragraph a reservation shall be considered incompatible or inhibitive if at least two thirds of the States Parties to the Convention object to it. It is in the common interest of States that treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected, as to their object and purpose, by all parties and that States are prepared to undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the treaties. The Government of Finland is further of the view that general reservations of the kind made by Saudi Arabia, which do not clearly specify the provisions of the Convention to which they apply and the extent of the derogation therefrom, contribute to undermining the basis of international treaty law. The Government of Finland therefore objects to the aforesaid general reservation made by the Government of Saudi Arabia to the [Convention].

  Objection Norway, 06-02-1998

  With regard to the general reservation made by Saudi Arabia upon accession: The Government of Norway considers that the reservation made by the Government of Saudi Arabia, due to its unlimited scope and undefined character, is contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention, and thus impermissible under article 20, paragraph 2, of the Convention. Under well-established treaty law, a State party may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform treaty obligations. For these reasons, the Government of Norway objects to the reservation made by the Government of Saudi Arabia. The Government of Norway does not consider this objection to preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of Norway and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

  Objection Austria, 19-02-1998

  With regard to the general reservation made by Saudi Arabia upon accession: Austria is of the view that a reservation by which a State limits its responsibilities under the Convention in a general and unspecified manner creates doubts as to the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its obligations under the Convention, essential for the fulfilment of its objection and purpose. According to paragraph 2 of article 20 a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of this Convention shall not be permitted. It is in the common interest of States that treaties to which they have chosen to become Parties are prepared to undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the treaties. Austria is further of the view that a general reservation of the kind made by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which does not clearly specify the provisions of the Convention to which it applies and the extent of the derogation therefrom, contributes to undermining the basis of international treaty law. According to international law a reservation is inadmissible to the extent as its application negatively affects the compliance by a State with its obligations under the Convention essential for the fulfilment of its object and purpose. Therefore, Austria cannot consider the reservation made by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as admissible unless the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by providing additional information or through subsequent practice, ensures that the reservation is compatible with the provisions essential for the implementation of the object and purpose of the Convention. This view by Austria would not preclude the entry into force in its entirety of the Convention between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Austria.

  Objection Spain, 18-09-1998

  With regard to the general reservation made by Saudi Arabia upon accession: The Government of Spain considers that, given its unlimited scope and undefined nature, the reservation made by the Government of Saudi Arabia is contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention and therefore inadmissible under article 10, paragraph 2, of the Convention. Under the generally accepted law of treaties, a State party may not invoke the provisions of its domestic law as a justification for failure to perform its treaty obligations. The Government of Spain therefore formulates an objection to the reservation made by the Government of Saudi Arabia. The Government of Spain does not consider that this objection constitutes an obstacle to the entry into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of Spain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Senegal

• Signature: 22-07-1968
• Ratification: 19-04-1972 (R)
• Entry into force: 19-05-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  03-12-1982
  In accordance with [article 14], the Government of Senegal declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee (on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination) to receive and consider communications from individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by Senegal of any of the rights set forth in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Serbia

• Ratification: 12-03-2001 (Su)
• Entry into force: 27-04-1992
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  12-03-2001
  By affirming its commitment to establish the principles of the rule of law and promote and protect human rights, the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia recognizes the competence of the Committee on the elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider complaints submitted by individuals and groups alleging violations of rights guaranteed under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia determines the competence of the Federal Constitutional Court to accept and consider, within its domestic legal system, the complaints submitted by individuals and groups under the State jurisdiction, alleging to have been victims of rights violations under the Convention, and who have exhausted all available legal means provided for by the national legislation.

Singapore

• Signature: 19-10-2015
• Ratification: 27-11-2017 (R)
• Entry into force: 27-12-2017
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  27-11-2017
  (1) With reference to Article 2 (1), the Republic of Singapore reserves the right to apply its policies concerning the admission and regulation of foreign work pass holders, with a view to promoting integration and maintaining cohesion within its racially diverse society. (2) With reference to Article 22 of the Convention, the Republic of Singapore states that before any dispute to which the Republic of Singapore is a party may be submitted to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under this Article, the specific consent of the Republic of Singapore is required in each case. (3) The Republic of Singapore understands that the obligation imposed by Article 2 paragraph l (d) of the Convention may be implemented by means other than legislation if such means are appropriate, and if legislation is not required by circumstances. (4) The Republic of Singapore interprets the requirement in Article 6 of the Convention concerning “reparation or satisfaction” as being fulfilled if one or other of these forms of redress is made available, and interprets ‘satisfaction’ as including any form of redress effective to bring the discriminatory conduct to an end.

Slovakia

• Ratification: 28-05-1993 (Su)
• Entry into force: 01-01-1993
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  17-03-1995
  The Slovak Republic, pursuant to article 14 of the Convention, recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Slovenia

• Ratification: 06-07-1992 (Su)
• Entry into force: 25-06-1991
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  10-11-2001
  The Republic of Slovenia recognizes to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination competence to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Slovenia of any of the rights set forth in the Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communications unless it has ascertained that the same matter has not been, and is not being, examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

South Africa

• Signature: 03-10-1994
• Ratification: 10-12-1998 (R)
• Entry into force: 09-01-1999
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  10-12-1998
  The Republic of South Africa- (a) declares that, for the purposes of paragraph 1 of article 14 of the Convention, it recognises the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the Republic's jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic in any of the rights set forth in the Convention after having exhausted all domestic remedies and (b) indicates that, for the purposes of paragraph 2 of article 14 of the Convention, the South African Human Rights Commission is the body within the Republic's national legal order which shall be competent to receive and consider petitions from individuals or groups of individuals within the Republic's jurisdiction who claim to be victims of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Spain

• Ratification: 13-09-1968 (A)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  13-01-1998
  [The Government of Spain] recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Spain claiming to be victims of violations by the Spanish State of any of the rights set forth in that Convention. Such competence shall be accepted only after appeals to national jurisdiction bodies have been exhausted, and it must be exercised within three months following the date of the final judicial decision.

Sweden

• Signature: 05-05-1966
• Ratification: 06-12-1971 (R)
• Entry into force: 05-01-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  06-12-1971
  Sweden recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within the jurisdiction of Sweden claiming to be victims of a violation by Sweden of any of the rights set forth in the Convention, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communication from an individual or a group of individuals unless the Committee has ascertained that the same matter is not being examined or has not been examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

Switzerland

• Ratification: 29-11-1994 (A)
• Entry into force: 29-12-1994
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  29-11-1994
  Reservation concerning article 4: Switzerland reserves the right to take the legislative measures necessary for the implementation of article 4, taking due account of freedom of opinion and freedom of association, provided for inter alia in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Reservation concerning article 2, paragraph 1 (a): Switzerland reserves the right to apply its legal provisions concerning the admission of foreigners to the Swiss market.

  reservation
  19-06-2003
  [...] Switzerland recognizes, pursuant to article 14, paragraph 1, of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, concluded at New York on 21 December 1965, the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) to receive and consider communications under the above-mentioned provision, with the reservation that the Committee shall not consider any communication from an individual or group of individuals unless the Committee has ascertained that the same matter is not being examined or has not been examined under another procedure of international investigation or settlement.

Syria

• Ratification: 21-04-1969 (A)
• Entry into force: 21-05-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  21-04-1969
  1. The accession of the Syrian Arab Republic to this Convention shall in no way signify recognition of Israel or entry into a relationship with it regarding any matter regulated by the said Convention. 2. The Syrian Arab Republic does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any of the Parties to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision. The Syrian Arab Republic states that, in each individual case, the consent of all parties to such a dispute is necessary for referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Israel, 09-07-1969

  [The Government of Israel] has noted the political character of the declaration made by the Government of Syria. In the view of the Government of Israel, the Convention is not the proper place for making such political pronouncements. The Government of Israel will, in so far as concerns the substance of the matter, adopt towards the Government of Syria an attitude of complete reciprocity.

Thailand

• Ratification: 28-01-2003 (A)
• Entry into force: 27-02-2003
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  28-01-2003
  The Kingdom of Thailand does not interpret and apply the provisions of this Convention as imposing upon the Kingdom of Thailand any obligation beyond the confines of the Constitution and the laws of the Kingdom of Thailand. In addition, such interpretation and application shall be limited to or consistent with the obligations under other international human rights instruments to which the Kingdom of Thailand is party. 1. The Kingdom of Thailand interprets Article 4 of the Convention as requiring a party to the Convention to adopt measures in the fields covered by subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only where it is considered that the need arises to enact such legislation. 2. The Kingdom of Thailand does not consider itself bound by the provisions of Article 22 of the Convention.

  objection to reservation

  Objection France, 25-04-2003

  The Government of the Republic of France has examined the interpretative declaration made by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand upon accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination of 7 March 1966. The Government of the Republic of France considers that, by making the interpretation and implementation of the provisions of the Convention subject to respect for the Constitution and legislation of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand is making a reservation of such a general and indeterminate scope that it is not possible to ascertain which changes to obligations under the Convention it is intended to introduce. Consequently, the Government of France considers that this reservation as formulated could make the provisions of the Convention completely ineffective. For these reasons, the Government objects to this interpretative declaration, which it considers to be a reservation likely to be incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

  Objection Germany, 29-04-2003

  The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has examined the General Interpretative Declaration to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination made by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand at the time of its accession to the Convention. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany considers that the General Interpretative Declaration made by Thailand is in fact a reservation that seeks to limit the scope of the Convention on an unilateral basis. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany notes that a reservation to all provisions of a Convention which consists of a general reference to national law without specifying its contents does not clearly define for the other State Parties to the Convention the extend to which the reserving state has accepted the obligations out of the provisions of the Convention. The reservation made by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand in respect to the applications of the provisions of the Convention therefore raises doubts as to the commitment of Thailand to fulfill its obligations out of all provisions of the Convention. Hence the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany considers this reservation to be incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention and objects to the General Interpretative Declaration made by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. This objection does not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Thailand.

  Objection United Kingdom, 26-06-2003

  The Government of the United Kingdom have examined the interpretative declaration made by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (New York, 7 March 1966) on 28 January 2003 in respect of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand having no obligation to interpret and apply the provisions of the Convention beyond the confines of the Constitution and the laws of the Kingdom of Thailand and, in addition, that the interpretation and application shall be limited to or consistent with the obligations under other international human rights instruments to which the Kingdom of Thailand is party. In the view of the Government of the United Kingdom, this declaration amounts to a reservation. This reservation amounts to a general reference to national law without specifying its contents and does not clearly define for the other States Parties to the Convention the extent to which the declaring State has accepted the obligations of the Convention. The Government of the United Kingdom therefore object to the reservation made by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. This objection shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Kingdom of Thailand.

  Objection Romania, 03-12-2003

  The Government of Romania has examined the general interpretative declaration made by the Government of Thailand at the time of its accession to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Government of Romania considers that the general interpretative declaration is, in fact, a reservation formulated in general terms, that not allows to clearly identify the obligations assumed by Thailand with regard to this legal instrument and, consequently, to state the consistency of this reservation with the purpose and object of the above-mentioned Convention, in accordance with the provisions of article 19 (c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969). The Government of Romania therefore objects to the aforesaid reservation made by Thailand to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. This objection, however, shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the Government of Romania and Thailand.

  Objection Sweden, 27-01-2004

  The Government of Sweden has examined the general interpretative declaration made by the Kingdom of Thailand upon acceding to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Government of Sweden recalls that the designation assigned to a statement whereby the legal effect of certain provisions of a treaty is excluded or modified does not determine its status as a reservation to the treaty. The Government of Sweden considers that the interpretative declaration made by the Kingdom of Thailand in substance constitutes a reservation. The Government of Sweden notes that the application of the Convention is being made subject to a general reservation referring to the confines of national legislation, without specifying its contents. Such a reservation makes it unclear to what extent the reserving state considers itself bound by the obligations of the Convention. The reservation made by the Kingdom of Thailand therefore raises doubts as to the commitment of the Kingdom of Thailand to the object and purpose of the Convention. In addition, according to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a party to a treaty may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to abide by the treaty. It is in the common interest of States that treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the treaties. According to customary law as codified in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of a treaty shall not be permitted. The Government of Sweden therefore objects to the aforesaid reservation made by the Kingdom of Thailand to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This objection shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the Kingdom of Thailand and Sweden. The Convention enters into force between the two States, without the Kingdom of Thailand benefitting from this reservation.

  reservation
  07-10-2016
  Withdrawal of reservation to article 4.

Togo

• Ratification: 01-09-1972 (A)
• Entry into force: 01-10-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  09-01-2015
  Expressing its determination to maintain the rule of law, to defend and protect human rights and in accordance with Article 14, the Government the Republic of Togo declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of a violation by the Republic of Togo, of any of the rights set forth in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Tonga

• Ratification: 16-02-1972 (A)
• Entry into force: 17-03-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  16-02-1972
  To the extent, [...], that any law relating to land in Tonga which prohibits or restricts the alienation of land by the indigenous inhabitants may not fulfil the obligations referred to in article 5 (d) (v), [...], the Kingdom of Tonga reserves the right not to apply the Convention to Tonga. Secondly, the Kingdom of Tonga wishes to state its understanding of certain articles in the Convention. It interprets article 4 as requiring a party to the Convention to adopt further legislative measures in the fields covered by sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only in so far as it may consider with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights expressly set forth in article 5 of the Convention (in particular the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association) that some legislative addition to or variation of existing law and practice in those fields is necessary for the attainment of the end specified in the earlier part of article 4. Further, the Kingdom of Tonga interprets the requirement in article 6 concerning `reparation or satisfaction' as being fulfilled if one or other of these forms of redress is made available and interprets `satisfaction' as including any form of redress effective to bring the discriminatory conduct to an end. In addition it interprets article 20 and the other related provisions of Part III of the Convention as meaning that if a reservation is not accepted the State making the reservation does not become a Party to the Convention. Lastly, the Kingdom of Tonga maintains its position in regard to article 15. In its view this article is discriminatory in that it establishes a procedure for the receipt of petitions relating to dependent territories while making no comparable provision for States without such territories. Moreover, the article purports to establish a procedure applicable to the dependent territories of States whether or not those States have become parties to the Convention. His Majesty's Government have decided that the Kingdom of Tonga should accede to the Convention, these objections notwithstanding because of the importance they attach to the Convention as a whole.

  reservation
  28-10-1977
  By a notification received on 28 October 1977, the Government of Tonga informed the Secretary-General that it has decided to withdraw only those reservations made upon accession relating to article 5 (c) in so far as it relates to elections, and reservations relating to articles 2, 3 and 5 (e) (v), in so far as these articles relate to education and training.

Türkiye

• Signature: 13-10-1972
• Ratification: 16-09-2002 (R)
• Entry into force: 16-10-2002
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  16-09-2002
  The Republic of Turkey declares that it will implement the provisions of this Convention only to the States Parties with which it has diplomatic relations. The Republic of Turkey declares that this Convention is ratified exclusively with regard to the national territory where the Constitution and the legal and administrative order of the Republic of Turkey are applied. The Republic of Turkey does not consider itself bound by Article 22 of this Convention. The explicit consent of the Republic of Turkey is necessary in each individual case before any dispute to which the Republic of Turkey is party concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention may be referred to the International Court of Justice.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Sweden, 14-01-2003

  The Government of Sweden has examined the declarations made by Turkey upon ratifying the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Paragraph 1 of the declaration states that Turkey will implement the provisions of the Convention only to the States Parties with which it has diplomatic relations. This statement in fact amounts, in the view of the Government of Sweden, to a reservation. The reservation makes it unclear to what extent the Turkey considers itself bound by the obligations of the Convention. In absence of further clarification, therefore, the reservation raises doubts as to the commitment of Turkey to the object and purpose of the Convention. It is in the common interest of States that treaties to which they have chosen to become parties are respected as to their object and purpose, by all parties, and that States are prepared to undertake any legislative changes necessary to comply with their obligations under the treaties. According to article 20 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, a reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the convention shall not be permitted. The Government of Sweden objects to the said reservation made by the Government of Turkey to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This objection does not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between Turkey and Sweden. The Convention enters into force in its entiretv between the two States, without Turkey benefiting from its reservation.

  Objection United Kingdom, 26-06-2003

  The Government of the United Kingdom have examined the declaration made by the Government of the Republic of Turkey to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (New York, 7 March 1966) on 16 September 2002 in respect of implementation of the provisions of the Convention only to the States Parties with which it has diplomatic relations. In the view of the Government of the United Kingdom, this declaration amounts to a reservation. This reservation creates uncertainty as to the States Parties in respect of which Turkey is undertaking the obligations in the Convention. The Government of the United Kingdom therefore object to the reservation made by the Government of the Republic of Turkey. This objection shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Turkey.

  Objection Cyprus, 05-08-2003

  [...] the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has examined the declaration made by the Government of the Republic of Turkey to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (New York, 7 March 1966) on 16 September 2002 in respect of the implementation of the provisions of the Convention only to the States Parties with which it has diplomatic relations. In the view of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, this declaration amounts to a reservation. This reservation creates uncertainty as to the States Parties in respect of which Turkey is undertaking the obligations in the Convention. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus therefore objects to the reservation made by the Government of the Republic of Turkey. This reservation or the objection to it shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Turkey.

Ukraine

• Signature: 07-03-1966
• Ratification: 07-03-1969 (R)
• Entry into force: 06-04-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  07-03-1969
  The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic states that the provision in article 17, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination whereby a number of States are deprived of the opportunity to become Parties to the Convention is of a discriminatory nature, and hold that, in accordance with the principle of the sovereign equality of States, the Convention should be open to participation by all interested States without discrimination or restriction of any kind.

  reservation
  28-07-1992
  In accordance with the article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination, Ukraine declares that it recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals [within its jurisdiction] claiming to be victims of a violation by [it] of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

United Arab Emirates

• Ratification: 20-06-1974 (A)
• Entry into force: 20-07-1974
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  20-06-1974
  The accession of the United Arab Emirates to this Convention shall in no way amount to recognition of nor the establishment of any treaty relations with Israel.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Israel, 25-09-1974

  [The Government of Israel] has noted the political character of the declaration made by the Government of the United Arab Emirates. In the view of the Government of Israel, the Convention is not the proper place for making such political pronouncements. The Government of Israel will, in so far as concerns the substance of the matter, adopt towards the Government of United Arab Emirates an attitude of complete reciprocity.

United Kingdom

• Signature: 11-10-1966
• Ratification: 07-03-1969 (R)
• Entry into force: 06-04-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No
• Anguilla
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Antigua and Barbuda (< 01-11-1981)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 01-11-1981Bermuda
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969British Virgin Islands
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Brunei (< 01-01-1984)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 01-01-1984Cayman Islands
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Dominica (< 03-11-1978)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 03-11-1978Falkland Islands
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Gibraltar
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Grenada (< 07-02-1974)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 07-02-1974Hong Kong (< 01-07-1997)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 01-07-1997Montserrat
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Pitcairn Islands
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Saint Kitts and Nevis (< 19-11-1983)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 19-11-1983Saint Lucia (< 22-02-1979)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 22-02-1979Saint-Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Solomon Islands (< 07-07-1978)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 07-07-1978South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969Tonga (< 04-06-1970)
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969
  Termination: 04-06-1970Turks and Caicos Islands
  Entry into force: 06-04-1969

• reservation
  11-10-1966
  First, in the present circumstances deriving from the usurpation of power in Rhodesia by the illegal régime, the United Kingdom must sign subject to a reservation of the right not to apply the Convention to Rhodesia unless and until the United Kingdom informs the Secretary-General of the United Nations that it is in a position to ensure that the obligations imposed by the Convention in respect of that territory can be fully implemented. Secondly, the United Kingdom wishes to state its under- standing of certain articles in the Convention. It interprets article 4 as requiring a party to the Convention to adopt further legislative measures in the fields covered by sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of that article only in so far as it may consider with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights expressly set forth in article 5 of the Convention (in particular the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association) that some legislative addition to or variation of existing law and practice in those fields is necessary for the attainment of the end specified in the earlier part of article 4. Further, the United Kingdom interprets the requirement in article 6 concerning `reparation or satisfaction' as being fulfilled if one or other of these forms of redress is made available and interprets `satisfaction' as including any form of redress effective to bring the discriminatory conduct to an end. In addition it interprets article 20 and the other related provisions of Part III of the Convention as meaning that if a reservation is not accepted the State making the reservation does not become a Party to the Convention. Lastly, the United Kingdom maintains its position in regard to article 15. In its view this article is discriminatory in that it establishes a procedure for the receipt of petitions relating to dependent territories while making no comparable provision for States without such territories. Moreover, the article purports to establish a procedure applicable to the dependent territories of States whether or not those States have become parties to the Convention. Her Majesty's Government have decided that the United Kingdom should sign the Convention, these objections notwithstanding, because of the importance they attach to the Convention as a whole.

  reservation
  07-03-1969
  First, the reservation and interpretative statements made by the United Kingdom at the time of signature of the Convention are maintained. Secondly, the United Kingdom does not regard the Commonwealth Immigrants Acts, 1962 and 1968, or their application, as involving any racial discrimination within the meaning of paragraph 1 of article 1, or any other provision of the Convention, and fully reserves its right to continue to apply those Acts. Lastly, to the extent if any, that any law relating to election in Fiji may not fulfil the obligations referred to in article 5 (c), that any law relating to land in Fiji which prohibits or restricts the alienation of land by the indigenous inhabitants may not fulfil the obligations referred to in article 5 (d) (v), or that the school system of Fiji may not fulfil the obligations referred to in articles 2, 3 or 5 (e) (v), the United Kingdom reserves the right not to apply the Convention to Fiji.

United States of America

• Signature: 28-09-1966
• Ratification: 21-10-1994 (R)
• Entry into force: 20-11-1994
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  28-09-1966
  The Constitution of the United States contains provisions for the protection of individual rights, such as the right of free speech, and nothing in the Convention shall be deemed to require or to authorize legislation or other action by the United States of America incompatible with the provisions of the Constitution of the United States of America.

  reservation
  21-10-1994
  I. The Senate's advice and consent is subject to the following reservations: (1) That the Constitution and laws of the United States contain extensive protections of individual freedom of speech, expression and association. Accordingly, the United States does not accept any obligation under this Convention, in particular under articles 4 and 7, to restrict those rights, through the adoption of legislation or any other measures, to the extent that they are protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States. (2) That the Constitution and laws of the United States establish extensive protections against discrimination, reaching significant areas of non-governmental activity. Individual privacy and freedom from governmental interference in private conduct, however, are also recognized as among the fundamental values which shape our free and democratic society. The United States understands that the identification of the rights protected under the Convention by reference in article 1 to fields of `public life' reflects a similar distinction between spheres of public conduct that are customarily the subject of governmental regulation, and spheres of private conduct that are not. To the extent, however, that the Convention calls for a broader regulation of private conduct, the United States does not accept any obligation under this Convention to enact legislation or take other measures under paragraph (1) of article 2, subparagraphs (1) (c) and (d) of article 2, article 3 and article 5 with respect to private conduct except as mandated by the Constitution and laws of the United States. (3) That with reference to article 22 of the Convention, before any dispute to which the United States is a party may be submitted to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under this article, the specific consent of the United States is required in each case. II. The Senate's advice and consent is subject to the following understanding, which shall apply to the obligations of the United States under this Convention: That the United States understands that this Convention shall be implemented by the Federal Government to the extent that it exercises jurisdiction over the matters covered therein, and otherwise by the state and local governments. To the extent that state and local governments exercise jurisdiction over such matters, the Federal Government shall, as necessary, take appropriate measures to ensure the fulfilment of this Convention. III. The Senate's advice and consent is subject to the following declaration: That the United States declares that the provisions of the Convention are not self-executing.

  reservation
  13-05-2014
  The Government of the United States of America does not believe the 'State of Palestine' qualifies as a sovereign State and does not recognize it as such. Accession to the Convention is limited to sovereign States. Therefore, the Government of the United States of America believes that the 'State of Palestine' is not qualified to accede to the Convention and affirms that it will not consider itself to be in a treaty relationship with the 'State of Palestine' under the Convention.

Uruguay

• Signature: 21-02-1967
• Ratification: 30-08-1968 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  11-09-1972
  The Government of Uruguay recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, under article 14 of the Convention.

Venezuela

• Signature: 21-04-1967
• Ratification: 10-10-1967 (R)
• Entry into force: 04-01-1969
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  22-09-2003
  Pursuant to the provisions of article 14, paragraph 1 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognizes the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination established under article 8 of the Convention to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals within its jurisdiction claiming to be victims of violations by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of any of the rights set forth in the Convention.

Vietnam

• Ratification: 09-06-1982 (A)
• Entry into force: 09-07-1982
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: No

• reservation
  09-06-1982
  (1) The Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam declares that the provisions of article 17 (1) and of article 18 (1) of the Convention whereby a number of States are deprived of the opportunity of becoming Parties to the said Convention are of a discriminatory nature and it considers that, in accordance with the principle of the sovereign equality of States, the Convention should be open to participation by all States without discrimination or restriction of any kind.

  reservation
  10-08-1982
  (2) The Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 22 of the Convention and holds that, for any dispute with regard to the interpretation or application of the Convention to be brought before the International Court of Justice, the consent of all parties to the dispute is necessary.

Yemen

• Ratification: 18-10-1972 (A)
• Entry into force: 17-11-1972
• Reservations / Declarations: Yes
• Objections: Yes

• reservation
  18-10-1972
  The accession of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen to this Convention shall in no way signify recognition of Israel or entry into a relationship with it regarding any matter regulated by the said Convention. The People's Democratic Republic of Yemen does not consider itself bound by the provisions of Article 22 of the Convention, under which any dispute between two or more States Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of the Convention is, at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, to be referred to the International Court of Justice for decision, and states that, in each individual case, the consent of all parties to such a dispute is necessary for referral of the dispute to the International Court of Justice. The People's Democratic Republic of Yemen states that the provisions of Article 17, paragraph 1, and Article 18, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination whereby a number of States are deprived of the opportunity to become Parties to the Convention is of a discriminatory nature, and holds that, in accordance with the principle of the sovereign equality of States, the Convention should be opened to participation by all interested States without discrimination or restriction of any kind.

  objection to reservation

  Objection Israel, 12-02-1973

  [The Government of Israel] has noted the political character of the declaration made by the Government of Yemen. In the view of the Government of Israel, the Convention is not the proper place for making such political pronouncements. The Government of Israel will, in so far as concerns the substance of the matter, adopt towards the Government of Yemen an attitude of complete reciprocity.

  reservation
  06-04-1989
  Reservations in respect of article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii).

  objection to reservation

  Objection Sweden, 05-07-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): Article 5 contains undertakings, in compliance with the fundamental obligations laid down in article 2 of the Convention, to prohibit and to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to guarantee the right of everyone, without distinction as to race, colour, or national or ethnic origin, to equality before the law, notably in the enjoyment of the rights enumerated in the article. The Government of Sweden has come to the conclusion that the reservations made by Yemen are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention and therefore are impermissible according to article 20, paragraph 2 of the Convention. For this reason the Government of Sweden objects to these reservations. This objection does not have the effect of preventing the Convention from entering into force between Sweden and Yemen, and the reservations cannot alter or modify, in any respect, the obligations arising from the Convention.

  Objection Finland, 07-07-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): The Government of Finland formally, and in accordance with article 20 (2) of the Convention, objects to the reservations made by Yemen to the above provisions. In the first place, the reservations concern matters which are of fundamental importance in the Convention. The first paragraph of article 5 clearly brings this out. According to it, the Parties have undertaken to guarantee the rights listed in that article "In compliance with fundamental obligations laid down in article 2 of the Convention". Clearly, provisions prohibiting racial discrimination in the granting of such fundamental political rights and civil liberties as the right to participate in public life, to marry and choose a spouse, to inherit and to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience and religion are central in a convention against racial discrimination. Therefore, the reservations are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention, as specified in paragraph 20 (2) thereof and in article 19 (c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Moreover, it is the view of the Government of Finland that it would be unthinkable that merely by making a reservation to the said provisions, a State could achieve the liberty to start discriminatory practices on the grounds of race, colour, or national or ethnic origin in regard to such fundamental political rights and civil liberties as the right to participate in the conduct of public affairs, the right of marriage and choice of spouse, the right of inheritance and the freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Any racial discrimination in respect of those fundamental rights and liberties is clearly against the general principles of human rights law as reflected in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the practice of States and international organizations. By making a reservation a State cannot contract out from universally binding human rights standards. For the above reasons, the Government of Finland notes that the reservations made by Yemen are devoid of legal effect. However, the Government of Finland does not consider that this fact is an obstacle to the entry into force of the Convention in respect of Yemen.

  Objection Denmark, 10-07-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): Article 5 contains undertakings, in compliance with the fundamental obligations laid down in article 2 of the Convention, to prohibit and to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to guarantee the right of everyone, without distinction as to race, colour, or national or ethnic origin, to equality before the law, notably in the enjoyment of the rights enumerated in the article. The reservations made by the Government of Yemen are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention and the reservations are consequently impermissible according to article 20, paragraph 2 of the Convention. In accordance with article 20, paragraph 1 of the Convention the Government of Denmark therefore formally objects to these reservations. This objection does not have the effect of preventing the Convention from entering into force between Denmark and Yemen, and the reservations cannot alter or modify in any respect, the obligations arising from the Convention.

  Objection Netherlands, the Kingdom of the, 25-07-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): The Kingdom of the Netherlands objects to the above-mentioned reservations, as they are incompatible with object and purpose of the Convention. These objections are not an obstacle for the entry into force of this Convention between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Yemen.

  Objection Norway, 28-07-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): The Government of Norway hereby enters its formal objection to the reservations made by Yemen.

  Objection New Zealand, 04-08-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): The New Zealand Government is of the view that those provisions contain undertakings which are themselves fundamental to the Convention. Accordingly it considers that the reservations purportedly made by Yemen relating to political and civil rights are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Treaty within the terms of the article 19 (c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The Government of New Zealand advises therefore under article 20 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination that it does not accept the reservations made by Yemen.

  Objection United Kingdom, 04-08-1989

  The Government of the United Kingdom and Nothern Ireland do not accept the reservations made by the Yemen Arab Republic to article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

  Objection Italy, 07-08-1989

  The Government of the Republic of Italy raises an objection to the reservations entered by the Government of the Arab Republic of Yemen to article 5 [(c) and (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii)] of the above-mentioned Convention.

  Objection Australia, 08-08-1989

  In accordance with article 20 (2), Australia objects to [the reservations made by Yemen] which it considers impermissible as being incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention.

  Objection Belgium, 08-08-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): These reservations are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention and consequently are not permitted pursuant to article 20, paragraph 2, of the Convention.

  Objection Germany, 08-08-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): These reservations relate to the basic obligations of States Parties to the Convention to prohibit and eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to guarantee the right of everyone to equality before the law and include the enjoyment of such fundamental political and civil rights as the right to take part in the conduct of public life, the right to marriage and choice of spouse, the right to inherit and the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. As a result, the reservations made by Yemen are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention within the meaning of article 20, paragraph 2 thereof.

  Objection Canada, 10-08-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): The effect of these reservations would be to allow racial discrimination in respect of certain of the rights enumerated in Article 5. Since the objective of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as stated in its Preamble, is to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and manifestations, the Government of Canada believes that the reservations made by the Yemen Arab Republic are incompatible with the object and purpose of the International Convention. Moreover, the Government of Canada believes that the principle of non-discrimination is generally accepted and recognized in international law and therefore is binding on all states.

  Objection Mexico, 11-08-1989

  With regard to reservation made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): The Government of the United Mexican States has concluded that, in view of article 20 of the Convention, the reservation must be deemed invalid, as it is incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention. Said reservation, if implemented would result in discrimination to the detriment of a certain sector of the population and, at the same time, would violate the rights established in articles 2, 16 and 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. The objection of the United Mexican States to the reservation in question should not be interpreted as an impediment to the entry into force of the Convention of 1966 between the United States of Mexico and the Government of Yemen.

  Objection France, 20-09-1989

  With regard to reservations made by Yemen concerning article 5 (c) and article 5 (d) (iv), (vi) and (vii): France considers that the reservations made by the Yemen Arab Republic to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination are not valid as being incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention. Such objection is not an obstacle to the entry into force of the said Convention between France and the Yemen Arab Republic.