Secrets of the Ice - An Antarctic Expedition
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Explore Antarctica

Untamed Wilderness

Changing Climate

Antarctica in the Past

Human Discovery of the Continent

 

   

 

THE ANTARCTIC TREATY

Objectives

To ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes, for international cooperation in scientific research, and does not become the scene or object of international discord.

Summary of provisions

(a) No military bases, military manoeuvres or weapon teating in Antarctica (art. 1);

(b) Freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation in the exchange of information regarding plans for such investigation and of personnel engaged in such investigation, and of information resulting from such investigation (arts. 2 and 3);

(c) Territorial claims in Antarctica not affected by the Convention (art. 4);

(d) Observers to inspect stations, installations and equipment, to be appointed by each party (art. 7);

(e) Meetings of parties to be held for consultation and to formulate and recommend measures to further the objectives of the Treaty;

(f) Detailed agreed measures for the conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora.

Membership

Open for accession by any State Member of the United Nations, or any other State by unanimous invitation of the parties. Instruments of accession to be deposited with the Government of the United States of America.

Date of adoption 1.12.1959
Place of adoption Washington, USA
Date of entry into force 23.6.1961
Languages English, French, Russian, Spanish
 
Depositary United States of America
Participant Entry into force
Argentina 23.6.1961
Australia 23.6.1961
Austria 25.8.1987
Belgium 23.6.1961
Brazil 16.5.1975
Bulgaria 11.9.1978
Chile 23.6.1961
China 8.6.1983
Colombia 31.1.1989
Cuba 16.8.1984
Czechoslovakia 14.6.1962
Denmark 20.5.1965
Finland 15.5.1984
France 23.6.1961
Germany 5.2.1979
Greece 8.1.1987
Guatemala 31.7.1991
Hungary 27.1.1984
India 19.8.1983
Italy 18.3.1981
Japan 23.6.1961
Korea (Democratic
People's Republic of)		 21.1.1987
Korea, Republic of 28.1.1986
Netherlands* 30.3.1967
New Zealand 23.6.1961
Norway 23.6.1961
Papua New Guinea 16.9.1975
Peru 10.4.1981
Poland 23.6.1961
Romania 15.9.1971
Russian Federation 23.6.1961
South Africa 23.6.1961
Spain 31.3.1982
Sweden 24.4.1984
Switzerland 15.11.1990
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 23.6.1961
United States of America 23.6.1961
Uruguay 11.1.1980
* Extended to the Netherlands Antilles and Suriname.

 

 

 

 

 

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