Chapter 5: Problem 15
In terms of international treaties, distinguish between a convention and a protocol.
Short Answer
Expert verified
In summary, a convention is a foundational international agreement that addresses a broad range of issues on a specific topic and is legally binding for the countries that are party to it, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) or the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). A protocol, on the other hand, is a supplementary agreement that complements, modifies, or expands upon an existing treaty or convention, focusing on specific aspects or details and is also legally binding for the countries that ratify it, such as the Kyoto Protocol or the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The main differences between a convention and a protocol lie in their purpose, scope, and ratification process.