An official website of the United States Government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Entered into force February 9, 1978.

In accordance with Article XI, the Convention entered into force six months after the date of deposit of the fifth instrument of ratification or accession with the Depositary Government [United States of America]. In the case of each State which ratifies this Convention or accedes to it after the fifth instrument of ratification or accession has been deposited, this Convention shall enter into force six months after the deposit of its own instrument of ratification or accession.

Download Status List [115 KB]

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future