The law of treaties - Consent to be bound

3 important questions on The law of treaties - Consent to be bound

How can a state consent to a treaty?

By signature, an exchange of the instruments, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession or by any other means if so agreed.

What is accession and when can it happen?

Accession means that a state gives its consent to be bound when the treaty negotiation has already closed. This is possible in cases of article 15 VLCT.

What is the difference between signature and ratification of a treaty?

When subsequent ratification is required, the signature is not yet a confirmation that the state intends to be bound by the treaty.
The mere signing of a treaty that must be ratified triggers an obligation to refrain from acts that would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty.  

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