Convention vs Declaration
Convention and declaration are two different terms with distinct meanings, often used in the context of international relations, governments, and society. While a convention refers to an agreement with a clear established framework, a declaration is an agreed-upon document. The main difference between the two is that a convention is legally binding, while a declaration is not.
Key Takeaways
- A convention is an agreement among countries to act in a particular manner.
- A declaration is a document where states have agreed to act in a particular manner, but does not have legal binding.
- Conventions are legally binding, while declarations are not.
What is a Convention?
A convention can be understood as an agreement among countries to act in a particular manner, such as various conventions adopted by the United Nations. When the UN General Assembly adopts a convention, member states that ratify the agreement must act according to the convention. Violating the convention can result in the UN taking action against the member states. Examples of conventions include the Convention on the Rights of Children, Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Geneva Convention.
In sociology, a convention or social convention refers to unwritten customs of a particular group of people in a society. These are standards of behavior considered as appropriate by the people, and going against these conventions can lead to alienation from the majority.
What is a Declaration?
A declaration can be understood as a document where states have agreed to act in a particular manner, but unlike a convention, a declaration does not have legal binding. Examples of declarations include the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Although declarations play a significant role in the international arena, some countries violate the standards of behavior, especially in the case of the rights of indigenous people.
What is the difference between Convention and Declaration?
Definitions of Convention and Declaration:
Convention: A convention can be understood as an agreement among countries to act in a particular manner.
Declaration: A declaration can be understood as a document that states appropriate standards.
Characteristics of Convention and Declaration:
Legal Nature:
Convention: A convention has legal binding.
Declaration: A declaration does not have legal binding.
UN Performance:
Convention: In the case of a violation, the UN can take actions against the member states if it is a convention.
Declaration: In the case of a violation, the UN cannot take actions against the member states if it is a declaration.
