Vienna Convention Simplified

Introduction to Blog

Vienna Convention: Recently, we all have seen the term ‘Vienna Convention’ amid on-going oral & diplomatic fight between India & Canada. After allegations were made by Canadian PM Justine Trudeau, against India Agencies for the killing of known terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the diplomatic relations between India & Canada have seen a great fall till now.

Recently, India banned the visa to Canadian citizens coming to India, and also sent senior diplomat of Canada to India, back to Canada, In retaliation of Canada’s step to firing senior diplomats of India to Canada on allegation of Killing that Terrorist.

Justin Trudeau also have alleged India for doing the violation of ‘Vienna Convention’. If you are an aspirant who preparing for Competitive examinations in India & willing to crack UPSC CSE, then this blog will help you to know all the relative details about Vienna Convention. We have listed all the importation details about Vienna Convention in this blog.

So, without further and due, let’s start-

Before Knowing about Vienna Convention, we have to know that what is an ‘Convention Means’

What is a Convention?

A convention is like a big agreement or promise between countries or groups of people. It’s like a set of rules that everyone agrees to follow, and it’s usually about something important, like how countries should treat each other or how to protect the environment.

Conventions are usually written down and signed by representatives of the countries or groups involved, and once they agree to follow the rules, they have to do their best to keep their promise. This helps to make sure that everyone is working together and doing the right thing.

What is Vienna Convention?

“Vienna Convention” is a name for several important agreements that were made in the city of Vienna in Austria. These agreements are like rules that different countries promise to follow. They help countries work together and treat each other nicely.

Some of these agreements are about how countries should talk to each other, how they should make promises to each other, and how they should take care of the environment. Each agreement has specific rules that the countries agree to follow to make sure everything is fair and works well.

Here are some of the major conventions that were made in Vienna up until now:

1. Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961): This convention establishes rules for how countries should treat each other’s diplomats.
2. Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963): This convention establishes rules for how countries should treat each other’s consuls.
3. Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969): This convention establishes rules for how countries should make, interpret, and end agreements with each other.
4. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985): This convention establishes rules for how countries should work together to protect the ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere.
5. Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968): This convention establishes rules for how vehicles should move on roads in different countries.
6. Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals (1968): This convention establishes rules for what road signs and signals should look like and mean in different countries.
7. Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (1963): This convention establishes rules for how countries should deal with damage caused by nuclear incidents.
8. Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties between States and International Organizations or between International Organizations (1986): This convention extends the rules of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties to treaties between countries and international organizations, or between international organizations themselves.

Now we have known that conventions are usually a political term for a large scale promise. A convention is a set of promise that made and followed by states, countries and national & international organizations. Now it’s time to know about Promises that were made during Different types of Vienna Conventions

Promises made under Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

We have listed some of the key promises that were made and accepted by countries for Diplomatic Relations. You can read the ‘Complete Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations’ on this link –

https://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_1_1961.pdf .

We have simplified this convention below in 20 points-

1. Diplomatic agents will have immunity from the laws of the host country.
2. Diplomatic agents cannot be arrested, sued, or prosecuted while performing their duties.
3. The premises (Office/Home/Accommodation/place where diplomats and their team work and live) of the diplomatic mission (Group of Diplomats & their team) are inviolable and cannot be entered without permission.
4. The host country must protect the premises of the diplomatic mission from intrusion, damage, or disturbance.
5. Diplomatic agents must respect the laws and regulations of the host country.
6. Diplomatic agents should not interfere in the internal affairs of the host country.
7. Diplomatic missions have the right to communicate freely with their home country and other diplomatic missions.
8. Communication between diplomatic missions and their home country is inviolable and cannot be interfered with.
9. The host country has a duty to protect diplomatic agents and the premises of the diplomatic mission.
10. The host country can declare a diplomatic agent as “persona non grata” and request their recall.
11. Diplomatic agents have the right to leave the host country at any time.
12. Diplomatic agents have the right to carry and use diplomatic bags for official correspondence.
13. The host country cannot open or detain diplomatic bags without permission.
14. Diplomatic agents have the right to immunity from taxation in the host country.
15. Diplomatic agents have the right to immunity from military service in the host country.
16. The diplomatic mission has the right to use its national flag and emblem in the host country.
17. The host country must ensure that diplomatic agents can perform their functions without hindrance.
18. Diplomatic agents have the right to freedom of movement within the host country.
19. The host country must provide diplomatic agents with facilities for the performance of their functions.
20. Diplomatic agents have the right to receive protection from the host country for their personal safety.

Now it’s time to know about those conventions which related to the consulates. But before we know it, let’s understand that..

What is a Consular/Consulate?

A consulate is like a mini embassy that a country sets up in a city in another country. It’s there to help people from that country who are living or traveling in that city.

At a consulate, you can do things like get a new passport, ask for help if you’re in trouble, and get papers signed or stamped.

Consular officers are the people who work at the consulate and help you with these things. They make sure the country’s citizens are safe and happy while they’re away from home. The rules for how consulates work are set out in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Promises made under Vienna Convention on Consular Relations

There are many promises have been made under this convention. You can read the entire convention by this link https://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_2_1963.pdf We have listed some of the key promises below:

1. The convention establishes the framework for consular relations between countries(not between in any international organiaztions).
2. Consular officers are appointed by the sending country to perform consular functions in the host country.
3. Consular functions include protecting the interests of the sending country and its nationals.
4. Consular officers can issue passports and travel documents to citizens of the sending country.
5. Consular officers can provide assistance to citizens of the sending country who are in distress or in need of help.
6. Consular officers can provide information and advice to citizens of the sending country about local laws and regulations.
7. Consular officers can notarize documents (officially certify that the document is genuine and that the people who signed it did so willingly and knowingly) and authenticate signatures for citizens of the sending country.
8. Consular officers can perform marriage and birth registrations for citizens of the sending country.
9. Consular officers can assist in the repatriation of the remains of deceased citizens of the sending country.
10. Consular officers can assist in the resolution of disputes involving citizens of the sending country.
11. Consular officers have the right to communicate freely with citizens of the sending country.
12. Communication between consular officers and citizens of the sending country is inviolable and cannot be interfered with.
13. Consular officers have the right to visit and communicate with citizens of the sending country who are detained or arrested in the host country.
14. Consular officers can provide legal representation to citizens of the sending country who are detained or arrested in the host country.
15. The host country must inform consular officers of the arrest or detention of a citizen of the sending country without delay.
16. The host country must allow consular officers to provide consular assistance to citizens of the sending country who are detained or arrested.
17. Consular premises are inviolable and cannot be entered without permission.
18. The host country must protect the premises of the consular mission from intrusion, damage, or disturbance.
19. Consular officers have the right to immunity from the jurisdiction of the host country.
20. Consular officers have the right to immunity from taxation in the host country.
21. Consular officers have the right to carry and use consular bags for official correspondence.
22. The host country cannot open or detain consular bags without permission.
23. The sending country can waive the immunity of consular officers in certain cases.
24. The host country can declare a consular officer as persona non grata and request their recall.
25. The sending country can terminate the appointment of a consular officer at any time.

Now let’s know what are Vienna Conventions on Law of treaties. But before it, let’s know about what are law of treaties and second most asked question related to it, WHY WE NEED IT…

What is Law of Treaties and why Countries & International Organizations need it?

What is Law of Treaties?

The “law of treaties” is like a set of rules that countries follow when they make promises to each other in writing, called treaties. A treaty is a formal agreement between two or more countries where they promise to do certain things or follow certain rules.

Why do countries need it?

The law of treaties helps make sure that countries keep their promises and that the treaties are fair and clear. It covers things like how treaties are made, how they can be changed, and what happens if a country breaks its promise. The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties is a big agreement that sets out these rules and helps countries work together and follow the law.

Promises made under Vienna Convention on Law of Treaties

There are too many promises that have been made under this convention. You can read this entire convention by clicking this link:

https://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/1_1_1969.pdf

We have listed some of the key promises that you must consider while reading this convention.

1. Treaties must be made in good faith between countries.
2. A treaty is only valid if the countries involved give their genuine consent.
3. A country cannot be forced into making a treaty against its will.
4. A treaty must be in writing and signed by the representatives of the countries involved.
5. A treaty enters into force on the date specified in the treaty or agreed upon by the countries involved.
6. A country is bound by a treaty as soon as it expresses its consent to be bound, even if the treaty has not yet entered into force.
7. A country must interpret and apply a treaty in good faith and in accordance with the ordinary meaning of its terms.
8. A country must take all necessary steps to perform its obligations under a treaty.
9. A country cannot use its internal law as an excuse for not performing its obligations under a treaty.
10. A country can make reservations to a treaty, but these reservations must not be incompatible with the object and purpose of the treaty.
11. A country can withdraw from a treaty if the treaty allows for withdrawal or if all the countries involved agree to the withdrawal.
12. A treaty can be amended if all the countries involved agree to the amendment.
13. A treaty can be terminated if all the countries involved agree to the termination or if the treaty allows for termination.
14. A country can suspend the operation of a treaty if all the countries involved agree to the suspension or if the treaty allows for suspension.
15. A treaty cannot be terminated or suspended because of a change in the circumstances that existed when the treaty was made.
16. A country can invoke the invalidity of a treaty if its consent was obtained through fraud, corruption, or coercion.
17. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the treaty is fundamentally changed by a breach of the treaty.
18. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the object and purpose of the treaty become impossible to achieve.
19. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the treaty becomes unlawful under international law.
20. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the other countries involved agree to the termination or suspension.
21. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the treaty allows for termination or suspension for the reasons invoked.
22. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the circumstances that existed when the treaty was made have fundamentally changed.
23. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the change in circumstances was unforeseen and the change radically alters the balance of obligations under the treaty.
24. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the change in circumstances was unforeseen and the change transforms the object and purpose of the treaty.
25. A country can invoke the termination or suspension of a treaty if the change in circumstances was unforeseen and the change makes the performance of the treaty materially more onerous.

Promises made under Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

There are many promises have been made under this official convention. If you want to read entire convention, then you can click on the link below-

https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/2019-12/The%20Ozone%20Treaties%20EN%20-%20WEB_final.pdf

Otherwise, we have listed 25 key points of Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer below:

1. Countries will agree to take appropriate measures to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of ozone depletion.
2. Countries will agree to promote research and systematic observations of the ozone layer and its interactions with other environmental factors.
3. Countries will agree to exchange information and data on research and observations related to the ozone layer.
4. Countries will agree to promote public awareness and education about the ozone layer and its importance.
5. Countries will agree to cooperate in conducting research and systematic observations of the ozone layer.
6. Countries will agree to consult and cooperate with other countries and international organizations on matters related to the ozone layer.
7. Countries will agree to adopt national policies and measures to protect the ozone layer.
8. Countries will agree to implement policies and measures to reduce the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.
9. Countries will agree to take precautionary measures to prevent or minimize the causes of ozone depletion.
10. Countries will agree to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries to help them protect the ozone layer.
11. Countries will agree to promote the transfer of technology to developing countries to help them protect the ozone layer.
12. Countries will agree to promote research and development of technologies that are safe for the ozone layer.
13. Countries will agree to establish a mechanism for monitoring compliance with the convention.
14. Countries will agree to report regularly to the conference of the parties on their efforts to protect the ozone layer.
15. Countries will agree to take appropriate measures to ensure the enforcement of the convention.
16. Countries will agree to resolve disputes related to the convention through peaceful means.
17. Countries will agree to promote the participation of all countries in the convention.
18. Countries will agree to review and assess the effectiveness of the convention and its implementation.
19. Countries will agree to consider and adopt amendments to the convention as necessary.
20. Countries will agree to establish a conference of the parties to oversee the implementation of the convention.
21. Countries will agree to establish a secretariat to support the implementation of the convention.
22. Countries will agree to establish a fund to support the implementation of the convention.
23. Countries will agree to cooperate with other international agreements and organizations related to the ozone layer.
24. Countries will agree to promote scientific cooperation and exchange of information on the ozone layer.
25. Countries will agree to take measures to ensure the long-term protection of the ozone layer and its recovery.

Promises made under Vienna Convention on Road Traffic

There are many promises have been made under this convention. If you want to read entire convention, then you can click on the link below-

https://unece.org/DAM/trans/conventn/crt1968e.pdf

Otherwise, we have listed 25 key points of Vienna Convention on Road Traffic below:

1. Countries will agree to adopt uniform rules of the road to ensure safe and orderly traffic flow.
2. Countries will agree to adopt standardized traffic signs and signals to facilitate international road travel.
3. Countries will agree to establish minimum standards for vehicle equipment and performance to enhance road safety.
4. Countries will agree to establish minimum standards for driver licensing and testing to ensure competent driving skills.
5. Countries will agree to recognize each other’s driver licenses for short-term visits.
6. Countries will agree to facilitate the international movement of vehicles by recognizing each other’s vehicle registration documents.
7. Countries will agree to promote road safety education and awareness programs.
8. Countries will agree to establish and enforce speed limits to reduce the risk of accidents.
9. Countries will agree to establish and enforce regulations for vehicle maintenance and inspection.
10. Countries will agree to establish and enforce regulations for vehicle weight and dimensions.
11. Countries will agree to establish and enforce regulations for transporting dangerous goods by road.
12. Countries will agree to establish and enforce regulations for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
13. Countries will agree to cooperate in accident investigation and analysis to improve road safety.
14. Countries will agree to promote the use of seat belts and child restraints to reduce the risk of injury in accidents.
15. Countries will agree to promote the use of helmets for motorcyclists to reduce the risk of head injuries.
16. Countries will agree to promote the use of daytime running lights to enhance vehicle visibility.
17. Countries will agree to promote pedestrian safety measures, such as crosswalks and traffic signals.
18. Countries will agree to promote bicycle safety measures, such as bike lanes and traffic signals.
19. Countries will agree to promote the use of public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
20. Countries will agree to establish and enforce regulations for commercial vehicle operations, such as trucking and bus services.
21. Countries will agree to cooperate in the development and implementation of intelligent transportation systems to improve traffic flow and safety.
22. Countries will agree to promote the use of alternative fuels and technologies to reduce vehicle emissions and pollution.
23. Countries will agree to establish and enforce regulations for vehicle noise and emissions to protect the environment and public health.
24. Countries will agree to establish and enforce regulations for road construction and maintenance to ensure safe and efficient roadways.
25. Countries will agree to cooperate in the exchange of information and best practices to improve road traffic safety and efficiency.

Promises made under Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals  

There are many promises have been made under this convention. If you want to read entire convention, then you can click on the link below-

https://unece.org/DAM/trans/conventn/Conv_road_signs_2006v_EN.pdf

Otherwise, we have listed 25 key points of Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals:

1. Countries will promise to adopt standardized road signs and signals to ensure consistency and understanding among road users.
2. Countries will promise to use clear and simple designs for road signs to make them easily recognizable.
3. Countries will promise to use international symbols on road signs wherever possible to facilitate understanding by road users from different countries.
4. Countries will promise to use color-coding on road signs to convey specific information, such as danger, prohibition, or guidance.
5. Countries will promise to place road signs at appropriate locations and heights to ensure visibility and readability by road users.
6. Countries will promise to maintain road signs in good condition to ensure their effectiveness and reliability.
7. Countries will promise to use illuminated or reflective materials on road signs to enhance visibility at night or in low-light conditions.
8. Countries will promise to use bilingual or multilingual text on road signs in areas with diverse linguistic populations.
9. Countries will promise to provide advance warning of upcoming road conditions, hazards, or changes through the use of road signs.
10. Countries will promise to indicate road names, destinations, distances, and directions on road signs to assist navigation and route planning.
11. Countries will promise to indicate speed limits and other traffic regulations on road signs to promote compliance and safety.
12. Countries will promise to indicate parking and stopping regulations on road signs to facilitate orderly road use.
13. Countries will promise to indicate pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes, and other road facilities on road signs to enhance safety and accessibility.
14. Countries will promise to indicate construction zones, detours, and other temporary road conditions on road signs to inform and guide road users.
15. Countries will promise to indicate tourist attractions, services, and amenities on road signs to assist travelers and promote local tourism.
16. Countries will promise to indicate emergency services, hospitals, and other important facilities on road signs to assist road users in case of emergencies.
17. Countries will promise to indicate natural features, cultural sites, and other points of interest on road signs to enrich the travel experience.
18. Countries will promise to use variable message signs to provide real-time information on road conditions, traffic incidents, and other relevant updates.
19. Countries will promise to use electronic signs and signals to enhance traffic management and control.
20. Countries will promise to coordinate road signs and signals with traffic signals and other traffic control devices to ensure a coherent and integrated road traffic system.
21. Countries will promise to educate road users about the meaning and importance of road signs and signals to promote compliance and safety.
22. Countries will promise to conduct research and studies on road signs and signals to improve their effectiveness and impact on road safety.
23. Countries will promise to review and update road signs and signals periodically to reflect changes in road conditions, traffic patterns, and road user behavior.
24. Countries will promise to involve relevant stakeholders, such as road authorities, traffic engineers, and road user organizations, in the development and implementation of road signs and signals.
25. Countries will promise to share best practices and experiences related to road signs and signals with other countries to enhance global road safety and efficiency.

Promises made under Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage

There are many promises have been made under this convention. If you want to read entire convention, then you can click on the link below – https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/infcirc500.pdf

Otherwise, we have listed 25 key points of Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage:

1. Countries will promise to establish a legal framework for civil liability for nuclear damage.
2. Countries will promise to ensure that operators of nuclear installations are liable for nuclear damage caused by their installations.
3. Countries will promise to require operators of nuclear installations to maintain financial security to cover their liability for nuclear damage.
4. Countries will promise to establish a minimum amount of financial security that operators of nuclear installations must maintain.
5. Countries will promise to provide for the compensation of victims of nuclear damage.
6. Countries will promise to define the term “nuclear damage” to include loss of life, injury, and damage to property and the environment.
7. Countries will promise to establish a procedure for the determination and settlement of claims for nuclear damage.
8. Countries will promise to provide for the jurisdiction of national courts in the determination and settlement of claims for nuclear damage.
9. Countries will promise to recognize and enforce judgments of national courts relating to nuclear damage.
10. Countries will promise to provide for the exclusive liability of the operator of a nuclear installation for nuclear damage caused by the installation.
11. Countries will promise to limit the liability of the operator of a nuclear installation for nuclear damage to a certain amount.
12. Countries will promise to limit the time within which claims for nuclear damage can be brought.
13. Countries will promise to establish a system of compensation for nuclear damage that is fair, equitable, and based on the principles of international law.
14. Countries will promise to provide for the establishment of an international fund to supplement the compensation available under national law.
15. Countries will promise to provide for the establishment of an international claims commission to adjudicate claims for nuclear damage.
16. Countries will promise to provide for the establishment of an international compensation agency to administer the international fund and claims commission.
17. Countries will promise to provide for the participation of states in the international fund and claims commission.
18. Countries will promise to provide for the contribution of states to the international fund.
19. Countries will promise to provide for the governance and administration of the international fund and claims commission.
20. Countries will promise to provide for the resolution of disputes between states relating to the international fund and claims commission.
21. Countries will promise to provide for the cooperation of states in the prevention and mitigation of nuclear damage.
22. Countries will promise to provide for the exchange of information and expertise among states on nuclear safety and liability.
23. Countries will promise to promote the harmonization of national laws on civil liability for nuclear damage.
24. Countries will promise to promote the development and adoption of international standards on nuclear safety and liability.
25. Countries will promise to promote the implementation of best practices in the operation and regulation of nuclear installations.
26. Countries will promise to promote the establishment of regional and international agreements on civil liability for nuclear damage.
27. Countries will promise to promote the establishment of mechanisms for the settlement of disputes between states relating to civil liability for nuclear damage.
28. Countries will promise to promote the participation of non-nuclear states in the international fund and claims commission.
29. Countries will promise to promote the involvement of the private sector in the provision of financial security for nuclear damage.
30. Countries will promise to promote the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for the settlement of claims for nuclear damage.

Common Questions Asked about Vienna Convention