identifier: ETS No. 123

reference: ETS No. 123

title: European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes

text: European Treaty Series - No. 123

text: European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for

text: Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes

text: Strasbourg, 18.III.1986

text: Preamble

text: The member States of the Council of Europe, signatory hereto,

text: Recalling that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members and that it wishes to co-operate with other States in the protection of live animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes;

text: Recognising that man has a moral obligation to respect all animals and to have due consideration for their capacity for suffering and memory;

text: Accepting nevertheless that man in his quest for knowledge, health and safety has a need to use animals where there is a reasonable expectation that the result will be to extend knowledge or be to the overall benefit of man or animal, just as he uses them for food, clothing and as beasts of burden;

text: Resolved to limit the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes, with the aim of replacing such use wherever practical, in particular by seeking alternative measures and encouraging the use of these alternative measures;

text: Desirous to adopt common provisions in order to protect animals used in those procedures which may possibly cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm and to ensure that where unavoidable they shall be kept to a minimum,

text: Have agreed as follows:

text: Part I – General principles

text: This Convention applies to any animal used or intended for use in any experimental or other scientific procedure where that procedure may cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. It does not apply to any non-experimental agricultural or clinical veterinary practice.

text: _____ (*) Text amended according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170) as of its entry into force on 2 December 2005. The Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community entered into force on 1 December 2009. As a consequence, as from that date, any reference to the European Communities shall be read as the European Union.

text: ETS 123 – Protection of Vertebrate Animals, 18.III.1986 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: "animal", unless otherwise qualified, means any live non-human vertebrate, including free-living and/or reproducing larval forms, but excluding other foetal or embryonic forms;

text: "intended for use" means bred or kept for the purpose of sale, disposal or use in any experimental or other scientific procedure;

text: "procedure" means any experimental or other scientific use of an animal which may cause it pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm, including any course of action intended to, or liable to, result in the birth of an animal in any such conditions, but excluding the least painful methods accepted in modern practice (that is "humane" methods) of killing or marking an animal.

text: "competent person" means any person who is considered by a Party to be competent in its territory to perform the relevant function described in this Convention;

text: "responsible authority" means, in the territory of a given Party, any authority, body or person designated for the relevant purpose;

text: "establishment" means any stable or mobile facility, any building, group of buildings or other premises, including a place which is not wholly enclosed or covered;

text: "breeding establishment" means any establishment where animals are bred with a view to their use in procedures;

text: "supplying establishment" means any establishment, other than a breeding establishment, from which animals are supplied with a view to their use in procedures;

ordinal: i

text: "user establishment" means any establishment where animals are used in procedures;

ordinal: j

text: "humane method of killing" means the killing of an animal with a minimum of physical and mental suffering appropriate to the species.

text: In this Convention:

text: A procedure starts when an animal is first prepared for use and ends when no further observations are made for that procedure; the elimination of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm by the successful use of anaesthesia or analgesia or other methods does not place the use of an animal outside the scope of this definition;

text: Article 1

text: A procedure may be performed for one or more of the following purposes only and subject to the restrictions laid down in this Convention:

text: i avoidance or prevention of disease, ill-health or other abnormality, or their effects, in man, vertebrate or invertebrate animals or plants, including the production and the quality, efficacy and safety testing of drugs, substances or products;

text: ii diagnosis or treatment of disease, ill-health or other abnormality, or their effects, in man, vertebrate or invertebrate animals or plants;

text: detection, assessment, regulation or modification of physiological conditions in man, vertebrate and invertebrate animals or plants;

text: protection of the environment;

text: scientific research;

text: education and training;

text: forensic inquiries.

text: Article 2

text: Each Party undertakes to take all the necessary steps to give effect to the provisions of this Convention and to ensure an effective system of control and supervision as soon as possible and in any case within a period of five years from the date of entry into force of the present Convention in respect of that Party.

text: Article 3

text: No provision in this Convention shall affect the liberty of the Parties to adopt stricter measures for the protection of animals used in procedures or for the control and restriction of the use of animals in procedures.

text: Article 4

text: Part II – General care and accommodation

text: Any animal used or intended for use in a procedure shall be provided with accommodation, an environment, at least a minimum degree of freedom of movement, food, water and care, appropriate to its health and well-being. Any restriction on the extent to which an animal can satisfy its physiological and ethological needs shall be limited as far as practicable. In the implementation of this provision, regard should be paid to the guidelines for accommodation and care of animals set out in Appendix A to this Convention.

text: The environmental conditions in which animals are bred, kept or used shall be checked daily.

text: The well-being and state of health of animals shall be observed sufficiently closely and frequently to prevent pain or avoidable suffering, distress or lasting harm.

text: Each Party shall determine arrangements to ensure that any defect or suffering discovered is corrected as quickly as possible.

text: Article 5

text: Part III – Conduct of procedure

text: A procedure shall not be performed for any of the purposes referred to in

text: Article 2

text: , if another scientifically satisfactory method, not entailing the use of an animal, is reasonably and practicably available.

text: Each Party should encourage scientific research into the development of methods which could provide the same information as that obtained in procedures.

text: Article 6

text: When a procedure has to be performed, the choice of species shall be carefully considered and, where required, be explained to the responsible authority; in a choice between procedures, those should be selected which use the minimum number of animals, cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm and which are most likely to provide satisfactory results.

text: Article 7

text: A procedure shall be performed under general or local anaesthesia or analgesia or by other methods designed to eliminate as far as practicable pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm applied throughout the procedure unless:

text: the pain caused by the procedure is less than the impairment of the animal's well-being caused by the use of anaesthesia or analgesia, or

text: the use of anaesthesia or analgesia is incompatible with the aim of the procedure. In such cases, appropriate legislative and/or administrative measures shall be taken to ensure that no such procedure is carried out unnecessarily.

text: Article 8

text: Where it is planned to subject an animal to a procedure in which it will or may experience severe pain which is likely to endure, that procedure must be specifically declared and justified to, or specifically authorised by, the responsible authority.

text: Appropriate legislative and/or administrative measures shall be taken to ensure that no such procedure is carried out unnecessarily.

text: Such measures shall include:

text: – either specific authorisation by the responsible authority;

text: – or specific declaration of such procedure to the responsible authority and judicial or administrative action by that authority if it is not satisfied that the procedure is of sufficient importance for meeting the essential needs of man or animal, including the solution of scientific problems.

text: Article 9

text: During a procedure, an animal used shall remain subject to the provisions of

text: Article 5

text: except where those provisions are incompatible with the objective of the procedure.

text: Article 10

text: At the end of the procedure it shall be decided whether the animal shall be kept alive or killed by a humane method. An animal shall not be kept alive if, even though it has been restored to normal health in all other respects, it is likely to remain in lasting pain or distress.

text: The decision referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be taken by a competent person, in particular a veterinarian, or the person who, in accordance with

text: Article 13

text: , is responsible for, or has performed, the procedure.

text: an animal is to be kept alive, it shall receive the care appropriate to its state of health, be placed under the supervision of a veterinarian or other competent person and kept under conditions conforming to the requirements of

text: Article 5

text: . The conditions laid down in this sub-paragraph may, however, be waived where, in the opinion of a veterinarian, the animal would not suffer as a consequence of such exemption;

text: an animal is not to be kept alive or cannot benefit from the provisions of

text: Article 5

text: for its well-being, it shall be killed by a humane method as soon as possible.

text: Where, at the end of the procedure:

text: the further procedure is one in which the animal is subject throughout to general anaesthesia which is to be maintained until the animal is killed; or

text: the further procedure will involve minor interventions only.

text: No animal which has been used in a procedure entailing severe or enduring pain or suffering, irrespective of whether anaesthesia or analgesia was employed, shall be used in a further procedure unless it has returned to good health and well-being and either:

text: Article 11

text: Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Convention, where it is necessary for the legitimate purposes of the procedure, the responsible authority may allow the animal concerned to be set free provided that it is satisfied that the maximum practicable care has been taken to safeguard the animal's well-being. Procedures that involve setting the animal free shall not be permitted solely for educational or training purposes.

text: Article 12

text: Part IV – Authorisation

text: A procedure for the purposes referred to in

text: Article 2

text: may be carried out by persons authorised, or under the direct responsibility of a person authorised, or if the experimental or other scientific project concerned is authorised in accordance with the provisions of national legislation. Authorisation shall be granted only to persons deemed to be competent by the responsible authority.

text: Article 13

text: Part V – Breeding or supplying establishments

text: Breeding and supplying establishments shall be registered with the responsible authority subject to the grant of an exemption under

text: Article 21

text: or

text: Article 22

text: . Such registered establishments shall comply with the requirements of

text: Article 5

text: Article 14

text: The registration provided for in

text: Article 14

text: shall specifiy the person in charge of the establishment, who shall be competent to administer or arrange for suitable care for animals of the species bred or kept in the establishment.

text: Article 15

text: Arrangements shall be made at registered breeding establishments to record, in respect of the animals bred there, the number and species of such animals leaving, the dates they leave and the name and address of the recipient.

text: Arrangements shall be made at registered supplying establishments to record the number and species of such animals entering and leaving, the dates of these movements, from whom the animals concerned were acquired and the name and address of the recipient.

text: The responsible authority shall prescribe the records which are to be kept and made available to it by the person in charge of the establishments mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article. Such records shall be kept for a minimum of three years from the date of the last entry.

text: Article 16

text: Each dog and cat in an establishment shall be individually and permanently marked in the least painful manner possible before it is weaned.

text: Where an unmarked dog or cat is taken into an establishment for the first time after it has been weaned, it shall be marked as soon as possible.

text: Where a dog or cat is transferred from one establishment to another before it is weaned and it is not practical to mark it beforehand, a full documentary record, specifying in particular its mother, shall be kept until it can be marked.

text: Particulars of the identity and origin of each dog or cat shall be entered in the records of the establishment.

text: Article 17

text: Part VI – User establishments

text: User establishments shall be registered with or otherwise approved by the responsible authority and shall comply with the conditions laid down in

text: Article 5

text: Article 18

text: Provisions shall be made at user establishments for installations and equipment appropriate for the species of animals used and the performance of the procedures conducted there. The design, construction and functioning of such installations and equipment shall be such as to ensure that the procedures are performed as effectively as possible, with the object of obtaining consistent results with the minimum number of animals and the minimum degree of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.

text: Article 19

text: In user establishments:

text: the person or persons who are administratively responsible for the care of the animals and the functioning of the equipment shall be identified;

text: sufficient trained staff shall be provided;

text: adequate arrangements shall be made for the provision of veterinary advice and treatment;

text: a veterinarian or other competent person should be charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being of the animals.

text: Article 20

text: Animals of the species listed below which are for use in procedures shall be acquired directly from or originate from registered breeding establishments, unless a general or special exemption has been obtained under arrangements to be determined by the Party:

text: Mouse Mus musculus Rat Rattus norvegicus Guinea Pig Cavia porcellus Golden hamster Mesocricetus auratus

text: Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Dog Canis familiaris Cat Felis catus Quail Coturnix coturnix

text: Each Party undertakes to extend the provisions of paragraph 1 of this article to other species, in particular of the order of primates, as soon as there is a reasonable prospect of a sufficient supply of purpose-bred animals of the species concerned.

text: Straying animals of a domesticated species shall not be used in procedures. A general exemption made under the conditions of paragraph 1 of this article may not extend to stray dogs and cats.

text: Article 21

text: In user establishments, only animals supplied from registered breeding or supplying establishments shall be used, unless a general or special exemption has been obtained under arrangements to be determined by the Party.

text: Article 22

text: Procedures may, where authorised by the responsible authority, be conducted outside user establishments.

text: Article 23

text: Arrangements shall be made at user establishments to maintain records and make them available as required by the responsible authority. In particular, these records shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of

text: Article 27

text: and, in addition, show the number and species of all animals acquired, from whom they were acquired and their date of arrival.

text: Article 24

text: Part VII – Education and training

text: Procedures carried out for the purpose of education, training or further training for professions or other occupations, including the care of animals being used or intended for use in procedures, must be notified to the responsible authority and shall be carried out by or under the supervision of a competent person, who will be resposible for ensuring that the procedures comply with national legislation under the terms of this Convention.

text: Procedures within the scope of education, training, or further training for purposes other than those referred to in paragraph 1 above shall not be permitted.

text: Procedures referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be restricted to those absolutely necessary for the purpose of the education or training concerned and be permitted only if their objective cannot be achieved by comparably effective audio-visual or any other suitable methods.

text: Article 25

text: Persons who carry out procedures, or take part in procedures, or take care of animals used in procedures, including supervision, shall have had appropriate education and training.

text: Article 26

text: Part VIII – Statistical information

text: Each Party shall collect statistical information on the use of animals in procedures and this information shall where lawful be made available to the public.

text: the numbers and kinds of animals used in procedures;

text: the numbers of animals in selected categories used in procedures directly concerned with medicine and in education and training;

text: the numbers of animals in selected categories used in procedures for the protection of man and the environment;

text: the numbers of animals in selected categories used in procedures required by law.

text: Information shall be collected in respect of:

text: Article 27

text: Subject to requirements of national legislation relating to secrecy and confidentiality, each Party shall communicate every year to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe information in respect of the items mentioned in paragraph 2 of

text: Article 27

text: , presented in the form set out in Appendix B to this Convention.

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall publish the statistical information received from the Parties in respect of the items mentioned in paragraph 2 of

text: Article 27

text: Each Party is invited to communicate to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe the address of its national authority from which information about more comprehensive national statistics may be obtained on request. Such addresses will be contained in the publications of statistics made by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 28

text: Part IX – Recognition of procedures carried out in the territory of another Party

text: In order to avoid unnecessary repetition of procedures required by law on health and safety, each Party shall, where practicable, recognise the results of procedures carried out in the territory of another Party.

text: To that end the Parties undertake, where practicable and lawful, to render each other mutual assistance, in particular by furnishing information on their legislation and administrative practice relating to the requirements for procedures to be carried out in support of submissions for registration of products, as well as factual information on procedures carried out in their territory and on authorisation or any other administrative particulars pertaining to these procedures.

text: Article 29

text: Part X – Multilateral consultations

text: The Parties shall, within five years from the entry into force of this Convention and every five years thereafter, or more frequently if a majority of the Parties should so request, hold multilateral consultations within the Council of Europe to examine the application of this Convention, and the advisability of revising it or extending any of its provisions

text: These consultations shall take place at meetings convened by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Parties shall communicate the name of their representative to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe at least two months before each meeting.

text: Subject to the provisions of this Convention, the Parties shall draw up the rules of procedure for the consultations.

text: Article 30

text: Part XI – Amendments

text: Any amendment to Appendices A and B, proposed by a Party or by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe shall be communicated to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and forwarded by him to the member States of the Council of Europe, to the European Community and to any non-member State which has acceded to, or has been invited to accede to the Convention in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 34

text: Any amendments proposed in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall be examined, not less than six months after the date of forwarding by the Secretary General, at a multilateral consultation where it may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Parties. The text adopted shall be forwarded to the Parties.

text: Twelve months after its adoption at a multilateral consultation, any amendment shall enter into force unless one third of the Parties have notified objections.

text: Article 31

text: Part XII – Final clauses

text: This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe and by the European Communities. It is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 32

text: This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date on which four member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 32

text: _____ (1) Text amended according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170). (2) Part added according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170). (3) Text added according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170). (4) Part renumbered according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170) (5) Article renumbered according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170)

text: In respect of a Signatory which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

text: Article 33

text: After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any State not a member of the Council to accede to this Convention, by a decision taken by the majority provided for in

text: Article 20

text: .d of the Statute of the Council of Europe and by the unanimous vote of the representatives of the Contracting States entitled to sit on the Committee.

text: In respect of any acceding State, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 34

text: Any Signatory may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, make one or more reservations. No reservations may, however, be made in respect of

text: Articles 1

text: to 14 or

text: Articles 18

text: to 20.

text: Any Party which has made a reservation under the preceding paragraph may wholly or partly withdraw it by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The withdrawal shall take effect on the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

text: A Party which has made a reservation in respect of a provision of this Convention may not claim the application of that provision by any other Party; it may, however, if its reservation is partial or conditional, claim the application of that provision insofar as it has itself accepted it.

text: Article 35

text: Any Signatory may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply.

text: Any Party may at any later date, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration. In respect of such territory, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of such declaration by the Secretary General.

text: Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to the Secretary General. The withdrawal shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 36

text: Any Party may at any time denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: _____ (1) Article renumbered according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170).

text: Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 37

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of Europe, the European Communities and any State which has acceded to this Convention of:

text: any signature;

text: the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;

text: any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with

text: Articles 33

text: , 34 and 36;

text: any other act, notification or communication relating to this Convention;

text: In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention.

text: Done at Strasbourg, this 18th day of March 1986, in English and French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe, to the European Communities and to any State invited to accede to this Convention.

text: _____ (1) Article renumbered according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170). (2) Text amended according to the provisions of the Protocol (ETS No. 170).

text: Article 38


doctype: treaty

identifier: ETS No. 124

openingPlace: Strasbourg

publisher: Council of Europe Treaty Office

reference: ETS No. 124

title: European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organisations

text: European Treaty Series - No. 124

type: stycke

text: Strasbourg, 24.IV.1986

text: Preamble

text: The member States of the Council of Europe, signatories hereto, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members, in particular for the purpose of safeguarding and realising ideals and principles which are their common heritage; Recognising that international non-governmental organisations carry out work of value to the international community, particularly in the scientific, cultural, charitable, philanthropic, health and education fields, and that they contribute to the achievement of the aims and principles of the United Nations Charter and the Statute of the Council of Europe; Desiring to establish in their mutual relations rules laying down the conditions for recognition of the legal personality of these organisations in order to facilitate their activities at European level, Have agreed as follows:

text: This Convention shall apply to associations, foundations and other private institutions (hereinafter referred to as "NGOs") which satisfy the following conditions: a have a non-profit-making aim of international utility; b have been established by an instrument governed by the internal law of a Party; c carry on their activities with effect in at least two States; and d have their statutory office in the territory of a Party and the central management and control in the territory of that Party or of another Party.

text: Article 1

type: artikel

text: The legal personality and capacity, as acquired by an NGO in the Party in which it has its statutory office, shall be recognised as of right in the other Parties. 2 When they are required by essential public interest, restrictions, limitations or special procedures governing the exercise of the rights arising out of the legal capacity and provided for by the legislation of the Party where recognition takes place, shall be applicable to NGOs established in another Party.

text: ETS 124 – Legal Personality of NGOs, 24.IV.1986 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Article 2

text: The proof of acquisition of legal personality and capacity shall be furnished by presenting the NGO's memorandum and articles of association or other basic constitutional instruments. Such instruments shall be accompanied by documents establishing administrative authorisation, registration or any other form of publicity in the Party which granted the legal personality and capacity. In a Party which has no publicity procedure, the instrument establishing the NGO shall be duly certified by a competent authority. At the time of signature or of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, the State concerned shall inform the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the identity of this authority.

text: In order to facilitate the application of paragraph 1, a Party may provide an optional system of publicity which shall dispense NGOs from furnishing the proof provided for in the preceding paragraph for each transaction that they carry out.

text: Article 3

text: In each Party the application of this Convention may only be excluded if the NGO invoking this Convention, by its object, its purpose or the activity which it actually exercises:

ordinal: a

text: contravenes national security, public safety, or is detrimental to the prevention of disorder or crime, the protection of health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others; or

type: punkt

ordinal: b

text: jeopardises relations with another State or the maintenance of international peace and security.

text: Article 4

text: signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval, or

text: signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or approval.

text: This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe which may express their consent to be bound by:

text: Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 5

text: This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which three member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 5

text: In respect of any member State which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

text: Article 6

text: After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any State not a member of the Council to accede to this Convention, by a decision taken by the majority provided for in Article 20.d of the Statute of the Council of Europe and by the unanimous vote of the representatives of the Contracting States entitled to sit on the Committee.

text: In respect of any acceding State, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 7

text: Any State may at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention may apply.

text: Any State may at any later date, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration. In respect of such territory the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such declaration by the Secretary General.

text: Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to the Secretary General. The withdrawal shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 8

text: No reservation may be made to this Convention.

text: Article 9

text: Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 10

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council and any State which has acceded to this Convention, of:

text: any signature;

ordinal: c

text: Articles 6

text: , 7 and 8;

ordinal: d

text: any other act, notification or communication relating to this Convention.

text: Done at Strasbourg, this 24th day of April 1986, in English and French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe and to any State invited to accede to this Convention.

text: Article 11

type: internationell-overenskommelse


identifier: ETS No. 125

reference: ETS No. 125

title: European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals

text: European Treaty Series - No. 125

text: Strasbourg, 13.XI.1987

text: Preamble

text: The member States of the Council of Europe signatory hereto, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members; Recognising that man has a moral obligation to respect all living creatures and bearing in mind that pet animals have a special relationship with man; Considering the importance of pet animals in contributing to the quality of life and their consequent value to society; Considering the difficulties arising from the enormous variety of animals which are kept by man; Considering the risks which are inherent in pet animal overpopulation for hygiene, health and safety of man and of other animals; Considering that the keeping of specimens of wild fauna as pet animals should not be encouraged; Aware of the different conditions which govern the acquisition, keeping, commercial and noncommercial breeding and disposal of and the trading in pet animals; Aware that pet animals are not always kept in conditions that promote their health and wellbeing; Noting that attitudes towards pet animals vary widely, sometimes because of limited knowledge and awareness; Considering that a basic common standard of attitude and practice which results in responsible pet ownership is not only a desirable, but a realistic goal, Have agreed as follows:

text: Chapter I – General provisions

type: rubrik

text: By pet animal is meant any animal kept or intended to be kept by man in particular in his household for private enjoyment and companionship.

text: ETS 125 – Protection of Pet Animals, 13.XI.1987 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: By trading in pet animals is meant all regular business transactions in substantial quantities carried out for profit which involve the change of ownership of pet animals. 3 By commercial breeding and boarding is meant breeding or boarding mainly for profit and in substantial quantities. 4 By animal sanctuary is meant a non-profit making establishment where pet animals may be kept in substantial numbers. If national legislative and/or administrative measures permit, such an establishment may accept stray animals. 5 By a stray animal is meant a pet animal which either has no home or is outside the bounds of its owner's or keeper's household and is not under the control or direct supervision of any owner or keeper. 6 By competent authority is meant the authority designated by the member State.

text: Article 1 – Definitions

text: Each Party undertakes to take the necessary steps to give effect to the provisions of this Convention in respect of: a pet animals kept by a person or legal entity in any household or in any establishment for trading, for commercial breeding and boarding, and in animal sanctuaries; b where appropriate, stray animals. 2 Nothing in this Convention shall affect the implementation of other instruments for the protection of animals or for the conservation of threatened wild species. 3 Nothing in this Convention shall affect the liberty of the Parties to adopt stricter measures for the protection of pet animals or to apply the provisions contained herein to categories of animals which have not been mentioned expressly in this instrument.

text: Article 2 – Scope and implementation

text: Chapter II – Principles for the keeping of pet animals

text: Nobody shall cause a pet animal unnecessary pain, suffering or distress. 2 Nobody shall abandon a pet animal.

text: Article 3 – Basic principles for animal welfare

text: Any person who keeps a pet animal or who has agreed to look after it, shall be responsible for its health and welfare. 2 Any person who is keeping a pet animal or who is looking after it shall provide accommodation, care and attention which take account of the ethological needs of the animal in accordance with its species and breed, in particular: a give it suitable and sufficient food and water; b provide it with adequate opportunities for exercise; c take all reasonable measures to prevent its escape;

text: An animal shall not be kept as a pet animal if: a the conditions of paragraph 2 above are not met or if, b in spite of these conditions being met, the animal cannot adapt itself to captivity.

text: Article 4 – Keeping

text: Any person who selects a pet animal for breeding shall be responsible for having regard to the anatomical, physiological and behavioural characteristics which are likely to put at risk the health and welfare of either the offspring or the female parent.

text: Article 5 – Breeding

text: No pet animal shall be sold to persons under the age of sixteen without the express consent of their parents or other persons exercising parental responsibilities.

text: Article 6 – Age limit on acquisition

text: No pet animal shall be trained in a way that is detrimental to its health and welfare, especially by forcing it to exceed its natural capacities or strength or by employing artificial aids which cause injury or unnecessary pain, suffering or distress.

text: Article 7 – Training

text: Any person who, at the time of the entry into force of the Convention, is trading in or is commercially breeding or boarding pet animals or is operating an animal sanctuary shall, within an appropriate period to be determined by each Party, declare this to the competent authority. Any person who intends to engage in any of these activities shall declare this intention to the competent authority. 2 This declaration shall stipulate: a the species of pet animals which are involved or to be involved; b the person responsible and his knowledge; c a description of the premises and equipment used or to be used. 3 The above-mentioned activities may be carried out only: a if the person responsible has the knowledge and abilities required for the activity either as a result of professional training or of sufficient experience with pet animals and b if the premises and the equipment used for the activity comply with the requirements set out in

text: Article 4

text: . 4 The competent authority shall determine on the basis of the declaration made under the provisions of paragraph 1 whether or not the conditions set out in paragraph 3 are being complied with. If these conditions are not adequately met, it shall recommend measures and, if necessary for the welfare of the animals, it shall prohibit the commencement or continuation of the activity.

text: The competent authority shall, in accordance with national legislation, supervise whether or not the above-mentioned conditions are complied with.

text: Article 8 – Trading, commercial breeding and boarding, animal sanctuaries

text: Pet animals shall not be used in advertising, entertainment, exhibitions, competitions and similar events unless: a the organiser has created appropriate conditions for the pet animals to be treated in accordance with the requirements of

text: Article 4

text: , paragraph 2, and b the pet animals' health and welfare are not put at risk. 2 No substances shall be given to, treatments applied to, or devices used on a pet animal for the purpose of increasing or decreasing its natural level of performance: a during competition or b at any other time when this would put at risk the health and welfare of the animal.

text: Article 9 – Advertising, entertainment, exhibitions, competitions and similar events

text: Surgical operations for the purpose of modifying the appearance of a pet animal or for other non-curative purposes shall be prohibited and, in particular: a the docking of tails; b the cropping of ears; c devocalisation; d declawing and defanging; 2 Exceptions to these prohibitions shall be permitted only: a if a veterinarian considers non-curative procedures necessary either for veterinary medical reasons or for the benefit of any particular animal; b to prevent reproduction. 3 a Operations in which the animal will or is likely to experience severe pain shall be carried out under anaesthesia only by a veterinarian or under his supervision. b Operations for which no anaesthesia is required may be carried out by a person competent under national legislation.

text: Article 10 – Surgical operations

text: cause immediate loss of consciousness and death, or b begin with the induction of deep general anaesthesia to be followed by a step which will ultimately and certainly cause death. The person responsible for the killing shall make sure that the animal is dead before the carcass is disposed of. 2 The following methods of killing shall be prohibited: a drowning and other methods of suffocation if they do not produce the effects required in sub-paragraph 1.b; b the use of any poisonous substance or drug, the dose and application of which cannot be controlled so as to give the effect mentioned in paragraph 1; c electrocution unless preceded by immediate induction of loss of consciousness.

text: Only a veterinarian or another competent person shall kill a pet animal except in an emergency to terminate an animal's suffering when veterinary or other competent assistance cannot be quickly obtained or in any other emergency covered by national legislation. All killing shall be done with the minimum of physical and mental suffering appropriate to the circumstances. The method chosen, except in an emergency, shall either:

text: Article 11 – Killing

text: Chapter III – Supplementary measures for stray animals

text: When a Party considers that the numbers of stray animals present it with a problem, it shall take the appropriate legislative and/or administrative measures necessary to reduce their numbers in a way which does not cause avoidable pain, suffering or distress. a Such measures shall include the requirements that: i if such animals are to be captured, this is done with the minimum of physical and mental suffering appropriate to the animal; ii whether captured animals are kept or killed, this is done in accordance with the principles laid down in this Convention; b Parties undertake to consider: i providing for dogs and cats to be permanently identified by some appropriate means which causes little or no enduring pain, suffering or distress, such as tattooing as well as recording the numbers in a register together with the names and addresses of their owners; ii reducing the unplanned breeding of dogs and cats by promoting the neutering of these animals; iii encouraging the finder of a stray dog or cat to report it to the competent authority.

text: Article 12 – Reduction of numbers

text: Exceptions to the principles laid down in this Convention for the capture, the keeping and the killing of stray animals may be made only if unavoidable in the framework of national disease control programmes.

text: Article 13 – Exceptions for capture, keeping and killing

text: Chapter IV – Information and education

text: The Parties undertake to encourage the development of information and education programmes so as to promote awareness and knowledge amongst organisations and individuals concerned with the keeping, breeding, training, trading and boarding of pet animals of the provisions and the principles in this Convention. In these programmes, attention shall be drawn in particular to the following subjects:

text: the need for training of pet animals for any commercial or competitive purpose to be carried out by persons with adequate knowledge and ability;

text: the need to discourage:

text: gifts of pet animals to persons under the age of sixteen without the express consent of their parents or other persons exercising parental responsibilities;

text: ii gifts of pet animals as prizes, awards or bonuses;

text: iii unplanned breeding of pet animals;

text: the possible negative consequences for the health and well-being of wild animals if they were to be acquired or introduced as pet animals;

text: the risks of irresponsible acquisition of pet animals leading to an increase in the number of unwanted and abandoned animals.

text: Article 14 – Information and education programmes

text: Chapter V – Multilateral consultations

text: The Parties shall, within five years from the entry into force of the Convention and every five years thereafter, and, in any case, whenever a majority of the representatives of the Parties so request, hold multilateral consultations within the Council of Europe to examine the application of the Convention and the advisability of revising it or extending any of its provisions. These consultations shall take place at meetings convened by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Each Party shall have the right to appoint a representative to participate in these consultations. Any member State of the Council of Europe which is not a Party to the Convention shall have the right to be represented by an observer in these consultations.

text: After each consultation, the Parties shall submit to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe a report on the consultation and on the functioning of the Convention including, if they consider it necessary, proposals for the amendment of

text: Articles 15

text: to 23 of the Convention.

text: Subject to the provisions of this Convention, the Parties shall draw up the rules of procedure for the consultations.

text: Article 15 – Multilateral consultations

text: Chapter VI – Amendments

text: Any amendment to

text: Articles 1

text: to 14 proposed by a Party or the Committee of Ministers shall be communicated to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and forwarded by him to the member States of the Council of Europe, to any Party, and to any State invited to accede to the Convention in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 19

text: Any amendment proposed in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall be examined at a multilateral consultation not less than two months after the date of forwarding by the Secretary General where it may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Parties. The text adopted shall be forwarded to the Parties.

text: Twelve months after its adoption at a multilateral consultation any amendment shall enter into force unless one of the Parties has notified objections.

text: Article 16 – Amendments

text: Chapter VII – Final provisions

text: This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe. It is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 17 – Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval

text: This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date on which four member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 17

text: In respect of any member State which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.

text: Article 18 – Entry into force

text: After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any State not a member of the Council to accede to this Convention, by a decision taken by the majority provided for in

text: Article 20

text: .d of the Statute of the Council of Europe and by the unanimous vote of the representatives of the Contracting States entitled to sit on the Committee of Ministers.

text: In respect of any acceding State, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of deposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 19 – Accession of non-member States

text: Any State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply.

text: Any Party may, at any later date, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration. In respect of such territory the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of such declaration by the Secretary General.

text: Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to the Secretary General. The withdrawal shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 20 – Territorial clause

text: Any State may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, declare that it avails itself of one or more reservations in respect of

text: Article 6

text: and

text: Article 10

text: , paragraph 1, sub-paragraph a. No other reservation may be made.

text: Any Party which has made a reservation under the preceding paragraph may wholly or partly withdraw it by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The withdrawal shall take effect on the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

text: A Party which has made a reservation in respect of a provision of this Convention may not invoke the application of that provision by any other Party; it may, however, if its reservation is partial or conditional, invoke the application of that provision in so far as it has itself accepted it.

text: Article 21 – Reservations

text: Any Party may at any time denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of six months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 22 – Denunciation

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of Europe and any State which has acceded to this Convention or has been invited to do so, of:

text: any signature;

text: the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession;

text: any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with

text: Articles 18

text: , 19 and 20;

text: In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention.

text: Done at Strasbourg, on 13 November 1987, in English and French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe, and to any State invited to accede to this Convention.

text: Article 23 – Notifications


identifier: ETS No. 126

reference: ETS No. 126

title: European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

text: European Treaty Series - No. 126

text: Treatment or Punishment

text: Strasbourg, 26.XI.1987

text: The member States of the Council of Europe, signatory hereto, Having regard to the provisions of the

text: Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

text: , Recalling that, under

text: Article 3

text: of the same Convention, "no one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment"; Noting that the machinery provided for in that Convention operates in relation to persons who allege that they are victims of violations of

text: Article 3

text: ; Convinced that the protection of persons deprived of their liberty against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment could be strengthened by non-judicial means of a preventive character based on visits, Have agreed as follows:

text: Chapter I

text: There shall be established a European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereinafter referred to as "the Committee"). The Committee shall, by means of visits, examine the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty with a view to strengthening, if necessary, the protection of such persons from torture and from inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

text: Article 1

text: Each Party shall permit visits, in accordance with this Convention, to any place within its jurisdiction where persons are deprived of their liberty by a public authority.

text: Article 2

text: In the application of this Convention, the Committee and the competent national authorities of the Party concerned shall co-operate with each other. _____ (*) Text amended according to the provisions of Protocols No. 1 (ETS No. 151) and No. 2 (ETS No. 152) which entered into force on 1 March 2002.

text: ETS 126 – Prevention of Torture, 26.XI.1987 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Article 3

text: Chapter II

text: The Committee shall consist of a number of members equal to that of the Parties.

text: The members of the Committee shall be chosen from among persons of high moral character, known for their competence in the field of human rights or having professional experience in the areas covered by this Convention.

text: No two members of the Committee may be nationals of the same State.

text: The members shall serve in their individual capacity, shall be independent and impartial, and shall be available to serve the Committee effectively.

text: Article 4

text: The members of the Committee shall be elected by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe by an absolute majority of votes, from a list of names drawn up by the Bureau of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe; each national delegation of the Parties in the Consultative Assembly shall put forward three candidates, of whom two at least shall be its nationals.

text: Where a member is to be elected to the Committee in respect of a non-member State of the Council of Europe, the Bureau of the Consultative Assembly shall invite the Parliament of that State to put forward three candidates, of whom two at least shall be its nationals. The election by the Committee of Ministers shall take place after consultation with the Party concerned.

text: The same procedure shall be followed in filling casual vacancies.

text: The members of the Committee shall be elected for a period of four years. They may be reelected twice. However, among the members elected at the first election, the terms of three members shall expire at the end of two years. The members whose terms are to expire at the end of the initial period of two years shall be chosen by lot by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe immediately after the first election has been completed.

text: In order to ensure that, as far as possible, one half of the membership of the Committee shall be renewed every two years, the Committee of Ministers may decide, before proceeding to any subsequent election, that the term or terms of office of one or more members to be elected shall be for a period other than four years but not more than six and not less than two years.

text: In cases where more than one term of office is involved and the Committee of Ministers applies the preceding paragraph, the allocation of the terms of office shall be effected by the drawing of lots by the Secretary General, immediately after the election.

text: Article 5

text: The Committee shall meet in camera. A quorum shall be equal to the majority of its members. The decisions of the Committee shall be taken by a majority of the members present, subject to the provisions of

text: Article 10

text: , paragraph 2.

text: The Committee shall draw up its own rules of procedure.

text: _____ (1) Text amended according to the provisions of Protocols No. 1 (ETS No. 151) and No. 2 (ETS No. 152).

text: The Secretariat of the Committee shall be provided by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 6

text: Chapter III

text: The Committee shall organise visits to places referred to in

text: Article 2

text: . Apart from periodic visits, the Committee may organise such other visits as appear to it to be required in the circumstances.

text: As a general rule, the visits shall be carried out by at least two members of the Committee. The Committee may, if it considers it necessary, be assisted by experts and interpreters.

text: Article 7

text: The Committee shall notify the Government of the Party concerned of its intention to carry out a visit. After such notification, it may at any time visit any place referred to in

text: Article 2

text: access to its territory and the right to travel without restriction;

text: full information on the places where persons deprived of their liberty are being held;

text: unlimited access to any place where persons are deprived of their liberty, including the right to move inside such places without restriction;

text: other information available to the Party which is necessary for the Committee to carry out its task. In seeking such information, the Committee shall have regard to applicable rules of national law and professional ethics.

text: A Party shall provide the Committee with the following facilities to carry out its task:

text: The Committee may interview in private persons deprived of their liberty.

text: The Committee may communicate freely with any person whom it believes can supply relevant information.

text: If necessary, the Committee may immediately communicate observations to the competent authorities of the Party concerned.

text: Article 8

text: In exceptional circumstances, the competent authorities of the Party concerned may make representations to the Committee against a visit at the time or to the particular place proposed by the Committee. Such representations may only be made on grounds of national defence, public safety, serious disorder in places where persons are deprived of their liberty, the medical condition of a person or that an urgent interrogation relating to a serious crime is in progress.

text: Following such representations, the Committee and the Party shall immediately enter into consultations in order to clarify the situation and seek agreement on arrangements to enable the Committee to exercise its functions expeditiously. Such arrangements may include the transfer to another place of any person whom the Committee proposed to visit. Until the visit takes place, the Party shall provide information to the Committee about any person concerned.

text: Article 9

text: After each visit, the Committee shall draw up a report on the facts found during the visit, taking account of any observations which may have been submitted by the Party concerned. It shall transmit to the latter its report containing any recommendations it considers necessary. The Committee may consult with the Party with a view to suggesting, if necessary, improvements in the protection of persons deprived of their liberty.

text: If the Party fails to co-operate or refuses to improve the situation in the light of the Committee's recommendations, the Committee may decide, after the Party has had an opportunity to make known its views, by a majority of two-thirds of its members to make a public statement on the matter.

text: Article 10

text: The information gathered by the Committee in relation to a visit, its report and its consultations with the Party concerned shall be confidential.

text: The Committee shall publish its report, together with any comments of the Party concerned, whenever requested to do so by that Party.

text: However, no personal data shall be published without the express consent of the person concerned.

text: Article 11

text: Subject to the rules of confidentiality in

text: Article 11

text: , the Committee shall every year submit to the Committee of Ministers a general report on its activities which shall be transmitted to the Consultative Assembly and to any non-member State of the Council of Europe which is a party to the Convention, and made public.

text: Article 12

text: The members of the Committee, experts and other persons assisting the Committee are required, during and after their terms of office, to maintain the confidentiality of the facts or information of which they have become aware during the discharge of their functions

text: Article 13

text: The names of persons assisting the Committee shall be specified in the notification under

text: Article 8

text: , paragraph 1.

text: Experts shall act on the instructions and under the authority of the Committee. They shall have particular knowledge and experience in the areas covered by this Convention and shall be bound by the same duties of independence, impartiality and availability as the members of the Committee.

text: A Party may exceptionally declare that an expert or other person assisting the Committee may not be allowed to take part in a visit to a place within its jurisdiction.

text: _____ (1) Text amended according to the provisions of Protocol No. 1 (ETS No. 151).

text: Article 14

text: Chapter IV

text: Each Party shall inform the Committee of the name and address of the authority competent to receive notifications to its Government, and of any liaison officer it may appoint.

text: Article 15

text: The Committee, its members and experts referred to in

text: Article 7

text: , paragraph 2 shall enjoy the privileges and immunities set out in the annex to this Convention.

text: Article 16

text: This Convention shall not prejudice the provisions of domestic law or any international agreement which provide greater protection for persons deprived of their liberty.

text: Nothing in this Convention shall be construed as limiting or derogating from the competence of the organs of the

text: European Convention on Human Rights

text: or from the obligations assumed by the Parties under that Convention.

text: The Committee shall not visit places which representatives or delegates of Protecting Powers or the International Committee of the Red Cross effectively visit on a regular basis by virtue of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 8 June 1977 thereto.

text: Article 17

text: Chapter V

text: This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council of Europe. It is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any non-member State of the Council of Europe to accede to the Convention.

text: Article 18

text: This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which seven member States of the Council of Europe have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 18

text: In respect of any State which subsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.

text: Article 19

text: Any State may at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply.

text: Any State may at any later date, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the application of this Convention to any other territory specified in the declaration. In respect of such territory the Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such declaration by the Secretary General.

text: Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of any territory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to the Secretary General. The withdrawal shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date of receipt of such notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 20

text: No reservation may be made in respect of the provisions of this Convention.

text: Article 21

text: Any Party may, at any time, denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Such denunciation shall become effective on the first day of the month following the expiration of a period of twelve months after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary General.

text: Article 22

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States and any nonmember State of the Council of Europe party to the Convention of:

text: any signature;

text: Articles 19

text: and 20;

text: any other act, notification or communication relating to this Convention, except for action taken in pursuance of

text: Articles 8

text: and 10.

text: In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention.

text: Done at Strasbourg, the 26 November 1987, in English and in French, both texts being equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each member State of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 23