identifier: ETS No. 061B

reference: ETS No. 061B

title: Protocol to the European Convention on Consular Functions relating to Consular Functions in respect of Civil Aircraft

text: European Treaty Series - No. 61B

text: Protocol to the European Conventionon Consular Functions relating to Consular Functionsin respect of Civil Aircraft

text: Paris, 11.XII.1967

text: Preamble

text: The member States of the Council of Europe, signatories hereto, Considering the provisions of the European Convention on Consular Functions (called hereafter "the Convention") and in particular

text: Article 2

text: thereof; Desiring to make certain provisions of the Convention apply also to civil aircraft, Have agreed as follows:

text: The provisions of Articles 28 to 41 of the Convention shall also apply in relation to civil aircraft to the extent that they are capable of such application.

text: Article 1

text: The present Protocol shall be open to signature by the member States of the Council of Europe which have signed the Convention. It shall be subject to ratification or acceptance. Instruments of ratification or acceptance shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. 2 The present Protocol shall enter into force three months after the date of the deposit of the fifth instrument of ratification or acceptance. 3 In respect of a signatory State ratifying or accepting subsequently, the present Protocol shall come into force three months after the date of deposit of its instrument of ratification or acceptance. 4 No member State of the Council of Europe may ratify or accept the present Protocol unless it has, simultaneously or previously, ratified or accepted the Convention.

text: Article 2

text: ETS 61B – Consular Functions (Protocol), 11.XII.1967 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Article 3

text: Any Contracting Party may at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession, specify the territory or territories to which the present Protocol shall apply. 2 Any Contracting Party may, when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession or at any later date, by declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend the present Protocol to any other territory or territories specified in the declaration and for whose international relations it is responsible or on whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings. 3 Any declaration made in pursuance of the preceding paragraph may, in respect of any territory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn according to the procedure laid down in

text: Article 6

text: of the present Protocol.

text: Article 4

text: Article 5

text: Article 6

text: Articles 2

text: and 3; d any declaration received in pursuance of the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of

text: Article 4

text: ; e any notification received in pursuance of the provisions of

text: Article 6

text: Article 7


doctype: treaty

identifier: ETS No. 062

openingPlace: London

publisher: Council of Europe Treaty Office

reference: ETS No. 062

title: European Convention on Information on Foreign Law

text: European Treaty Series - No. 62

type: stycke

text: London, 7.VI.1968

text: Preamble

text: The member States of the Council of Europe, signatories hereto, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is the achievement of greater unity between its members; Convinced that the creation of a system of international mutual assistance in order to facilitate the task of judicial authorities in obtaining information on foreign law, will contribute to the attainment of this aim, Have agreed as follows:

text: The Contracting Parties undertake to supply one another, in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention, with information on their law and procedure in civil and commercial fields as well as on their judicial organisation. 2 However, two or more Contracting Parties may decide to extend as between themselves the scope of the present Convention to fields other than those mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The text of such agreements shall be communicated to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 1 – Scope of the Convention

type: artikel

text: In order to carry out the provisions of the present Convention each Contracting Party shall set up or appoint a single body (hereinafter referred to as the "receiving agency"): a to receive requests for the information referred to in

text: Article 1

text: , paragraph 1, of the present Convention from another Contracting Party; b to take action on these requests in accordance with

text: Article 6

text: . The receiving agency may be either a ministerial department or other State body. 2 Each Contracting Party may set up or appoint one or more bodies (hereinafter referred to as "transmitting agency") to receive requests for information from its judicial authorities and to transmit them to the competent foreign receiving agency. The receiving agency may be appointed as a transmitting agency.

text: ETS 62 – Information on Foreign Law, 7.VI.1968 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Each Contracting Party shall communicate to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe the name and address of its receiving agency and, where appropriate, of its transmitting agency or agencies.

text: Article 2 – National liaison bodies

text: A request for information shall always emanate from a judicial authority, even when it has not been drawn up by that authority. The request may be made only where proceedings have actually been instituted.

text: Any Contracting Party may, if it has not set up or appointed a transmitting agency, indicate, by a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, which of its authorities it will deem a judicial authority within the meaning of the preceding paragraph.

text: Two or more Contracting Parties may decide to extend as between themselves the present Convention to requests from authorities other than judicial authorities. The text of such agreements shall be communicated to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Article 3 – Authorities entitled to make a request for information

text: A request for information shall state the judicial authority from which it emanates as well as the nature of the case. It shall specify as exactly as possible the questions on which information concerning the law of the requested State is desired, and where there is more than one legal system in the requested State, the system of the law on which information is requested.

text: The request shall also state the facts necessary both for its proper understanding and for the formulation of an exact and precise reply. Copies of documents may be attached where necessary to clarify the scope of the request.

text: The request may include questions in fields other than those referred to in

text: Article 1

text: , paragraph 1, where they relate to the principal questions specified in the request.

text: Where a request is not drawn up by a judicial authority it shall be accompanied by the decision of that authority authorising it.

text: Article 4 – Contents of a request for information

text: A request for information shall be transmitted directly to the receiving agency of the requested State by a transmitting agency or, in the absence of such an agency, by the judicial authority from which it emanates.

text: Article 5 – Transmission of a request for information

text: The receiving agency which has received a request for information may either draw up the reply itself or transmit the request to another State or official body to draw up the reply.

text: The receiving agency may, in appropriate cases or for reasons of administrative organisation, transmit the request to a private body or to a qualified lawyer to draw up the reply.

text: Where the application of the preceding paragraph is likely to involve costs, the receiving agency shall, before making the transmission referred to in the said paragraph, indicate to the authority from which the request emanated the private body or lawyer to whom the request will be transmitted, inform the said authority as accurately as possible of the probable cost, and request its consent.

text: Article 6 – Authorities empowered to reply

text: The object of the reply shall be to give information in an objective and impartial manner on the law of the requested State to the judicial authority from which the request emanated. The reply shall contain, as appropriate, relevant legal texts and relevant judicial decisions. It shall be accompanied, to the extent deemed necessary for the proper information of the requesting authority, by any additional documents, such as extracts from doctrinal works and travaux préparatoires. It may also be accompanied by explanatory commentaries.

text: Article 7 – Content of the reply

text: The information given in the reply shall not bind the judicial authority from which the request emanated.

text: Article 8 – Effects of the reply

text: The reply shall be addressed by the receiving agency to the transmitting agency, if the request had been transmitted by this agency, or to the judicial authority, if the request was sent directly by the latter.

text: Article 9 – Communication of the reply

text: The receiving agency to whom a request for information has been sent shall, subject to the provisions of

text: Article 11

text: , take action on the request in accordance with

text: Article 6

text: Where the reply is not drawn up by the receiving agency, the latter shall be bound to ensure that a reply is sent subject to the conditions specified in

text: Article 12

text: Article 10 – Duty to reply

text: The requested State may refuse to take action on the request for information if its interests are affected by the case giving rise to the request or if it considers that the reply might prejudice its sovereignty or security.

text: Article 11 – Exceptions to the obligation to reply

text: The reply to a request for information shall be furnished as rapidly as possible. However, if the preparation of the reply requires a long time, the receiving agency shall so inform the requesting foreign authority and shall, if possible, indicate at the same time the probable date on which the reply will be communicated.

text: Article 12 – Time-limit for the reply

text: The receiving agency, as well as the body or the person whom it has instructed to reply, in accordance with

text: Article 6

text: , may request the authority from which the request emanates to provide any additional information it deems necessary to draw up the reply.

text: The request for additional information shall be transmitted by the receiving agency in the same way as is provided by

text: Article 9

text: for the communication of the reply.

text: Article 13 – Additional information

text: The request for information and annexes shall be in the language or in one of the official languages of the requested State or be accompanied by a translation into that language. The reply shall be in the language of the requested State.

text: However, two or more Contracting Parties may decide to derogate, as between themselves, from the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

text: Article 14 – Languages

text: The reply shall not entail payment of any charges or expenses except those referred to in

text: Article 6

text: , paragraph 3, which shall be borne by the State from which the request emanates.

text: Article 15 – Costs

text: In Federal States, the functions of the receiving agency other than those exercised under

text: Article 2

text: , paragraph 1.a may, for constitutional reasons, be conferred on other State bodies.

text: Article 16 – Federal States

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

text: This Convention shall enter into force three months after the date of the deposit of the third instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: In respect of a signatory State ratifying or accepting subsequently, the Convention shall come into force three months after the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: Article 17 – Entry into force of the Convention

text: After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any non-member State to accede thereto.

text: Such accession shall be effected by depositing with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe an instrument of accession which shall take effect three months after the date of its deposit.

text: Article 18 – Accession of a State not a member of the Council of Europe

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

text: Any Contracting Party may, when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession or at any later date, by declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend this Convention to any other territory or territories specified in the declaration and for whose international relations it is responsible or on whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings.

text: Any declaration made in pursuance of the preceding paragraph may, in respect of any territory mentioned in such declaration, be withdrawn according to the procedure laid down in

text: Article 20

text: of this Convention.

text: Article 19 – Territorial scope of the Convention

text: This Convention shall remain in force indefinitely. 2 Any Contracting Party may, in so far as it is concerned, denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. 3 Such denunciation shall take effect six months after the date of receipt by the Secretary General of such notification.

text: Article 20 – Duration of the Convention and denunciation

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: a any signature; b any deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession; c any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with

text: Article 17

text: thereof; d any declaration received in pursuance of the provisions of paragraph 2 of

text: Article 1

text: , paragraph 3 of

text: Article 2

text: , paragraph 2 of

text: Article 3

text: and paragraphs 2 and 3 of

text: Article 19

text: Article 20

text: and the date on which denunciation takes effect.

text: In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention. Done at London, this 7th June 1968, in French and English, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatory and acceding States.

text: Article 21 – Functions of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

type: internationell-overenskommelse


identifier: ETS No. 063

reference: ETS No. 063

title: European Convention on the Abolition of Legalisation of Documents executed by Diplomatic Agents or Consular Officers

text: European Treaty Series - No. 63

text: London, 7.VI.1968

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; Considering that relations between the member States, as well as relations between their diplomatic agents or consular officers, are increasingly based on mutual trust; Considering that the abolition of legalisation is likely to strengthen the ties between the member States by making it possible to use foreign documents in the same manner as documents emanating from national authorities; Convinced of the need to abolish the requirement of legalisation of documents executed by their diplomatic agents or consular officers, Have agreed as follows:

text: For the purposes of this Convention, legalisation means only the formality used to certify the authenticity of the signature on a document, the capacity in which the person signing such document has acted and, where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which such document bears.

text: Article 1

text: This Convention shall apply to documents which have been executed by diplomatic agents or consular officers of a Contracting Party, acting in their official capacity and exercising their functions in the territory of any state, and which have to be produced: a either in the territory of another Contracting Party, or b to the diplomatic agents or consular officers of another Contracting Party exercising their functions in the territory of a State which is not a party to this Convention. 2 This Convention shall also apply to official certificates, such as those recording the registration of a document or the fact that it was in existence on a certain date, and authentications of signatures, appended by diplomatic agents or consular officers to documents other than those referred to in paragraph 1.

text: ETS 63 – Abolition of Legalisation, 7.VI.1968 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Article 2

text: Each Contracting Party shall exempt from legalisation documents to which this Convention applies.

text: Article 3

text: Each Contracting Party shall take the measures necessary to avoid the carrying out by its authorities of legalisations in cases where this Convention abolishes legalisation.

text: Each Contracting Party shall provide for the verification, where necessary, of the authenticity of the documents to which this Convention applies. Such verification shall not give rise to payment of any taxes or expenses and shall be carried out as quickly as possible.

text: Article 4

text: This Convention shall, as between the Contracting Parties, prevail over the provisions of any treaties, conventions or agreements which provide, or shall provide, for legalisation of the authenticity of the signature of a diplomatic agent or consular officer, the capacity in which such person signing the document has acted, and, where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears.

text: Article 5

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

text: This Convention shall enter into force three months after the date of the deposit of the third instrument of ratification or acceptance.

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 of Europe to accede to this Convention.

text: Article 7

text: Article 9

text: of this Convention.

text: Article 8

text: Article 9

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: a any signature; b any deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession; c any date of entry into force of this Convention; d any declaration received in pursuance of the provisions of

text: Article 8

text: ; e any notification received in pursuance of the provisions of

text: Article 9

text: In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention. Done at London, this 7th June 1968, in English and French, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatory and acceding States.

text: Article 10


identifier: ETS No. 064

openingPlace: Strasbourg

reference: ETS No. 064

text: European Treaty Series - No. 64

text: Washing and Cleaning Products

text: Strasbourg, 16.IX.1968

text: The Governments of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of Denmark, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Italian Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Swiss Confederation and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,

text: Considering that the Parties to the Brussels Treaty of 17th March 1948, as amended on 23rd October 1954, resolved to strengthen the social ties by which they are united and to make every effort in common, both by direct consultation and in specialised Agencies, to raise the standard of living of their peoples and promote the harmonious development of social services in their respective countries;

text: Considering that the social activities governed by the Brussels Treaty and carried on, until 1959, under the auspices of the Brussels Treaty Organisation and the Western European Union are now conducted within the framework of the Council of Europe, in accordance with the decision taken on 21st October 1959 by the Council of Western European Union and with Resolution (59) 23 adopted on 16th November 1959 by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe;

text: Considering that the Swiss Confederation and the Kingdom of Denmark have participated since 6th May 1964 and 2nd April 1968 respectively in activities in the field of public health carried on under the aforesaid resolution;

text: Whereas the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve greater unity between its members, so as to further economic and social progress by agreements and by common action in economic, social, cultural, scientific, legal and administrative matters;

text: Whereas the said governments have striven to encourage progress as far as may be practicable not only in social matters but in the related field of public health, and have undertaken to harmonise their national legislations in pursuance of the action mentioned in the foregoing paragraph;

text: Whereas it is becoming increasingly necessary to secure harmonisation of the laws on the control of fresh water pollution;

text: Being convinced that appropriate measures are essential not only from the standpoint of human needs but also to ensure the protection of nature in general, the paramount objectives being to protect effectively:

text: _____ (*) Text amended pursuant to the provisions of the Protocol amending the European Agreement on the Restriction of the Use of certain Detergents in Washing and Cleaning Products (ETS No. 115) as from its entry into force, on 1 November 1984.

text: ETS 64 – Limitation emploi détergents, 16.IX.1968 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: a the supply of water for the population, for industry, for agriculture and for other business occupations;

text: b the natural aquatic fauna and flora, and in particular so far as they contribute to human well-being;

text: c the unhindered enjoyment of places devoted to leisure and sport;

text: Observing that the general household and industrial use of certain types of detergents might cause considerable prejudice to these interests;

text: Feeling, therefore, that some restriction must be put on the use of such products,

text: Have agreed as follows:

text: This Agreement applies to any washing and cleaning product (detergent) the composition of which has been specially devised with a view to developing its detergent properties and which may be made up of surfactants, adjuvants, intensifying agents, fillers, additives and other auxiliary constituents.

text: Article 1

text: The use of products of the kind referred to in

text: Article 1

text: shall not, under conditions of normal use, adversely affect man and the environment.

text: Article 2

ordinal: a

text: no products of the kind referred to in

text: Article 1

text: are put on the market unless the anionic and non-ionic surfactants which they contain are at least 80% susceptible to biological degradation as determined by the best practical techniques, such as the OECD reference method or any other method providing equivalent results;

type: punkt

ordinal: b

text: the same objectives be achieved when considered appropriate with regard to cationic and ampholytic surfactants;

ordinal: c

text: appropriate measurement and control procedures are implemented to guarantee compliance with the provisions of sub-paragraphs a and b of this paragraph.

text: The Contracting Parties undertake to adopt measures as effective as possible in the light of the available techniques, including legislation if it is necessary, to ensure that in their respective territories:

text: low-foaming alkene oxide additives on such substances as alcohols, alkylphenols, glycols, polyols, fatty acids, amides or amines, used in dish-washing products;

text: surfactants mentioned under sub-paragraph a of this paragraph, and alkali-resistant terminally blocked alkyl and alkyl-aryl polyglycol ethers, used in cleaning agents for the food, beverage and metal working industries. _____ (1) Text amended pursuant to the provisions of the Protocol to the Agreement (ETS No. 115).

text: The Contracting Parties may exempt the following surfactants, in the absence of suitable substitutes, from the requirements of paragraph 1:

text: Article 3bis

text: The Contracting Parties undertake to intensify their research leading to a better understanding and assessment of the biological degradability of surfactants and to encourage, where necessary, the research for phosphate substitutes.

text: Article 3ter

text: The Contracting Parties shall, every five years, or more frequently if one of the Parties should so request, hold multilateral consultations within the Council of Europe to examine the application of this Agreement, 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. The Contracting Parties shall communicate the name of their representative to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe at least two months before the meetings.

text: Article 3

text: signature without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance, or

text: signature with reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance, followed by ratification or acceptance.

text: This Agreement shall be open to signature by member States of the Council of Europe which take part in the activities in the field of public health referred to in Resolution (59) 23 mentioned in the Preamble hereto. They may become Parties to it by either:

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

text: Article 4

text: This Agreement shall enter into force one month after the date on which three member States of the Council shall have become Parties to the Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 4

text: As regards any member States who shall subsequently sign the Agreement without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance or who shall ratify or accept it, the Agreement shall enter into force one month after the date of such signature or after the date of deposit of the instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: Article 5

text: any member State of the Council of Europe which does not take part in the activities in the field of public health referred to in Resolution (59) 23 mentioned in the Preamble to this Agreement, may accede thereto;

text: the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any State not a member of the Council to accede to this Agreement provided that the resolution containing such invitation receives the unanimous agreement by member States of the Council of Europe which take part in the activities in the field of public health referred to in Resolution (59) 23 mentioned in the Preamble to this Agreement.

text: After the entry into force of this Agreement,

text: Such accession shall be effected by depositing with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe an instrument of accession which shall take effect one month after the date of its deposit.

text: Article 6

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

text: Any Contracting Party may, when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession or at any later date, by declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend this Agreement to any other territory or territories specified in the declaration and for whose international relations it is responsible or on whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings.

text: Any declaration made in pursuance of the preceding paragraph may, in respect of any territory mentioned in such declaration, be withdrawn according to the procedure laid down in

text: Article 8

text: of this Agreement.

text: Article 7

text: This Agreement shall remain in force indefinitely.

text: Any Contracting Party may, in so far as it is concerned, denounce this Agreement by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Such denunciation shall take effect six months after the date of receipt by the Secretary General of such notification.

text: Article 8

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 Agreement, of:

text: any signature without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance;

text: any signature with reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance;

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

ordinal: d

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

text: Article 5

text: thereof;

ordinal: e

text: any declaration received in pursuance of the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of

text: Article 7

ordinal: f

text: any notification received in pursuance of the provisions of

text: Article 8

text: and the date on which denunciation takes effect.

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

text: Done at Strasbourg, this 16th day of September 1968, in the English and French languages, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatory and acceding States.

text: Article 9


identifier: ETS No. 065

openingPlace: Paris

reference: ETS No. 065

title: European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport

text: European Treaty Series - No. 65

text: European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International

text: Transport

text: Paris, 13.XII.1968

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

text: Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage;

text: Convinced that the requirements of the international transport of animals are not incompatible with the welfare of the animals;

text: Animated by the desire to safeguard, as far as possible, animals in transport from suffering;

text: Considering that progress in this respect may be achieved through the adoption of common provisions regarding the international transport of animals,

text: Have agreed as follows:

text: Chapter I

type: rubrik

text: Each Contracting Party shall apply the provisions governing the international transport of animals contained in this Convention.

text: For the purpose of this Convention international transport is understood to be any movement which involves the crossing of a frontier. Frontier traffic shall, however, be excluded.

text: The competent authorities of the country of dispatch shall decide whether the transport is in conformity with the provisions of this Convention. Nevertheless the country of destination or intermediate countries may dispute whether any particular transport conforms with the provisions of this Convention. Such a consignment shall, however, be detained only when it is strictly necessary for the welfare of the animals.

text: _____ (*) Text amended according to the provisions of the Protocol to the European Convention for the Protection of Animals During International Transport (ETS No. 103), which entered into force on 7 November 1989. 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 Economic Community shall be read as the European Union.

text: ETS 65 – International Transport of Animals, 13.XII.1968 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Each Contracting Party shall take the necessary measures to avoid or reduce to a minimum the suffering of animals in cases when strikes or other unforeseeable circumstances in its territory impede the strict application of the provisions of this Convention. It will be guided for this purpose by the principles set out in this Convention.

text: Article 1

text: This Convention applies to the international transport of: a domestic solipeds and domestic animals of the bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species (Chapter II); b domestic birds and domestic rabbits (Chapter III); c domestic dogs and domestic cats (Chapter IV); d other mammals and birds (Chapter V); e cold-blooded animals (Chapter VI).

text: Article 2

text: Chapter II – Domestic solipeds and domestic animals of the bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species

text: A. General provisions

text: Before animals are loaded for international transport they shall be inspected by an authorised veterinary officer of the exporting country who shall satisfy himself that they are fit for transportation. For the purposes of this Convention an authorised veterinary officer is understood to be a veterinary officer nominated by the competent authority. 2 Loading shall be carried out under arrangements approved by an authorised veterinary officer. 3 The authorised veterinary officer shall issue a certificate which identifies the animals, states that they are fit for transportation, and where possible, records the registration number of the means of transport and the type of vehicle used. 4 In certain cases determined by agreement between the Contracting Parties concerned the provisions of this article need not apply.

text: Article 3

text: Animals likely to give birth during carriage or having given birth during the preceding 48 hours shall not be considered fit for transportation.

text: Article 4

text: The authorised veterinary officer of the exporting country, country of transit, or importing country may prescribe a period of rest, at a place determined by him, during which the animals shall receive the necessary care.

text: Article 5

text: Animals shall be provided with adequate space and, unless special conditions require to the contrary, room to lie down.

text: The means of transport and containers shall be constructed so as to protect animals against inclement weather conditions and marked differences in climatic conditions. Ventilation and air space shall be adapted to the conditions of transport and be appropriate for the species of animals carried.

text: Containers in which animals are transported shall be marked with a symbol indicating the presence of live animals and a sign indicating the upright position. Containers shall be easy to clean, escape-proof and shall be so constructed as to ensure the safety of the animals. Containers shall also allow for the inspection and care of the animals and shall be stowed in a way which does not interfere with ventilation. During transport and handling, containers shall always be kept upright and shall not be exposed to severe jolts or shaking.

text: During transport animals shall be offered water and appropriate food at suitable intervals. Animals shall not be left more than 24 hours without being fed and watered. This period may, however, be extended if the journey to the destination where the animals are unloaded can be completed within a reasonable period.

text: Solipeds shall wear halters during transport. This provision need not apply to unbroken animals.

text: When animals are tied the ropes or other attachments used shall be strong enough not to break during the transport under normal conditions, and long enough to allow the animals, if necessary, to lie down and to eat and drink. Bovines shall not be tied by the horns.

text: Solipeds, unless in individual stalls, shall have their hind feet unshod.

text: Bulls over 18 months should preferably be tied. They shall be fitted with a nose-ring for handling purposes only.

text: Article 6

text: When animals of various species travel in the same truck, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, they shall be segregated according to species. Furthermore special measures shall be taken to avoid adverse reactions which might result from the transport in the same consignment of species naturally hostile to each other. When animals of different ages are carried in the same truck, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, adult and young animals shall be kept separate; this restriction shall not, however, apply to females travelling with their young which they suckle. With regard to bovine, soliped and porcine animals, mature uncastrated males shall be separated from females. Adult boars shall also be separated from each other; this shall also apply to stallions.

text: In compartments in which animals are transported goods shall not be loaded which could prejudice the welfare of the animals.

text: Article 7

text: Suitable equipment for loading and unloading of animals such as bridges, ramps, or gangways shall be used. The flooring of this equipment shall be constructed so as to prevent slipping, and the equipment shall be provided with lateral protection if necessary. Animals shall not be lifted by the head, horns, or legs during loading or unloading.

text: Article 8

text: The floor of trucks, vehicles, vessels, aircraft, or containers shall be sufficiently strong to bear the weight of the animals being transported, close-boarded, and so constructed as to prevent slipping. The floor shall be covered with an adequate amount of litter to absorb excrements unless these can be dealt with in a different way presenting at least the same advantages.

text: Article 9

text: In order to ensure the necessary care of the animals during transport, consignments of livestock shall be accompanied by an attendant, except In the following cases: a where livestock is consigned in containers which are secured; b where the transporter undertakes to assume the functions of the attendant; c where the sender has appointed an agent to care for the animals at appropriate staging points.

text: Article 10

text: The attendant or sender's agent shall look after the animals, feed and water them, and, if necessary, milk them. 2 Cows in milk shall be milked at intervals of not more than 12 hours. 3 To enable the attendant to provide this care, he shall, if necessary, have available a suitable means of lighting.

text: Article 11

text: Animals which become ill or injured during transport shall receive veterinary attention as soon as possible, and if necessary be slaughtered in a way which avoids unnecessary suffering.

text: Article 12

text: Animals shall only be loaded into trucks, vehicles, vessels, aircraft, or containers which have been thoroughly cleaned. Dead animals, litter and excrements shall be removed as soon as possible.

text: Article 13

text: Animals shall be transported to their destination as soon as possible, and delays, particularly in transhipment and marshalling yards, shall be reduced to a minimum.

text: Article 14

text: In order that importation and transit formalities may be completed as quickly as possible, consignments of animals shall be notified as early as possible to control posts. In such formalities priority should be given to consignments of animals.

text: Article 15

text: At posts where sanitary control is exercised and animals in significant numbers are regularly transported, facilities shall be provided for resting, feeding and watering.

text: B. Special provisions for transport by railway

text: Article 16

text: Any railway truck in which animals are transported shall be marked with a symbol for the living animal. If no trucks particularly adapted for transport of animals are obtainable, animals shall be carried in covered trucks which are capable of travelling at high speed and are provided with sufficiently large air vents. They shall be constructed so as to prevent animals from escaping and ensure their safety. The interior sides of the trucks shall be of wood or other suitable material completely smooth and fitted with rings or bars at suitable height to which the animals may be attached.

text: Article 17

text: Solipeds shall be tied in such a way that they are all facing the same side of the vehicle or tied facing each other. However, young unbroken animals shall not be tied.

text: Article 18

text: Large animals shall be loaded in such a way as to allow an attendant to move between them.

text: Article 19

text: When, in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 7

text: , the separation of animals is required, this may be effected either by tying them in separate parts of the truck, if its space permits, or by means of suitable partitions.

text: Article 20

text: When assembling trains and during all other movement of trucks all precautions shall be taken to avoid violent jolting of trucks containing animals.

text: C. Special provisions for transport by road

text: Article 21

text: Vehicles shall be escape-proof and so constructed as to ensure the safety of the animals and shall also be equipped with a roof which ensures effective protection against the weather.

text: Article 22

text: Tying facilities shall be provided in vehicles carrying large animals which normally require to be tied. When vehicles are required to be sub-divided, the partitions shall be of rigid construction.

text: Article 23

text: Vehicles shall carry a ramp complying with the requirements of

text: Article 8

text: D. Special provisions for transport by water

text: Article 24

text: The fittings of vessels shall be such that animals can be transported without injury and unnecessary suffering.

text: Article 25

text: Animals shall not be transported on open decks unless in adequately secured containers or substantial structures, approved by the competent authority and giving adequate protection against sea and weather.

text: Article 26

text: Animals shall be tied or properly accommodated in pens or containers.

text: Article 27

text: There shall be adequate passageways having access to all pens or containers accommodating animals. Lighting facilities shall be available.

text: Article 28

text: A sufficient number of attendants shall be provided taking into account the number of animals transported and the duration of the voyage.

text: Article 29

text: All parts of the vessel where animals are accommodated shall be provided with drainage and shall be kept in a sanitary condition.

text: Article 30

text: A type of instrument approved by the competent authority shall be carried for killing animals if necessary.

text: Article 31

text: Vessels used for the transport of animals shall, before sailing, be provisioned with such supplies of drinking water and appropriate foodstuffs as shall be considered sufficient by the competent authority of the sending country, having regard to species and number of animals being transported as well as to the duration of the voyage.

text: Article 32

text: Provisions shall be made for isolating ill or injured animals during the voyage and first-aid treatment rendered when necessary.

text: Article 33

text: The provisions of

text: Articles 25

text: to 33 shall not apply to the transport of animals loaded in railway trucks or road vehicles on board ferry boats or similar vessels.

text: E. Special provisions for transport by air

text: Article 34

text: Animals shall be transported in containers or stalls appropriate for the species. Some modifications of these requirements may be permitted if appropriate arrangements are made for restraining the animals.

text: Article 35

text: Precautions shall be taken to avoid extremely high or low temperatures on board, having regard to the species of animals. In addition, severe fluctuations of air pressure shall be avoided.

text: Article 36

text: In freight aircraft a type of instrument approved by the competent authority shall be carried for killing animals if necessary.

text: Article 37

text: Chapter III – Domestic birds and domestic rabbits

text: The following provisions of Chapter II shall apply mutatis mutandis to the transport of domestic birds and domestic rabbits:

text: Article 6

text: , paragraphs 1 to 3,

text: Articles 7

text: , 13 to 17 inclusive, 21, 22, 25 to 30 inclusive, 32, 34 to 36 inclusive.

text: Article 38

text: Animals that are ill or injured shall not be considered fit for transport. Any that become ill or injured shall receive first-aid treatment as soon as possible and if necessary be submitted to veterinary examination. 2 When animals are loaded in containers one placed on top of another or in a truck or vehicle with more than one floor, the necessary precautions shall be taken to avoid droppings falling on the animals placed underneath. 3 Suitable food and, if necessary, water shall be available in adequate quantities, save in the case of: a a journey lasting less than 12 hours; b a journey lasting less than 24 hours for chicks of all species, provided that it is completed within 72 hours after hatching.

text: Article 39

text: Chapter IV – Domestic dogs and domestic cats

text: The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the transport of domestic dogs and domestic cats except those that are accompanied by the owner or his representative. 2 The following provisions of Chapter II shall apply mutatis mutandis to the transport of domestic dogs and domestic cats:

text: Article 4

text: Article 6

text: , paragraphs 1 to 3 inclusive,

text: Articles 7

text: , 9, 10,

text: Article 11

text: , paragraphs 1 and 3,

text: Articles 12

text: to 17 inclusive, 20 to 23 inclusive, 25 to 29 inclusive and 31 to 37 inclusive.

text: Article 40

text: Animals in transport shall be fed at intervals of not more than 24 hours and given water at intervals of not more than 12 hours. There shall be clear written instructions about feeding and watering. Bitches in oestrus shall be separated from male dogs.

text: Article 41

text: Chapter V– Other mammals and birds

text: The provisions of this chapter apply to the transport of those mammals and birds which are not already covered by the provisions of the preceding chapters. 2 The following provisions of Chapter II shall apply mutatis mutandis to the transport of the species concerned in this chapter:

text: Articles 4

text: and 5,

text: Article 6

text: , paragraphs 1 to 3 inclusive,

text: Articles 7

text: to 10 inclusive,

text: Article 11

text: , paragraphs 1 and 3,

text: Articles 12

text: to 17 inclusive, 20 to 37 inclusive.

text: Article 42

text: Animals shall only be transported in suitably constructed vehicles or containers, on which shall, if necessary, be directions that there are wild animals in them which are nervously timid or dangerous. Moreover, there shall be clear written instructions about feeding and watering and any special care required.

text: Article 43

text: Antlered animals shall not be transported while in velvet unless special precautions are taken.

text: Article 44

text: Animals covered by this chapter shall be cared for in accordance with the instructions referred to in

text: Article 43

text: Article 45

text: Chapter VI – Cold-blooded animals

text: Cold-blooded animals shall be transported in such containers, under such conditions, in particular with regard to space, ventilation and temperature, and with such supply of water and oxygen as are considered appropriate for the species. They shall be transported to their destination as soon as possible.

text: Article 46

text: Chapter VII – Settlement of disputes

text: In case of a dispute regarding the interpretation or the application of the provisions of this Convention, the competent authorities of the Contracting Parties concerned shall consult with each other. Each Contracting Party shall communicate to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe the names and addresses of their competent authorities.

text: _____ (1) Text amended according to the provisions of the Protocol to the Convention (ETS No. 103).

text: If the dispute has not been settled by this means, it shall, at the request of one or other of the parties to the dispute, be referred to arbitration. Each party shall nominate an arbitrator and the two arbitrators shall nominate a referee. If one of the two parties to the dispute has not nominated its arbitrator within the three months following the request for arbitration, he shall be nominated at the request of the other party to the dispute by the President of the European Court of Human Rights. If the latter should be a national of one of the parties to the dispute, this duty shall be carried out by the Vice-President of the Court or, if the Vice-President is a national of one of the parties to the dispute, by the most senior judge of the Court not being a national of one of the parties to the dispute. The same procedure shall be observed if the arbitrators cannot agree on the choice of referee.

text: In the event of a dispute between two Contracting Parties one of which is a member State of the European Economic Community, the latter itself being a Contracting Party, the other Contracting Party shall address the request for arbitration both to the member State and to the Community, which jointly shall notify it, within three months of receipt of the request, whether the member State or the Community, or the member State and the Community jointly, shall be party to the dispute. In the absence of such notification within the said time limit, the member State and the Community shall be considered as being one and the same party to the dispute for the purposes of the application of the of the provisions governing the constitution and procedure of the arbitration tribunal. The same shall apply when the member State and the Community jointly present themselves as party to the dispute.

text: The arbitration tribunal shall lay down its own procedure. Its decisions shall be taken by majority vote. Its award which shall be based on this Convention shall be final.

text: Article 47

text: Chapter VIII – Final provisions

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

text: This Convention shall enter into force six months after the date of the deposit of the fourth instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: In respect of a signatory State ratifying or accepting subsequently, the Convention shall come into force six months after the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: The European Economic Community may become a Contracting Party to this Convention by signing it. The Convention shall enter into force in respect of the Community six months after the date of its signature.

text: Article 48

text: After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any non-member State to accede thereto.

text: Such accession shall be effected by depositing with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe an instrument of accession which shall take effect six months after the date of its deposit.

text: Article 49

text: Any Contracting Party may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession, specify the territory or territories to which this Convention shall apply. 2 Any Contracting Party may, when depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession or at any later date, by declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend this Convention to any other territory or territories specified in the declaration and for whose international relations it is responsible or on whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings. 3 Any declarations made in pursuance of the preceding paragraph may, in respect of any territory mentioned in such declaration, be withdrawn according to the procedure laid down in

text: Article 51

text: of this Convention.

text: Article 50

text: This Convention shall remain in force indefinitely. 2 Any Contracting Party may, in so far as it is concerned, denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. 3 Such denunciation shall take effect six months after the date of receipt by the Secretary General of such notification.

text: Article 51

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council and any Contracting Party which is not a member of the Council of: a any signature; b any deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession; c any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with

text: Article 48

text: thereof; d any declaration received in pursuance of paragraphs 2 and 3 of

text: Article 50

text: ; e any notification received in pursuance of the provisions of

text: Article 51

text: and the date on which denunciation takes effect; f any communication received in pursuance of

text: Article 47

text: , paragraph 1.

text: In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention. Done at Paris, this 13th day of December 1968, in English and in French, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatory and acceding States. _____ (1) Text amended according to the provisions of the Protocol to the Convention (ETS No. 103).

text: Article 52


identifier: ETS No. 066

reference: ETS No. 066

title: European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage

text: European Treaty Series - No. 66

text: London, 6.V.1969

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 for the purpose, in particular, of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage; Having regard to the European Cultural Convention, signed at Paris on 19 December 1954, and, inter alia,

text: Article 5

text: of that Convention; Affirming that the archaeological heritage is essential to a knowledge of the history of civilisations; Recognising that while the moral responsibility for protecting the European archaeological heritage, the earliest source of European history, which is seriously threatened with destruction, rests in the first instance with the State directly concerned, it is also the concern of European States jointly; Considering that the first step towards protecting this heritage should be to apply the most stringent scientific methods to archaeological research or discoveries, in order to preserve their full historical significance and render impossible the irremediable loss of scientific information that may result from illicit excavation; Considering that the scientific protection thus guaranteed to archaeological objects: a would be in the interests, in particular, of public collections, and b would promote a much-needed reform of the market in archaeological finds; Considering that it is necessary to forbid clandestine excavations and to set up a scientific control of archaeological objects as well as to seek through education to give to archaeological excavations their full scientific significance, Have agreed as follows:

text: For the purposes of this Convention, all remains and objects, or any other traces of human existence, which bear witness to epochs and civilisations for which excavations or discoveries are the main source or one of the main sources of scientific information, shall be considered as archaeological objects.

text: ETS 66 –Archaeological Heritage, 6.V.1969 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Article 1

text: With the object of ensuring the protection of deposits and sites where archaeological objects lie hidden, each Contracting Party undertakes to take such measures as may be possible in order: a to delimit and protect sites and areas of archaeological interest; b to create reserve zones for the preservation of material evidence to be excavated by later generations of archaeologists.

text: Article 2

text: To give full scientific significance to archaeological excavations in the sites, areas and zones designated in accordance with

text: Article 2

text: of this Convention, each Contracting Party undertakes, as far as possible, to: a prohibit and restrain illicit excavations; b take the necessary measures to ensure that excavations are, by special authorisation, entrusted only to qualified persons; c ensure the control and conservation of the results obtained.

text: Article 3

text: Each Contracting Party undertakes for the purpose of the study and distribution of information on archaeological finds, to take all practicable measures necessary to ensure the most rapid and complete dissemination of information in scientific publications on excavation and discoveries. 2 Moreover, each Contracting Party shall also consider ways and means of: a establishing a national inventory of publicly-owned and, where possible, privately-owned archaeological objects; b preparing a scientific catalogue of publicly-owned and, where possible, privately-owned archaeological objects.

text: Article 4

text: With a view to the scientific, cultural and educational aims of this Convention, each Contracting Party undertakes to: a facilitate the circulation of archaeological objects for scientific, cultural and educational purposes; b encourage exchanges of information on: i archaeological objects, ii authorised and illicit excavations between scientific institutions, museums and the competent national departments;

text: do all in its power to assure that the competent authorities in the States of origin, Contracting Parties to this Convention, are informed of any offer suspected of coming either from illicit excavations or unlawfully from official excavations, together with the necessary details thereon;

text: endeavour by educational means to create and develop in public opinion a realisation of the value of archaeological finds for the knowledge of the history of civilisation, and the threat caused to this heritage by uncontrolled excavations.

text: Article 5

text: Each Contracting Party undertakes to co-operate in the most appropriate manner in order to ensure that the international circulation of archaeological objects shall in no way prejudice the protection of the cultural and scientific interest attaching to such objects.

text: as regards museums and other similar institutions whose acquisition policy is under State control, to take the necessary measures to avoid their acquiring archaeological objects suspected, for a specific reason, of having originated from clandestine excavations or of coming unlawfully from official excavations;

text: as regards museums and other similar institutions, situated in the territory of a Contracting Party but enjoying freedom from State control in their acquisition policy:

ordinal: i

text: to transmit the text of this Convention, and

text: to restrict, as far as possible, by education, information, vigilance and co-operation, the movement of archaeological objects suspected, for a specific reason, of having been obtained from illicit excavations or unlawfully from official excavations.

text: Each Contracting Party undertakes specifically:

text: ii to spare no effort to obtain the support of the said museums and institutions for the principles set out in the preceding paragraph;

text: Article 6

text: In order to ensure the application of the principle of co-operation in the protection of the archaeological heritage which is the basis of this Convention, each Contracting Party undertakes, within the context of the obligations accepted under the terms of this Convention, to give consideration to any questions of identification and authentication raised by any other Contracting Party, and to co-operate actively to the extent permitted by its national legislation.

text: Article 7

text: The measures provided for in this Convention cannot restrict lawful trade in or ownership of archaeological objects, nor affect the legal rules governing the transfer of such objects.

text: Article 8

text: Each Contracting Party shall notify the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in due course of measures it may have taken in respect of the application of the provisions of this Convention.

text: Article 9

text: This Convention shall enter into force three months after the date of the deposit of the third instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: In respect of a signatory State ratifying or accepting subsequently, the Convention shall come into force three months after the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: Article 10

text: any non-member State of the Council of Europe which is a Contracting Party to the European Cultural Convention signed at Paris on 19 December 1954 may accede to this Convention;

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

text: After entry into force of this Convention:

text: Such accession shall be effected by depositing with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe an instrument of accession which shall take effect three months after the date of its deposit.

text: Article 11

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

text: Each signatory State, when depositing its instrument of ratification or acceptance or at any later date, or each acceding State, when depositing its instrument of accession or at any later date, by declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, may extend this Convention to any other territory or territories specified in the declaration and for whose international relations it is responsible or on whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings.

text: Any declaration made in pursuance of the preceding paragraph may, in respect of any territory mentioned in such declaration, be withdrawn according to the procedure laid down in

text: Article 13

text: of this Convention.

text: Article 12

text: This Convention shall remain in force indefinitely.

text: Any Contracting Party may, in so far as it is concerned, denounce this Convention by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Such denunciation shall take effect six months after the date of receipt by the Secretary General of such notification.

text: Article 13

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: a any signature; b any deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession; c any date of entry into force of this Convention in accordance with

text: Article 10

text: thereof; d any declaration received in pursuance of the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of

text: Article 12

text: Article 13

text: and the date on which denunciation takes effect.

text: In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention. Done at London, this 6th day of May 1969, in English and in French, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatory and acceding States.

text: Article 14


identifier: ETS No. 067

reference: ETS No. 067

title: European Agreement relating to Persons participating in Proceedings of the European Commission and Court of Human Rights

text: European Treaty Series - No. 67

text: European Agreement relating to persons participating in Proceedings of the European Commission and Court of Human Rights

text: London, 6.V.1969

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

text: Having regard to the

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

text: , signed at Rome on 4th November 1950 (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention");

text: Considering that it is expedient for the better fulfilment of the purposes of the Convention that persons taking part in proceedings before the European Commission of Human Rights (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission") or the European Court of Human Rights (hereinafter referred to as "the Court") shall be accorded certain immunities and facilities;

text: Desiring to conclude an Agreement for this purpose,

text: Have agreed as follows:

text: agents of the Contracting Parties and advisers and advocates assisting them;

text: persons taking part in proceedings instituted before the Commission under Article 25 of the Convention, whether in their own name or as representatives of one of the applicants enumerated in the said Article 25;

text: barristers, solicitors or professors of law, taking part in proceedings in order to assist one of the persons enumerated in sub-paragraph b above;

text: persons chosen by the delegates of the Commission to assist them in proceedings before the Court;

text: witnesses, experts and other persons called upon by the Commission or the Court to take part in proceedings before the Commission or the Court.

text: The persons to whom this Agreement applies are:

text: For the purposes of this Agreement, the terms "Commission" and "Court" shall include a Sub- Commission or Chamber, or members of either body carrying out their duties under the terms of the Convention or of the rules of the Commission or of the Court, as the case may be; and the term "taking part in proceedings" shall include making communications with a view to a complaint against a State which has recognised the right of individual petition under Article 25 of the Convention.

text: ETS 67 – Human Rights (participating in proceedings), 6.V.1969 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: If, in the course of the exercise by the Committee of Ministers of its functions under Article 32 of the Convention, any person mentioned in paragraph 1 of this article is called upon to appear before, or to submit written statements to the Committee of Ministers, the provisions of this Agreement shall apply in relation to him.

text: Article 1

text: The persons referred to in paragraph 1 of

text: Article 1

text: of this Agreement shall have immunity from legal process in respect of oral or written statements made, or documents or other evidence submitted by them before or to the Commission or the Court.

text: This immunity does not apply to the communication, outside the Commission or the Court, by or on behalf of any person entitled to immunity under the preceding paragraph, of any such statements, documents or evidence or any part thereof submitted by that person to the Commission or the Court.

text: Article 2

text: The Contracting Parties shall respect the right of the persons referred to in paragraph 1 of

text: Article 1

text: of this Agreement to correspond freely with the Commission and the Court.

text: if their correspondence is examined by the competent authorities, its despatch and delivery shall nevertheless take place without undue delay and without alteration;

text: such persons shall not be subject to disciplinary measures in any form on account of any communication sent through the proper channels to the Commission or the Court;

text: such persons shall have the right to correspond, and consult out of hearing of other persons, with a lawyer qualified to appear before the courts of the country where they are detained in regard to an application to the Commission, or any proceedings resulting therefrom.

text: As regards persons under detention, the exercise of this right shall in particular imply that:

text: In application of the preceding paragraphs, there shall be no interference by a public authority except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, for the detection or prosecution of a criminal offence or for the protection of health.

text: Article 3

text: No restrictions shall be placed on their movement and travel other than such as are in accordance with the law and necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, for the maintenance of ordre public, for the prevention of crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

text: a The Contracting Parties undertake not to hinder the free movement and travel, for the purpose of attending and returning from proceedings before the Commission or the Court, of persons referred to in paragraph 1 of

text: Article 1

text: of this Agreement whose presence has in advance been authorised by the Commission or the Court.

text: Any Contracting Party may at the time of signature or ratification of this Agreement declare that the provisions of this paragraph will not apply to its own nationals. Such a declaration may be withdrawn at any time by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: a Such persons shall not, in countries of transit and in the country where the proceedings take place, be prosecuted or detained or be subjected to any other restriction of their personal liberty in respect of acts or convictions prior to the commencement of the journey.

text: The Contracting Parties undertake to re-admit on his return to their territory any such person who commenced his journey in the said territory.

text: The provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall cease to apply when the person concerned has had for a period of 15 consecutive days from the date when his presence is no longer required by the Commission or the Court the opportunity of returning to the country from which his journey commenced.

text: Where there is any conflict between the obligations of a Contracting Party resulting from paragraph 2 of this article and those resulting from a Council of Europe Convention or from an extradition treaty or other treaty concerning mutual assistance in criminal matters with other Contracting Parties, the provisions of paragraph 2 of this article shall prevail.

text: Article 4

text: Immunities and facilities are accorded to the persons referred to in paragraph 1 of

text: Article 1

text: of this Agreement solely in order to ensure for them the freedom of speech and the independence necessary for the discharge of their functions, tasks or duties, or the exercise of their rights in relation to the Commission and the Court.

text: The immunity may be waived by the Commission or by the Court, either ex officio or at the request, addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, of any Contracting Party or of any person concerned.

text: Decisions waiving immunity or refusing the waiver shall be accompanied by a statement of reasons.

text: a The Commission or the Court, as the case may be, shall alone be competent to waive, in whole or in part, the immunity provided for in paragraph 1 of

text: Article 2

text: of this Agreement; they have not only the right but the duty to waive immunity in any case where, in their opinion, such immunity would impede the course of justice and waiver in whole or in part would not prejudice the purpose defined in paragraph 1 of this article.

text: If a Contracting Party certifies that waiver of the immunity provided for in paragraph 1 of

text: Article 2

text: of this Agreement is necessary for the purpose of proceedings in respect of an offence against national security, the Commission or the Court shall waive immunity to the extent specified in the certificate.

text: In the event of the discovery of a fact which might, by its nature, have a decisive influence and which at the time of the decision refusing waiver of immunity was unknown to the author of the request, the latter may make a new request to the Commission or the Court.

text: Article 5

text: Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as limiting or derogating from any of the obligations assumed by the Contracting Parties under the Convention.

text: Article 6

text: signature without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance, or

text: signature with reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance, followed by ratification or acceptance.

text: This Agreement shall be open to signature by the member States of the Council of Europe, who may become Parties to it either by:

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

text: Article 7

text: This Agreement shall enter into force one month after the date on which five member States of the Council shall have become Parties to the Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 7

text: As regards any member States who shall subsequently sign the Agreement without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance or who shall ratify or accept it, the Agreement shall enter into force one month after the date of such signature or after the date of deposit of the instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: Article 8

text: Any Contracting Party may, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification or acceptance, specify the territory or territories to which this Agreement shall apply.

text: Any Contracting Party may, when depositing its instrument of ratification or acceptance or at any later date, by declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, extend this Agreement to any other territory or territories specified in the declaration and for whose international relations it is responsible or on whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings.

text: Article 10

text: of this Agreement.

text: Article 9

text: This Agreement shall remain in force indefinitely.

text: Any Contracting Party may, insofar as it is concerned, denounce this Agreement by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

text: Such denunciation shall take effect six months after the date of receipt by the Secretary General of such notification. Such a denunciation shall not have the effect of releasing the Contracting Parties concerned from any obligation which may have arisen under this Agreement in relation to any person referred to in paragraph 1 of

text: Article 1

text: Article 10

text: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of the Council of:

text: any signature without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance;

text: any signature with reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance;

text: the deposit of any instrument of ratification or acceptance;

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

text: Article 8

text: thereof;

text: any declaration received in pursuance of the provisions of paragraph 2 of

text: Article 4

text: and of paragraphs 2 and 3 of

text: Article 9

text: any notification of withdrawal of a declaration in pursuance of the provisions of paragraph 2 of

text: Article 4

text: and any notification received in pursuance of the provisions of

text: Article 10

text: and the date on which any denunciation takes effect.

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

text: Done at London, this 6th day of May 1969, in the English and French languages, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatory States.

text: Article 11


identifier: ETS No. 068

reference: ETS No. 068

title: European Agreement on Au Pair Placement

text: European Treaty Series - No. 68

text: European Agreement on "au pair" Placement and Protocol thereto

text: Strasbourg, 24.XI.1969

text: The member States of the Council of Europe, signatory hereto, Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve greater unity between its members, in particular for the purpose of facilitating their social progress; Noting that in Europe more and more young persons, especially girls, are going abroad to be placed "au pair"; Considering that, without wishing to make any critical assessment of this widespread practice, it is advisable to define and standardise, in all member States, the conditions governing such "au pair" placement; Considering that "au pair" placement constitutes in member States an important social problem with legal, moral, cultural and economic implications, which transcends national boundaries and thereby takes on a European complexion; Considering that persons placed "au pair" belong neither to the student category nor to the worker category but to a special category which has features of both, and that therefore it is useful to make appropriate arrangements for them; Acknowledging more particularly the need to give persons placed "au pair" adequate social protection inspired by the principles laid down in the European Social Charter; Considering that many of these persons are minors deprived for a long period of the support of their families, and that as such they should receive special protection relating to the material or moral conditions found in the receiving country; Considering that only the public authorities can fully ensure and supervise the implementation of these principles; Being convinced of the need for such co-ordination within the framework of the Council of Europe, Have agreed as follows:

text: Each Contracting Party undertakes to promote in its territory to the greatest extent possible the implementation of the provisions of this Agreement.

text: ETS 68 – “Au pair” Placement, 24.XI.1969 __________________________________________________________________________________

text: Article 1

text: "Au pair" placement is the temporary reception by families, in exchange for certain services, of young foreigners who come to improve their linguistic and possibly professional knowledge as well as their general culture by acquiring a better knowledge of the country where they are received. 2 Such young foreigners are hereinafter called persons placed "au pair".

text: Article 2

text: Placement "au pair" which shall initially be for a period not exceeding one year, may, however, be extended to permit of a maximum stay of two years.

text: Article 3

text: The person placed "au pair" shall not be less than 17 or more than 30 years of age. 2 Nevertheless, exceptions to the upper age limit may be granted by the competent authority of the receiving country in individual cases when justified.

text: Article 4

text: The person placed "au pair" shall have a medical certificate, established less than three months before placement, declaring that person's general state of health.

text: Article 5

text: The rights and obligations of the person "au pair" and the receiving family, as those rights and obligations are defined in this Agreement, shall be the subject of an agreement in writing to be concluded between the parties in question, in the form of a single document or of an exchange of letters, preferably before the person placed "au pair" leaves the country in which that person was resident and at latest during the first week of the placement. 2 A copy of the agreement referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be lodged in the receiving country with the competent authority or the organisation chosen by this authority.

text: Article 6

text: The agreement referred to in

text: Article 6

text: shall specify inter alia the manner in which the person placed "au pair" is to share the life of the receiving family, while at the same time enjoying a certain degree of independence.

text: Article 7

text: The person placed "au pair" shall receive board and lodging from the receiving family and, where possible, shall occupy a separate room. 2 The person placed "au pair" shall be given adequate time to attend language courses as well as for cultural and professional improvement; every facility as regards the arrangement of working hours shall be accorded to this end. 3 The person placed "au pair" shall have at least one full free day per week, not less than one such free day in every month being a Sunday, and shall have full opportunity to take part in religious worship.

text: The person placed "au pair" shall receive a certain sum of money, as pocket money, the amount of which and the intervals at which it is paid shall be determined by the agreement referred to in

text: Article 6

text: Article 8

text: A person placed "au pair" shall render the receiving family services consisting in participation in day-to-day family duties. The time effectively occupied in such services shall generally not be more than five hours per day.

text: Article 9

text: Each Contracting Party shall state, by listing them in Annex I to this Agreement, the benefits to which a person placed "au pair" will be entitled within its territory in the event of sickness, maternity or accident.

text: If and in so far as the benefits listed in Annex I cannot be covered, in the receiving country, by national social security legislation or other official schemes, taking into account the provisions of international agreements or the Regulations of the European Communities, the competent member of the receiving family shall, at his own expense, take out a private insurance.

text: Any change in the list of benefits in Annex I shall be notified by any Contracting Party in accordance with

text: Article 19

text: , paragraph 2.

text: Article 10

text: Where the agreement referred to in

text: Article 6

text: has been concluded for an unspecified period, either party shall be entitled to terminate it by giving two weeks' notice.

text: Whether the agreement was made for a specified period or not, it may be terminated with immediate effect by either party in the event of serious misconduct by the other party or if other serious circumstances make such instant termination necessary.

text: Article 11

text: The competent authority of each Contracting Party shall appoint the public bodies and may appoint the private bodies to be entitled to deal with "au pair" placement.

text: Article 12

text: Each Contracting Party shall send to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe a report at five-yearly intervals, in a form to be determined by the Committee of Ministers, concerning the application of the provisions of

text: Articles 1

text: to 12 of this Agreement.

text: The reports of the Contracting Parties shall be submitted for examination to the Governmental Social Committee of the Council of Europe.

text: improve the practical implementation of this Agreement;

text: The Governmental Social Committee shall present to the Committee of Ministers a report containing its conclusions; it may also make any proposals designed to:

text: ii amend or supplement its provisions.

text: Article 13

text: signature without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance; or

text: signature with reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance, followed by ratification or acceptance.

text: This Agreement shall be open to signature by the member States of the Council of Europe, who may become Parties to it either by:

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

text: Article 14

text: This Agreement shall enter into force one month after the date on which three member States of the Council shall have become Parties to the Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of

text: Article 14

text: As regards any member States who shall subsequently sign the Agreement without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance or who shall ratify or accept it, the Agreement shall enter into force one month after the date of such signature or after the date of deposit of the instrument of ratification or acceptance.

text: Article 15

text: After the entry into force of this Agreement, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any non-member State to accede thereto.

text: Such accession shall be effected by depositing with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe an instrument of accession which shall take effect one month after the date of its deposit.

text: Article 16

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

text: Any signatory State, when depositing its instrument of ratification or acceptance or at any later date, or any acceding State, when depositing its instrument of accession or at any later date, by declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, may extend this Agreement to any other territory or territories specified in the declaration and for whose international relations it is responsible or on whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings.

text: Any declaration made in pursuance of the preceding paragraph may, in respect of any territory mentioned in such declaration, be withdrawn according to the procedure laid down in

text: Article 20

text: of this Agreement.

text: Article 17

text: Any signatory State, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification or acceptance, or any acceding State when depositing its instrument of accession, may declare that it avails itself of one or more of the reservations provided for in Annex II to this Agreement. No other reservation shall be admissible.

text: Any signatory State or any Contracting Party may wholly or partly withdraw a reservation it has made in accordance with the foregoing paragraph by means of a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe which shall become effective as from the date of its receipt.

text: Article 18

text: Any signatory State, at the time of signature or when depositing its instrument of ratification or acceptance, or any acceding State when depositing its instrument of accession, shall make known the benefits to be listed at Annex I in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of

text: Article 10

text: . 2 Any notification referred to in paragraph 3 of

text: Article 10

text: shall be addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and shall state the date from which it takes effect.

text: Article 19

text: This Agreement shall remain in force indefinitely. 2 Any Contracting Party may, in so far as it is concerned, denounce this Agreement by means of a notification addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. 3 Such denunciation shall take effect six months after the date of receipt by the Secretary General of such notification.

text: Article 20

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 Agreement of: a any signature without reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance; b any signature with reservation in respect of ratification or acceptance; c the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession; d the lists of benefits listed at Annex I; e any date of entry into force of this Agreement in accordance with

text: Article 15

text: thereof: f any declaration received in pursuance of the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of

text: Article 17

text: ; g any reservation made in pursuance of the provisions of paragraph 1 of

text: Article 18

text: ; h the withdrawal of any reservation carried out in pursuance of the provisions of paragraph 2 of

text: Article 18

text: ; i any notification received in pursuance of the provisions of paragraph 2 of

text: Article 19

text: ; j any notification received in pursuance of the provisions of

text: Article 20

text: and the date on which denunciation takes effect.

text: Article 21

text: The Protocol attached to this Agreement shall form an integral part of it.

text: In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Agreement. Done at Strasbourg, this 24th day of November 1969, in English and French, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatory and acceding States.

text: Protocol

text: Article 10

text: Each Contracting Party makes the statement at Annex I and any subsequent changes thereto, entirely on its own responsibility. 2 The benefits listed at Annex I should ensure, as far as possible, that the cost of medical treatment, pharmacy and hospital care is covered.

text: Article 22

title: European Agreement on Au Pair Placement