THE ANTARCTIC TREATY

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The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS)

The Antarctic Treaty and related agreements are collectively called as ATS ATS regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica. ANTARCTICA

Antarctica is defined as all of the land and ice shelves south of 60S latitude.
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The treaty entered into force on 23 June 1961. Original signatories 12 countries active in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year(IGY) of 1957-58.

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ATS was the first arms control agreement established during Cold war. It sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve. Establishes freedom of scientific investigation. Bans military activity on that continent.

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The original signatories Argentina Australia Belgium Chile France Japan New Zealand Norway South Africa The Soviet Union The United Kingdom The United States

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Articles of the Antarctic Treaty

Article 1:Area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose. Article 2: investigations continue. Freedom of scientific and co-operation shall

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Article 3: Free exchange of information and personnel in cooperation with the United Nations and other international agencies. Article 4: the treaty does not recognize ,dispute, nor establish territorial sovereignty claims; no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force.

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Article 5: Prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes. Article 6:Includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves but not the surrounding waters south if 60 degrees 00 minutes south.

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Article 9: Frequent consulative meetings take place among member nations. Article 10: Treaty states will discourages activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty.

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Article 11: Disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or ultimately by the International Court of Justice.

Article 12,13,14: Deal with upholding, interpreting and amending the treaty among involved nations.

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MEMBERS

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LEGAL SYSTEM

The majority claimed by countries.

of Antarctica is one or more

Governments that are party to the treaty and its protocol on Environment Protection implement the articles of the agreements and decisions taken under them, through national laws.

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MEETINGS

The ATSs yearly Antarctic Treaty Consulative Meetings (ATCM) are the international forum for the administration and management of the region. Only 28 of the 46 parties have the right to participate. They are called as Consulative Parties. Other 18 are allowed to attend.

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