When was the Antarctic Treaty signed and when did it enter into force?
The Antarctic Treaty was opened for signature on the 1st of December 1959, signed by 12 nations in Washington. It officially entered into force on the 23rd of June 1961.
Questions about Antarctic Treaty System
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which countries were the original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty?
The 12 original signatories were Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These were the countries active in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58.
What does the Antarctic Treaty System prohibit?
The treaty prohibits nuclear testing, military operations, economic exploitation, and the making of new territorial claims in Antarctica. The Madrid Protocol on Environmental Protection, agreed in 1991-1992, additionally banned mining and oil exploration for 50 years.
Where is the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat headquartered?
The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat has been headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina since September 2004. It was established there by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.
Why was the Antarctic Treaty considered historically significant during the Cold War?
The Antarctic Treaty was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War. It brought together the United States, the Soviet Union, and ten other nations to designate the continent as a scientific preserve and ban military activity at a time of deep geopolitical rivalry.
Can the Antarctic Treaty be revised, and if so when?
Starting from 2048, any consultative party may request a revision of the treaty and its full normative system. Adoption of any changes requires approval by a three-quarters majority of consultative parties.