Liberia submits record number of treaty actions at World Summit event

Liberia effectively endorsed 103 international treaties this afternoon – more than any State has ever done at one time – on issues ranging from human rights to international trade, as world leaders continue to sign, ratify and accede to legal instruments at the World Summit, following the invitation of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Eighty-three of the actions, submitted by Gyude Bryant, Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia as a highlight of the Focus 2005 Treaty Event, took immediate effect, while the remainder awaited various approvals and other technical measures.

“This is a landmark in Liberia’s journey away from a difficult past and towards a more tenable future grounded in the rule of law, respect for human rights, and good democratic governance," said a spokesman for Mr. Annan, in a statement that warmly welcomed the treaty actions.

“The United Nations and its partners stand ready to support the Liberian Government in ensuring that this range of new treaty obligations is fulfilled,” the statement concluded.

The Summit’s treaty actions continue an initiative begun at the Millennium Summit in 2000 that has since become an annual event for treaties, for which the Secretary-General is depositary, during the opening of each General Assembly.

The treaties selected this year, rather than focus on any specific aspect of international law as has been the case in the past, reflect what the Secretary-General calls "the central challenge for the 21st century – to fashion a new and broader understanding … of what collective security means."