definitions

Question 1

sovereignty

Answer 1

the concept that a government exercises full control over affairs within a geographical or territorial limit; this means it can pass laws and enforce them within this area and exists as an essentially independent legal and political body in this space

Question 2

treaty

Answer 2

a formalised agreement between two or more nations about a particular area of mutual interest (trade, prisoner exchange etc.); often used synonymously with convention, covenant, charter, protocol and/or statue

Question 3

reservation

Answer 3

when a nation state does not wish to be bound by every provision in a treaty so ratifies only the parts of the treaty by which it does agree to be bound

Question 4

ratification

Answer 4

the process of full adoption of the obligations imposed by a treaty or covenant into Australian law by the passing of legislation through the federal parliament that mirrors and enacts the treaty obligations

Question 5

multilateral treaty

Answer 5

a formal agreement entered into by more than two nation-states

Question 6

human rights

Answer 6

fundamental rights that are considered to belong to every person regardless of race, gender, age, nationality or religion

Question 7

international law

Answer 7

a body of rules established by custom or treaty and recognised by nations as binding in their relations with one another

Question 8

accession

Answer 8

when a nation-state enters into a treaty that has already been formed after it has been negotiated and signed by other states

Question 9

bilateral treaty

Answer 9

a formal agreement entered into by two nation-states

Question 10

bill of rights

Answer 10

a formal declaration of the legal and civil rights of the citizens of any state, country or federation

Question 11

covenant

Answer 11

binding agreement between states; used synonymously with Convention and Treaty

Question 12

signatory

Answer 12

state that is in political support of the treaty and willing to continue its engagement with the treaty process. this intent is confided as a ‘signature’ submitted to the qualifying international body with oversight of the treaty

Question 13

convention

Answer 13

similar to a treaty but more on specific matters or issues; often used synonymously with treaty, covenant, charter, protocol and/or statute