United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Parties with reservations, declarations and objections

Party	Reservations / Declarations	Objections
Argentina	Yes	No
Bulgaria	Yes	No
Canada	Yes	No
China	Yes	No
Croatia	Yes	No
Cuba	Yes	No
Czech Republic	Yes	No
EU (European Union)	Yes	No
Fiji	Yes	No
Holy See	Yes	No
Hungary	Yes	No
Israel	Yes	No
Kazakhstan	Yes	No
Kiribati	Yes	No
Monaco	Yes	No
Nauru	Yes	No
Netherlands, the Kingdom of the	Yes	No
Palestine	Yes	No
Papua New Guinea	Yes	No
Slovakia	Yes	No
Slovenia	Yes	No
Solomon Islands	Yes	No
Tuvalu	Yes	No
United States of America	Yes	No

Argentina

27-03-2007

The Argentine Republic objects to the extension of the territorial application to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 9 May 1992 with respect to the Malvinas Islands, which was notified by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Depositary of the Convention on 7 March 2007.
The Argentine Republic reaffirms its sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime spaces, which are an integral part of its national territory, and recalls that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolutions 2065 (XX), 3160 (XXVIII), 31/49, 37/9, 38/12, 39/6, 40/21, 41/40, 42/19 and 43/25, which recognize the existence of a dispute over sovereignty and request the Governments of the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to initiate negotiations with a view to finding the means to resolve peacefully and definitively the pending problems between both countries, including all aspects on the future of the Malvinas Islands, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

Bulgaria

12-05-1995

The Republic of Bulgaria declares that in accordance with article 4, paragraph 6, and with respect to paragraph 2 (b) of the said article, it accepts as a basis of the anthropogenic emissions in Bulgaria of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, the 1988 levels of the said emissions in the country and not their 1990 levels, keeping records of and comparing the emission rates during the subsequent years.

Canada

19-01-2016

The Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations presents its compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and has the honour to refer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Secretary-General’s communication of 23 December 2015 C.N.699.2015.TREATIES-[XXVII.7], relating to that treaty.
The Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations notes that this communication was made pursuant to the Secretary-General’s capacity as Depositary for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations notes the technical and administrative role of the Depositary, and that it is for States Parties to a treaty, not the Depositary, to make their own determination with respect to any legal issues raised by instruments circulated by a depositary. In that context, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations [reaffirms] that ‘Palestine’ does not meet the criteria of a state under international law and is not recognized by Canada as a state. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations wishes to note its position that in the context of the purported Palestinian accession to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, ‘Palestine’ is not able to accede to this convention, and that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change does not enter into force, or have an effect on Canada’s treaty relations, with respect to the ‘State of Palestine’.

China

08-04-2003

In accordance with the provisions of Article 153 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China of 1990, the Government of the People’s Republic of China decides that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change shall apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change continues to be implemented in the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change shall not apply to the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China until the Government of China notifies otherwise.

Croatia

08-04-1996

The Republic of Croatia declares that it intends to be bound by the provisions of the Annex 1, as a country undergoing the process of transition to a market economy.

Cuba

05-01-1994

With reference to article 14 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Government of the Republic of Cuba declares that, insofar as concerns the Republic of Cuba, any dispute that may arise between the Parties concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention shall be settled through negotiation through the diplomatic channel.

Czech Republic

27-11-1995

In accordance with sub-paragraph g of article 4.2 of the Convention, the Government of the Czech Republic declares that it intends to be bound by the provisions of sub-paragraphs a and b of said article.

EU (European Union)

13-06-1992

The European Economic Community and its Member States declare, for the purposes of clarity, that the inclusion of the European Community as well as its Member States in the lists in the Annexes to the Convention is without prejudice to the division of competence and responsibilities between the Community and its Member States, which is to be declared in accordance with article 21 (3) of the Convention.

21-12-1993

The European Economic Community and its Member States declare that the commitment to limit anthropogenic CO 2 emissions set out in article 4(2) of the Convention will be fulfilled in the Community as a whole through action by the Community and its Member States, within the respective com- petence of each.
In this perspective, the Community and its Member States reaffirm the objectives set out in the Council conclusions of 29 October 1990, and in particular the objective of stabilization of CO 2 emission by 2000 and 1990 level in the Community as a whole.
The European Economic Community and its Member States are elaborating a coherent strategy in order to attain this objective.

Fiji

09-10-1992

The Government of Fiji declares its understanding that signature of the Convention shall, in no way, constitute a renunciation of any rights under international law concerning state responsibility for the adverse effects of climate change, and that no provisions in the Convention can be interpreted as derogating from the principles of general international law.

Holy See

06-07-2022

By acceding to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in the name and on behalf of Vatican City State, the Holy See intends to contribute to the efforts of all States to work together in solidarity, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in an effective response to the challenges posed by climate change to humankind and to our common home.
In light of the territorial nature of the obligations set forth in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Holy See declares, for the avoidance of doubt, that in acceding to the Convention only in the name and on behalf of Vatican City State it commits itself to apply its provisions exclusively within the Territory of the Vatican City State, as circumscribed by the Leonine Walls.
The Holy See, in conformity with its particular mission, reiterates, on behalf of Vatican City State, its position regarding the term ‘gender’. The Holy See underlines that any reference to ‘gender’ and related terms in any document that has been or that will be adopted by the Conference of State Parties or by its subsidiary bodies is to be understood as grounded on the biological sexual identity that is male and female.
The Holy See upholds and promotes a holistic and integrated approach that is firmly centered on the human dignity and integral development of every person.

Hungary

24-02-1994

The Government of the Republic of Hungary attributes great significance to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and it reiterates its position in accordance with the provisions of article 4.6 of the Convention on certain degree of flexibility that the average level of anthropogenic carbondioxide emissions for the period of 1985-1987 will be considered as reference level in context of the commitments under article 4.2 of the Convention. This understanding is closely related to the 'process of transition' as it is given in article 4.6 of the Convention. The Government of the Republic of Hungary declares that it will do all efforts to contribute to the objective of the Convention.

Israel

19-01-2016

The Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations presents its compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as depositary to the United Nations Convention Framework on Climate Change, and refers to the communication by the depositary, dated 23 December 2015, regarding the Palestinian request to accede to this Convention (Reference number C.N.699.2015.TREATIES-XXVII.7 (Depositary Notification)).
‘Palestine’ does not satisfy the criteria for statehood under international law and lacks the legal capacity to join the aforesaid Convention under general international law, as well as under the terms of the Convention and of bilateral Israeli-Palestinian agreements.
The Government of Israel does not recognize ‘Palestine’ as a State, and wishes to place on record, for the sake of clarity, its position that it does not consider ‘Palestine’ a party to the Convention and regards the Palestinian request for accession as being without any legal validity or effect.

Kazakhstan

23-03-2000

In accordance with sub-paragraph g of article 4.2 of the Convention, the Government of Kazakhstan declares that it intends to be bound by the provisions of sub-paragraphs a and b of said article.

Kiribati

13-06-1992

The Government of the Republic of Kiribati declares its understanding that signature and /or ratification of the Convention shall in no way constitute a renunciation of any rights under international law concerning state responsibility for the adverse effects of climate change, and that no provisions in the Convention can be interpreted as derogating from the principles of general international law.

Monaco

20-11-1992

In accordance with sub-paragraph g of article 4.2 of the Convention, the Principality of Monaco declares that it intends to be bound by the provisions of sub-paragraphs a and b of said article.

Nauru

08-06-1992

The Government of Nauru declares its understanding that signature of the Convention shall in no way constitute a renunciation of any rights under international law concerning state responsibility for the adverse effects of climate change, and that no provisions in the Convention can be interpreted as derogating from the principles of general international law.

Netherlands, the Kingdom of the

17-02-2010

The Kingdom of the Netherlands declares, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 14 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, that it accepts both means of dispute settlement referred to in that paragraph as compulsory in relation to any Party accepting one or both means of dispute settlement.

Palestine

22-01-2016

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as Depositary, and has the honor to refer to depositary notification C.N.9.2016.TREATIES-XXVII.7, dated 20 January 2016, conveying a communication of Israel regarding the accession of the State of Palestine to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, dated 9 May 1992.
The Government of the State of Palestine regrets the position of Israel and wishes to recall United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 according Palestine ‘nonmember observer State status in the United Nations’. In this regard, Palestine is a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the international community.
As a State Party to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which enters into force on 17 March 2016, the State of Palestine will exercise its rights and honor its obligations with respect to all States Parties. The State of Palestine trusts that its rights and obligations will be equally respected by its fellow States Parties.

22-01-2016

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as Depositary, and has the honor to refer to depositary notification C.N.11.2016.TREATIES-XXVII.7, dated 20 January 2016, conveying a communication of Canada regarding the accession of the State of Palestine to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, dated 9 May 1992.
The Government of the State of Palestine regrets the position of Canada and wishes to recall United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 according Palestine ‘nonmember observer State status in the United Nations’. In this regard, Palestine is a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the international community.
As a State Party to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which enters into force on 17 March 2016, the State of Palestine will exercise its rights and honor its obligations with respect to all States Parties. The State of Palestine trusts that its rights and obligations will be equally respected by its fellow States Parties.

22-01-2016

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as Depositary, and has the honor to refer to depositary notification C.N.10.2016.TREATIES-XXVII.7, dated 20 January 2016, conveying a communication of the United States of America regarding the accession of the State of Palestine to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, dated 9 May 1992.
The Government of the State of Palestine regrets the position of the United States of America and wishes to recall United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 according Palestine ‘non-member observer State status in the United Nations’. In this regard, Palestine is a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the international community.
As a State Party to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which enters into force on 17 March 2016, the State of Palestine will exercise its rights and honor its obligations with respect to all States Parties. The State of Palestine trusts that its rights and obligations will be equally respected by its fellow States Parties.

Papua New Guinea

16-03-1993

The Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea declares its understanding that ratification of the Convention shall in no way constitute a renunciation of any rights under International Law concerning State responsibility for the adverse effects of Climate Change as derogating from the principles of general International Law.

Slovakia

23-02-1996

In accordance with sub-paragraph g of article 4.2 of the Convention, the Government of Slovakia declares that it intends to be bound by the provisions of sub-paragraphs a and b of said article.

Slovenia

09-06-1998

In accordance with sub-paragraph g of article 4.2 of the Convention, the Government of Slovenia declares that it intends to be bound by the provisions of sub-paragraphs a and b of said article.

Solomon Islands

28-12-1994

In pursuance of article 14 (2) of the said Convention [the Government of the Solomon Islands] shall recognise as compulsory, arbitration, in accordance with procedures to be adopted by the Conference of the Parties as soon as practicable, in an annex on arbitration.

Tuvalu

08-06-1992

The Government of Tuvalu declares its understanding that signature of the Convention shall in no way constitute a renunciation of any rights under international law concerning state responsibility for the adverse effects of climate change, and that no provisions in the Convention can be interpreted as derogating from the principles of general international law.

United States of America

19-01-2016

The United States Mission to the United Nations presents its compliments to the United Nations and refers to the U.N. Secretary-General's depositary notification C.N.699.2015.TREATIESXXVII.7, dated December 23, 2015, regarding the purported accession of the ‘State of Palestine’ to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, done at New York, May 9, 1992 (the Convention), for which the Secretary-General of the United Nations is the depositary.
The Government of the United States of America does not believe the ‘State of Palestine’ qualifies as a sovereign State and does not recognize it as such. Accession to the Convention is limited to sovereign States and regional economic integration organizations. Therefore, the Government of the United States of America believes that the ‘State of Palestine’ is not qualified to accede to the Convention and affirms that it will not consider itself to be in a treaty relationship with the ‘State of Palestine’ under the Convention.