Treaties and conventions

International treaties

A treaty is an international agreement between two or more States, or an International Organisation, for example the United Nations​ and World Trade Organisation, that confer rights and obligations, which are legally binding under international law. Treaties are sometimes also referred to as conventions, covenants, and protocols, amongst other things.

Jersey is able to negotiate and enter into treaties in its own right in certain circumstances, for example tax agreements, under entrustment from the United Kingdom. However, for the majority of international treaties, including associated protocols, treaties are extended to the Island by the UK at the time of, or following, its ratification of the treaty.

Background

Historically, there was a presumption that the UK's ratification of international agreements included the Crown Dependencies unless the contrary was expressed. However, this practice was changed on 16 October 1950 by the UK Foreign Office Circular No. 118, known informally as the "Bevin Declaration" after Ernest Bevin, the UK's Foreign Secretary at the time, who signed it.

Since that time, and in accordance with the constitutional relationship between Jersey and the UK, treaties are only extended to the Island at the request of the Government of Jersey.

The list of treaties extended to Jersey on this database is not exhaustive. Additional treaties will be added to the list as and when Jersey enters into new treaties, and when it is verified that the Island requested extension of earlier treaties.

Disclaimer

The treaties are listed for information only and should not be relied upon as legal advice as to the applicability or otherwise of any international agreement to Jersey.

Independent legal advice should always be sought by any person seeking to rely on any conclusion as to a treaty's applicability or otherwise.

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