Antarctic Treaty

On 23^rd June, 2022, the 1959 Antarctic Treaty celebrated its 61^st anniversary. It remains the only example of a single treaty that governs a whole continent.

Important Provisions: Article IV, which effectively seeks to neutralise territorial sovereignty in Antarctica.

• No formal recognition was given to any of the seven territorial claims on the continent
• The treaty put a freeze on any disputes between claimants over their territories on the continent.
• Claimants agreed to abide by the rules and obligations of the treaty, which meant countries that don’t recognise claims (such as China and Russia) are free to go about scientific research and peaceful activities.