Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States (1933)
Description
The Montevideo Convention is a multi-lateral treaty specifying the criteria under international law for statehood.
Discussion
In the early twentieth century, independent Latin American nations were without definite criteria for mutual recognition as states.
Substantive
Extracts of the Convention
Article 1
The state as a person of international law should possess the following qualifications:
- (a) a permanent population;
- (b) a defined territory;
- (c) government; and
- (d) capacity to enter into relations with the other states.
Article 2
The federal state shall constitute a sole person in the eyes of international law.
Article 8
No state has the right to intervene in the internal or external affairs of another.
Article 9
The jurisdiction of states within the limits of national territory applies to all the inhabitants.
Nationals and foreigners are under the same protection of the law and the national authorities and the foreigners may not claim rights other or more extensive than those of the nationals.