✨ Standard-Setting Instruments
Discover the UNESCO Conventions, Recommendations and Declarations the UK has signed-up to
Discover the UNESCO Conventions, Recommendations and Declarations the UK has signed-up to
| Standard-Setting Instrument | Standard Setting Instrument Type | Date created by UNESCO (Signed) | Date Entered into force | Type of UK deposit | Date of UK acceptance/ratification | Responsible UK Government Department | UNESCO Theme | Link to text |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage | Convention | 2003 | 20/04/2006 | Not Accepted | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=17716&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | ||
| Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage | Convention | 2001 | 02/01/2009 | Not Accepted | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13520&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html#ENTRY | ||
| Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education | Convention | 2019 | Not Accepted | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=49557&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |||
| Agreement on the Importation of Educational, Scientific and Cultural Materials, with Annexes A to E and Protocol annexes | Convention | 1950 | 03/11/1954 | Ratification | 11/3/1954 | Department for Education | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=12074&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Convention concerning the International Exchange of Publications. Paris | Convention | 1958 | 06/01/1961 | Acceptance | 1/6/1961 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15395&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Convention concerning the Exchange of Official Publications and Government Documents between States | Convention | 1958 | 06/01/1961 | Acceptance | 1/6/1961 | Intellectual Property Office/ Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13036&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Convention against Discrimination in Education | Convention | 1960 | Ratification | 14/03/1962 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=12949&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations | Convention | 1961 | Ratification | 30/10/1963 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13645&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Protocol Instituting a Conciliation and Good Offices Commission to be Responsible for Seeking the Settlement of any Disputes which may Arise between States Parties to the Convention against Discrimination in Education | Convention | 1962 | 01/08/1964 | Acceptance | 8/1/1964 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15321&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Universal Copyright Convention as revised on 24 July 1971, with Appendix Declaration relating to Article XVII and Resolution concerning Article XI. Paris | Convention | 1971 | Ratification | 19/05/1972 | Intellectual Property Office | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15241&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Protocol 1 annexed to the Universal Copyright Convention as revised on 24 July 1971 concerning the application of that Convention to work of stateless persons and refugees | Convention | 1971 | Ratification | 19/05/1972 | Intellectual Property Office | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=17446&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Protocol 2 annexed to the Universal Copyright Convention as revised on 24 July 1971 concerning the application of that Convention to works of certain international organizations | Convention | 1971 | Ratification | 19/05/1972 | Intellectual Property Office | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15239&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms against Unauthorized Duplication of their Phonograms | Convention | 1971 | 12/05/1972 | Ratification | 5/12/1972 | Intellectual Property Office | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13646&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat | Convention | 1971 | 01/05/1976 | Ratification | 5/1/1976 | Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs | Science | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15398&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Protocol to the Agreement on the Importation of Educational, Scientific and Cultural Materials, with Annexes A to H | Convention | 1976 | 06/09/1982 | Ratification | 9/6/1982 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15224&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Protocol to amend the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat | Convention | 1982 | Ratification | 19/04/1984 | Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs | Science | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15401&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage | Convention | 1972 | Ratification | 29/05/1984 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | https://whc.unesco.org/en/convention/ | |
| Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region | Convention | 1979 | Ratification | 22/10/1985 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13516&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Protocol to amend articles 6 and 7 of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat | Convention | 1987 | Ratification | 27/06/1990 | Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs | Science | https://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/regina_amendments_e.pdf | |
| Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property | Convention | 1970 | 08/01/2002 | Acceptance | 1/8/2002 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13039&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region | Convention | 1997 | Ratification | 23/05/2003 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13522&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| International Convention against Doping in Sport | Convention | 2005 | Ratification | 25/04/2006 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information/Social and Human Sciences | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=31037&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions | Convention | 2005 | 12/07/2007 | Ratification | 7/12/2007 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=31038&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict with Regulations for the Execution of the Convention | Convention | 1954 | 09/12/2017 | Ratification | 12/9/2017 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13637&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict | Convention | 1954 | 09/12/2017 | Accession | 12/9/2017 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15391&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Second Protocol to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict | Convention | 1999 | 09/12/2017 | Accession | 12/9/2017 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=15207&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Recommendation concerning the preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage including in digital form | Recommendation | 2015 | Agreed | 17/11/2015 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=49358&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation on adult learning and education | Recommendation | 2015 | Agreed | 13/11/2015 | Department for Education | Education | http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002451/245179e.pdf | |
| Recommendation concerning technical and vocational education and training (TVET) | Recommendation | 2015 | Agreed | 13/11/2015 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=49355&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the protection and promotion of museums and collections, their diversity and their role in society | Recommendation | 2015 | Agreed | 17/11/2015 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=49357&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape, including a glossary of definitions | Recommendation | 2011 | 11/10/2011 | Agreed | 10/11/2011 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=48857&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Recommendation concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace | Recommendation | 2003 | Agreed | 15/10/2015 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=17717&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel | Recommendation | 1997 | 11/11/1997 | Agreed | 11/11/1997 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13144&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Recommendation on the Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Education | Recommendation | 1993 | Agreed | 13/11/1993 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13142&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation on the Safeguarding of Traditional Culture and Folklore | Recommendation | 1989 | Agreed | 15/11/1989 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13141&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Revised Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of Statistics on the Production and Distribution of Books, Newspapers and Periodicals | Recommendation | 1964 | 11/01/1985 | Agreed | 1/11/1985 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13146&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist | Recommendation | 1980 | Agreed | 27/10/1980 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13138&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images | Recommendation | 1980 | Agreed | 27/10/1980 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information/Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13139&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of Statistics on the Public Financing of Cultural Activities | Recommendation | 1980 | Agreed | 27/10/1980 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13140&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Revised Recommendation concerning International Competitions in Architecture and Town Planning | Recommendation | 1978 | Agreed | 27/11/1978 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13134&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of Statistics on Science and Technology | Recommendation | 1978 | Agreed | 27/11/1978 | Science | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13135&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | ||
| Revised Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of Educational Statistics | Recommendation | 1978 | Agreed | 27/11/1978 | Department for Education | Science | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13136&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation for the Protection of Movable Cultural Property | Recommendation | 1978 | Agreed | 28/11/1978 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13137&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation on the Legal Protection of Translators and Translations and the Practical Means to improve the Status of Translators | Recommendation | 1976 | Agreed | 22/11/1976 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13089&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of Statistics on Radio and Television | Recommendation | 1976 | Agreed | 22/11/1976 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13092&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation on Participation by the People at Large in Cultural Life and their Contribution to It | Recommendation | 1976 | Agreed | 26/11/1976 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13097&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the International Exchange of Cultural Property | Recommendation | 1976 | Agreed | 26/11/1976 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13132&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the Safeguarding and Contemporary Role of Historic Areas | Recommendation | 1976 | Agreed | 26/11/1976 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13133&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms | Recommendation | 1974 | Agreed | 19/11/1974 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13088&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the Protection, at National Level, of the Cultural and Natural Heritage | Recommendation | 1972 | Agreed | 16/11/1972 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13087&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of Library Statistics | Recommendation | 1970 | Agreed | 13/11/1970 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13086&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the Preservation of Cultural Property Endangered by Public or Private works | Recommendation | 1968 | 11/10/1968 | Agreed | 10/11/1968 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13085&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers | Recommendation | 1966 | 10/05/1966 | Agreed | 5/10/1966 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13084&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of Statistics Relating to Book Production and Periodicals | Recommendation | 1964 | Agreed | 19/11/1964 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information/Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13068&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Export, Import and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property | Recommendation | 1964 | Agreed | 19/11/1964 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13083&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation concerning the Safeguarding of Beauty and Character of Landscapes and Sites | Recommendation | 1962 | 12/11/1962 | Agreed | 11/12/1962 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13067&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Recommendation concerning the Most Effective Means of Rendering Museums Accessible to Everyone | Recommendation | 1960 | Agreed | 14/12/1960 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13063&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation against Discrimination in Education | Recommendation | 1960 | Agreed | 14/12/1960 | Department for Education | Education | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13065&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Recommendation on International Principles Applicable to Archaeological Excavations | Recommendation | 1956 | 12/05/1956 | Agreed | 5/12/1956 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13062&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Declaration of Ethical Principles in relation to Climate Change | Declaration | 2017 | 13/11/2017 | Agreed | 13/11/17 | Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy | Social and Human Sciences | http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0026/002601/260129e.pdf |
| Revised International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport | Declaration | 2015 | 17/11/2015 | Agreed | 17/11/15 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Social and Human Sciences | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13150&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights | Declaration | 2005 | Agreed | 19/10/2005 | Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy | Science | http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001461/146180E.pdf | |
| UNESCO Declaration concerning the Intentional Destruction of Cultural Heritage | Declaration | 2003 | Agreed | 17/10/2003 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=17718&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| International Declaration on Human Genetic Data | Declaration | 2003 | Agreed | 16/10/2003 | Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy | Social and Human Sciences/Science | http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001361/136112e.pdf | |
| Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage | Declaration | 2003 | Agreed | 15/10/2003 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information/Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=17721&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity | Declaration | 2001 | 11/02/2001 | Agreed | 2/11/2001 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13179&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |
| Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights | Declaration | 1997 | 11/11/1997 | Agreed | 11/11/1997 | Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy | Social and Human Sciences | http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001229/122990eo.pdf |
| Declaration on the Responsibilities of the Present Generations Towards Future Generations | Declaration | 1997 | 11/12/1997 | Agreed | 12/11/1997 | Social and Human Sciences | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13178&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Declaration of Principles on Tolerance | Declaration | 1995 | Agreed | 16/11/1995 | Department for Education | Social and Human Sciences | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13175&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice | Declaration | 1978 | Agreed | 27/11/1978 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Social and Human Sciences | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13161&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Declaration on Fundamental Principles concerning the Contribution of the Mass Media to Strengthening Peace and International Understanding, to the Promotion of Human Rights and to Countering Racialism, apartheid and incitement to war | Declaration | 1978 | Agreed | 28/11/1978 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13176&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Declaration of Guiding Principles on the Use of Satellite Broadcasting for the Free Flow of Information, the Spread of Education and Greater Cultural Exchange | Declaration | 1972 | Agreed | 15/11/1972 | Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport | Communication and Information | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=17518&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html | |
| Declaration of Principles of International Cultural Co-operation | Declaration | 1966 | 11/04/1966 | Agreed | 4/11/1966 | Culture | http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13147&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |