Text and History

For the full text of the Convention click here. The text is also available in the following languages:

• French
• Spanish

The following unofficial translations are also available:

• Dutch
• German

Brief overview of the most important provisions (PDF)

Historical Overview

• Working Group on the Drafting of the Convention - Overview of the main discussions 1980-1990
• Article by Juhani Lönnroth, Member of the Working Group on the Drafting of the Convention, IMR, Volume 25, Winter 1991
• 45th session of the UN General Assembly, 1990: Adoption of resolution A/RES/45/158 (UN MW Convention) and the voting results