Accession
States that did not sign the treaty before it entered into force in March 1998, can join by accession. In order for a government to accede it needs to submit the treaty to its national parliament or assembly (or go through the process necessary for adherence to international agreements); and then deposit a document with the United Nations Secretary-General that declares acceptance of the treaty and undertakes its implementation.
Ratification
Ratification means confirmation or acceptance of the treaty. Countries that signed the treaty before 1 March 1999 can ratify it, while others may join by accession. Ratification involves two stages: adoption of national measures and deposition of an instrument of accession with the office of the UN Secretary-General.
Signature
The Mine Ban Treaty was open for signature from December 1997 to March 1999. Since then it has entered into force, or become binding in international law. States that have signed the treaty (i.e. signatories) are not formally bound by it until they have ratified.
States parties
These are the governments that have joined the treaty (through ratification or accession) and are bound by its obligations. We also call them member states. Those that remain outside the treaty are known as Non-State Parties or non-members.
