The possibility of withdrawal depends on the terms of the treaty and its travaux preparatoire. It has, for example, been held that it is not possible to withdraw from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. When North Korea declared its intention to do this the Secretary-General of the United Nations, acting as registrar, said that original signatories of the ICCPR had not overlooked the possibility of explicitly providing for withdrawal, but rather had deliberately intended not to provide for it. Consequently, withdrawal was not possible. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is an example of a treaty from which it is not possible to withdraw? ANS1 the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights QSN2 What state declared its intention to withdraw from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights? ANS2 North Korea QSN3 Who, acting as registrar, informed North Korea that withdrawal was deliberately precluded by the original signatories of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights? ANS3 the Secretary-General of the United Nations QSN4 What two factors determine whether it is possible to withdraw from a treaty? ANS4 the terms of the treaty and its travaux preparatoire QSN5 The terms and travaux preparatoire of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights were both factors in determining what aspect of the treaty as it relates to North Korea's stated intentions? ANS5 The possibility of withdrawal