Introduction

The Antarctic Treaty is a series of 14 Articles governing the Antarctic continent, signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by 12 states, and entered into force for those states on 23 June 1961. The Original signatories of the agreement are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, the French Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of South Africa, Russia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States.

In addition to these original signatories, there are other Consultative parties and Acceding States.

Summary of the Treaty Articles

1. Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only.
2. Freedom of scientific investigations shall continue pursuant to the provisions of the Treaty.
3. Information regarding scientific programs, science personnel, and observations and data shall be exchanged between expeditions and stations.
4. No new claim, or enlargement of an existing claim, to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica shall be asserted while the present treaty is in force.
5. All nuclear explosions and radioactive waste shall be prohibited.
6. The provisions of the present Treaty shall apply to 60° South Latitude.
7. Observers, designated by each or any of the Contracting Parties, may at any time carry out inspections of the base, stations, installations, vehicles,  aircraft or ships, and shall be granted full and free access.
8. Observers and exchange personnel shall be subject to the jurisdiction of their respective country whilst in Antarctica.
9. Meetings between the Contracting Parties shall be held for the purpose of exchanging information, and consulting together on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica.
10. Each Party shall endeavor to ensure that no one engages in activities in Antarctica contrary to the purposes of the present Treaty.
11. Any disputes arising between Parties shall be settled by whatever peaceful means they deem necessary. Failing which, the matter shall be referred to the International Court of Justice. This having occurred, it does not preclude a peaceful settlement being reached by the Parties concerned.
12. The present Treaty may be modified or amended at any time by unanimous consent of the Contracting parties.
13. Each State shall ratify the present Treaty in accordance with its constitutional principles.
14. The present Treaty, done in English, French, Russian and the Spanish languages, is deposited in the archives of the United States of America