Conventions are legally binding international agreements that are negotiated by governments. Conventions are also known as treaties, protocols, covenants, or pacts, among other terms. When States ratify them, they agree to abide by their content and they fall under the scrutiny of the international community and sometimes specially designated bodies if they fail to do so. The United Nations have adopted several convention providing for the rights of people with disabilities, women and children and they are currently reflecting on the need for a new convention for older people.
