Treaties play a central role in the formation and functioning of International Law. They are one of the primary sources of international legal obligations and serve as written agreements that bind states and other international actors to specific rules, principles, and responsibilities. Here’s a detailed explanation of their role: 1. Definition of a Treaty: A treaty is a formal, written agreement between two or more states or international entities that is governed by international law. It can be known by various names such as convention, protocol, covenant, pact, or agreement. 2. Legal Binding Force: Once ratified, treaties create legally binding obligations for the parties involved. These obligations must be carried out in good faith as per the principle of pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept), which is a foundational norm in international law. 3. Codification of International Norms: Treaties are used to codify customary international law and help clarify vague or unwritten norms. For example, the Geneva Conventions codify humanitarian rules applicable during armed conflict. 4. Facilitating International Cooperation: Treaties are crucial for cooperation on global issues like: Climate change (e.g., Paris Agreement) Trade (e.g., World Trade Organization agreements) Human rights (e.g., International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) Disarmament (e.g., Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) They create structured frameworks for states to work together while respecting mutual rights and responsibilities. 5. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes: Treaties often include dispute resolution mechanisms, such as international arbitration or referral to international courts (like the International Court of Justice), helping prevent conflict between nations. 6. Basis for International Organizations: Many international organizations (like the United Nations, WTO, or WHO) are themselves established through founding treaties or charters. These instruments define the structure, authority, and functions of the organizations. 7. Evolution of International Law: Treaties are dynamic tools that allow the development of international law in response to changing global needs. Amendments, protocols, and new treaties allow international law to adapt over time. Conclusion: Treaties are fundamental building blocks of International Law. They create binding rules, promote cooperation, codify legal standards, and offer mechanisms for peaceful interaction among states. Their observance is essential for maintaining legal order and stability in the international community.

Role of Treaties in International Law :      Primary Source of International Law  Through Article 38(1)(a) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice treaties achieve principal status as international legal sources. The legal norms along with obligations which states voluntarily accept find their establishment through treaties.     Facilitating International Cooperation  The treaties establish clear structures which enable states to co-operate for trade purposes alongside defense agreements and environmental protections and human rights observance. The agreements between governments allow states to work together for collective purposes and tackle universal problems.     Establishing International Organizations  Conditions of formation and operation for numerous international organizations emerge from the treaties they establish. The United Nations Charter functions as a multilateral treaty that established the organization through precise definitions of its principles and operational elements.     Promoting Peace and Security  The resolution of conflicts depends on peace treaties and arms control agreements because these instruments help stop hostilities from getting worse. International stability relies upon them because they establish legal boundaries for state conduct.     Conclusion  International legal functions entirely depend on the existence of treaties. States must follow binding requirements through treaties that allow these instruments to support mutual cooperation and peacekeep efforts while forming legal structures for international organizational frameworks. Treaties create substantive contributions to international law development and enforcement through their formulation of approved rules and norms.