The text of the Convention was adopted at United Nations Headquarters, New York on 9 May 1992; it was open for signature at Rio de Janeiro from 4 to 14 June 1992, and thereafter at United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 20 June 1992 to 9 June 1993. By that date the Convention had received 166 signatures. The Convention entered into force on 21 March 1994. Those States that have not signed the Convention may accede to it at any time.

For those States that ratify, accept or approve the Convention or accede thereto after the date of entry into force, the Convention shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after the date of the deposit by such State of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.

This document contains information concerning dates of signature and ratification received from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as Depositary, as at 2 December 1996. The dates in the column on ratification are those of the receipt of the instrument of ratification or accession by the Depositary.

For the purpose of this document, all references to ratification include information on accession, acceptance and aproval of the Convention.