The Union Cabinet has recently approved the ratification of amendments to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), as detailed in the Eleventh Additional Protocol. These changes were signed off at the 27th Congress of the Universal Postal Union, which took place in Abidjan in 2021.
The Importance of the Ratification Approval
The approval of the ratification holds considerable significance. Firstly, it will empower the Department of Posts, under the Indian Government, to get the “Instrument of Ratification” endorsed by India’s Hon’ble President. The ratified document will then be deposited with the Director General of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union.
Further, the commended move is also set to fulfill the obligations that arise from Articles 25 and 30 of the UPU Constitution. These conditions necessitate member nations to ratify any amendments made to the Constitution at the earliest possible opportunity. This swift action helps resolve long-standing discrepancies in the text and make space for the ‘acceptance or approval of the Acts,’ aligned with the Vienna Conventions on Law of Treaties, 1969.
About the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties
The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties is a pivotal international agreement that oversees treaties between states. Drafted by the United Nations’ International Law Commission, it was adopted on May 23, 1969, and came into effect on January 27, 1980.
The Universal Postal Union Explained
The Universal Postal Union, or UPU, was set up following the Treaty of Bern in 1874. Its role as a specialized agency of the United Nations is to coordinate postal policies among member nations and the global postal system. The UPU is recognized as the second oldest international organization worldwide, with its headquarters situated in Bern, Switzerland.
The structure of the UPU comprises four entities – The Congress, The Council of Administration (CA), The Postal Operations Council (POC), and The International Bureau (IB). It also manages the Telematics and Express Mail Service (EMS) cooperatives.
Membership in the UPU
Any United Nations member country has the liberty to become a UPU member. Even non-member countries can join the UPU if their request gains approval from at least two-thirds of the UPU’s existing member countries.
Currently, the organization boasts 192 member countries. They play an advisory, mediating, and liaison role, while also offering technical assistance when required. The union holds responsibility for setting rules for international mail exchanges and providing recommendations that promote growth in mail, parcel, and financial services volumes. These measures aim to enhance the quality of service extended to customers. India became a member of the UPU in 1876.
