What are the two types of treaties known in international law?

The distinction between self-executing and non-self-executing treaties is fundamental in international law. A self-executing treaty is one that does not require any additional domestic legislation to take effect; it automatically becomes part of the domestic legal system upon ratification. This means that individuals can directly invoke the treaty in court.

In contrast, a non-self-executing treaty requires implementing legislation to be fully effective domestically. Therefore, these treaties cannot be directly enforced by individuals in a court until the necessary laws are enacted by the respective legislative body.

Understanding this classification is essential for asylum officers, as it influences how international obligations are integrated into domestic law and the potential for individuals to seek legal recourse based on those treaties. The distinction also impacts the rights of individuals and the responsibilities of the state in enforcing international commitments.