A protocol is always linked to an existing convention but is a separate and additional agreement that must be signed and ratified by the “signatory” parties to the convention. Protocols strengthen a convention, usually by adding new and more detailed commitments.
Entry into force
Entry into force
Intergovernmental agreements, including protocols and amendments, are not legally valid until ratified by a certain number of countries. For the UNFCCC creation, it took 50 countries; as for ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, at least 55 countries were required...