International Convention against Doping in Sport

The Convention was adopted during the 19th General Conference of UNESCO in 2005 and entered into force on 1 February 2007. The Convention is now the second most ratified of all UNESCO treaties.

The Convention helps to formalize global anti-doping rules, policies and guidelines in order to provide an honest and equitable playing environment for all athletes, and also helps to ensure the effectiveness of the World Anti-Doping Code.  There is a degree of flexibility as to how governments can give effect to the Convention, either by way of legislation, regulation, policies or administrative practices;  however signatory governments are required to take specific actions such as restricting the  availability of prohibited substances or methods to athletes, including measures against trafficking.