Treaties - such as the ACHPR Protocol on the Right to a Nationality - only become effective when States formally express their consent to be bound. Understanding the procedural steps helps civil society actors advocate strategically for timely signature, ratification, and implementation. [17] [17]T Maluwa, Ratification of African Union Treaties by Member States: Law, Policy, and Practice Melbourne Journal of International Law (2012) https://law.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1687380/Maluwa.pdf 32