Article 33

A Contracting Party may denounce this Convention only at the end of five years from the date on which it became a Party to it, having previously given six months’ notice by notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, who shall inform the other Parties. A party which does not so exercise the right of denunciation will remain bound for further successive periods of two years and may denounce this Convention only at the end any[lees: end of any] such period, having given notice six months previously.

Denunciation shall not have the effect of releasing the Contracting Party concerned from its obligation under this Convention in respect of any act which may have been performed by it before the date upon which the denuncation became effective.

Any Contracting Party which ceases to be a Member of the Council of Europe shall under the same conditions cease to be a Party to this Convention.