16 Final Provisions Article 15 Application 1. States Parties agree that except where expressly stated in this Convention, its provisions apply to all situations of internal displacement regardless of its causes. 2. States Parties agree that nothing in this Convention shall be construed as affording legal status or legitimizing or recognizing armed groups and that its provisions are without prejudice to the individual criminal responsibility of their members under domestic or international criminal law. Article 16 Signature, ratification and membership 1. This Convention shall be open to signature, ratification or accession by Member States of the AU in accordance with their respective constitutional procedures. 2. The instruments of ratification or accession shall be deposited with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Article 17 Entry into force 1. This Convention shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the deposit of the instruments of ratification or accession_by fifteen (15) Member States. 2. The Chairperson of the AU Commission shall notify Member States of the coming into force of this Convention. Article 18 Amendment and Revision 1. States Parties may submit proposals for the amendment or revision of this Convention. 2. Proposals for amendment or revision shall be submitted, in writing, to the Chairperson of the Commission of the AU who shall transmit the same to the States Parties within thirty (30) days of receipt thereof.