Yellow banner with pen and letters

Author: Geoff Berridge

The system of privileges and immunities applicable to the international organisations in Switzerland and to the permanent foreign delegations in Geneva

2002

Amadeo Perez is Legal Adviser to the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the International Organisations in Geneva, and this booklet is therefore authoritative. It is a revised edition of an article published in the UNITAR Employment Guide by Jean-Pierre Vettovaglia in 1991. As will thus be clear, it is designed to provide a non-legalistic description of its subject for new members of the Geneva diplomatic corps, specifically, those on the staff of the international organizations headquartered there as well as those attached to the permanent missions accredited to them.
1559241540702.jpg
It achieves this aim very comfortably, notably by spelling out with great clarity the different privileges available to different categories of staff, and should be carried in the hand-luggage of every diplomat newly arriving in Geneva. However, students of diplomatic law will also find the booklet useful, not least because of its good bibliography. The final chapter on ‘The “Diplomatic” Institutions’ also provides a useful introduction to the comparatively recent efforts of the Swiss Confederation and the Republic and canton of Geneva to smooth the relations between the Geneva authorities and citizens on the one hand, and its large community of diplomats on the other. It would be interesting to know a great deal more about the Mediator, the Geneva Welcome Center, and the Diplomatic Committee, and perhaps in any new edition Mr Perez could provide some guidance to further reading on these subjects – if there is any.

You may also be interested in

Convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against internationally protected persons, including diplomatic agents

The Convention defines internationally protected persons and outlines crimes against them, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and cooperation among States for the punishment of such crimes. Jurisdiction, extradition, fair treatment of offenders, and mutual assistance in criminal proceedings are also addressed within the Convention.

E-diplomacy and Diplomatic Law in the Internet Era

Peacetime Regime for State Activities in Cyberspace (ed by Katharine Ziolkowski) covers in a multi-disciplinary approach the technical, legal, policy and diplomacy aspects of State activities in cyberspace during peacetime. It consists of 23 chapters of academic nature, elaborated by 24 authors specialised in the respective areas of expertise. Diplo's Dr Jovan Kurbalija contributed this chapter on E-diplomacy and Diplomatic Law in the Internet Era.

american-journal-of-international-law.jpg

The Abuse of Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities: Recent United Kingdom Experience

The abuse of diplomatic privileges and immunities has been an issue in the United Kingdom recently, leading to concerns and consequences.

41tgbXOaL._SX332_BO1204203200_.jpg

The History of Diplomatic Immunity

A thorough and extensive book on diplomatic immunity covering Western tradition, the Ottoman Empire, and the Far East. It provides a comprehensive historical overview, but its heavy reliance on examples and cases sometimes clouds key ideas. The authors occasionally overemphasize reciprocity's role in diplomatic relations, overlooking other significant factors. The book also paints a bleak picture of late 20th-century diplomacy, neglecting positive aspects like the strengthening of the international system. Despite some flaws, the reviewer recommends it to students.

610kffktb2L.jpg

The Law of Nations or Principles of the Law of Nature Applied to the Conduct and Affairs of Nations and Sovereigns

The Law of Nations discusses principles of law applied to nations and sovereigns, guiding their conduct and affairs.

law.png

Convention on Diplomatic Asylum

The text discusses the Convention on Diplomatic Asylum.

415lDKYHRVL._SX335_BO1204203200_.jpg

Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 3rd ed

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is a crucial treaty that governs diplomatic relations between states. It outlines the privileges and immunities granted to diplomats, ensuring their ability to carry out their duties effectively. This treaty plays a vital role in maintaining peaceful international relations and facilitating communication between nations. Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 3rd ed. provides valuable insights into the interpretation and application of this convention, offering guidance to diplomats, legal practitioners, and sc...

51JR8jonNeL.jpg

The International Law Commission 1949-1998. Vol. One: The Treaties, Part I

This first volume of a three-volume set is - price apart - a marvellous text for any student of diplomatic and consular law. Four of its seven chapters fall under these heads: ch. 3, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961; ch. 4, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963; ch. 5, the Convention on Special Missions, 1969; and ch. 7, the (unratified) Vienna Convention on the Representation of States in their Relations with International Organizations of a Universal Character, 1975.

613nR3rF2rL.jpg

The History of Diplomatic Immunity

This is a massive book in more than one sense. It is over 700 pages long, including an invaluable bibliography which itself stretches over 70 pages. While dwelling chiefly on the Western tradition, it also takes in the Ottoman Empire and the Far East.

31Wc9HHPtNL._SX313_BO1204203200_.jpg

Consular Law and Practice, 3rd ed

First published in 1961, Consular Law and Practice is a classic work of great interest and practical use to diplomats, consuls, and international lawyers.

outrage.jpg

Outrage: Diplomatic Immunity

The piece discusses the abuse of diplomatic immunity by foreign officials to evade legal consequences for serious crimes committed in host countries, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in these situations.

51-UuUjBGiL._SY291_BO1204203200_QL40_ML2_.jpg

Satow’s Diplomatic Practice, 6th ed

Satow's Diplomatic Practice, 6th ed., is a vital resource for diplomats with updated information on diplomacy history, diplomatic and international law, and the effect of modern changes on diplomatic work, including terrorism. This edition covers the evolution of diplomacy since the Cold War, the rise of new diplomatic practices, and the increased number of states and international organizations. The book details diplomatic privileges, missions, and consular matters, making it essential for those involved in diplomacy.

ModernDiplomacy.jpeg

A diplomatic analogy: International functionaries and their privileges

Although many have grappled with the question of what privileges and immunities international officials should enjoy, no satisfactory theoretical framework has evolved. This paper discusses how the issue evolved over time, how extensive the problem is and why the response been so ineffectual and the resolution been so intractable.

download-3.jpg

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations outlines the standard practices and principles governing diplomatic missions and their personnel, aiming to foster effective communication and cooperation among nations. Key aspects include the immunity of diplomats from the host country's jurisdiction, the inviolability of diplomatic missions, and the duty to respect the laws and customs of the host country. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for maintaining international peace and stability.

download-3.jpg

Draft Articles on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and their Property

Text adopted by the Commission at its forty-third session, in 1991, and submitted to the General Assembly as a part of the Commission’s report covering the work of that session. The report, which also contains commentaries on the draft articles, appears in Yearbook of the International Law Commission, 1991, vol. II

189848_144542612275467_5364836_n.jpg

Convention on Diplomatic Officers

The message will detail about the Convention on Diplomatic Officers.

Groot.gif

Carry on, Excellencies!

The latest piece of EU legislation on air transport security seems at first sight to contradict a wellestablished principle of diplomatic law, the freedom of diplomatic communication.

31pXwtc0KOL.jpg

Consular Law and Practice, 2nd edn

The author of this book is a member of the US State Department's Senior Executive Service, Chairman of the International Law Association Committee on the Legal Status of Refugees, and Adjunct Professor of Law at the American University. It is not a new book but is still available on demand from OUP (when you look at the price, though, who is holding the pistols is a moot point). The first edition was published in 1961, shortly before consular law was codified in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), and the method of the second edition is correspondingly different in emphasis - d...

978-94-011-8792-3.jpg

A Diplomat’s Handbook of International Law and Practice

The following text outlines guidelines for diplomats on international law and practice.

51JXdzdvNFL._SX302_BO1204203200_.jpg

The Diplomatic Corps as an Institution of International Society

The Diplomatic Corps is an institution that plays a crucial role in international society by facilitating communication and negotiation between different countries. It serves as a bridge between nations, fostering peaceful resolutions to conflicts and promoting cooperation on global issues. Diplomats are trained professionals who represent their countries' interests abroad and work to build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Through their diplomatic efforts, the Diplomatic Corps helps maintain stability and promote diplomacy in the international arena.

Diplomacy_and-Technology_illustration_1200x628_Prehistory.png

Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities

The text discusses the distinctions between privileges, immunities, and facilities in the context of diplomatic relations. It explains how privileges exempt diplomats from certain laws, while immunities protect them from legal processes in the receiving state. Diplomatic facilities are provided to aid in the duties of diplomatic missions. The history of diplomatic privileges and immunities is traced from ancient times to modern diplomacy, highlighting the role these concepts play in international relations. The text also touches on the evolution of diplomatic practices, from the Renaissance to...

978-94-015-0937-4.jpg

The Diplomatic Kidnappings: A Revolutionary Tactic of Urban Terrorism

The article discusses how diplomatic kidnappings have become a tactic of urban terrorism within revolutions, targeting diplomats to exert pressure on governments. Diplomats are seen as valuable assets by their home countries, making their abduction a powerful tool to achieve political objectives.

41IpJC9CkdL._SY291_BO1204203200_QL40_FMwebp_.webp

Diplomatic Immunity: Principles, Practices, Problems

Diplomatic Immunity: Principles, Practices, Problems" explores the concept of diplomatic immunity, its application, and the challenges it poses.

coverimage-_2_.jpg

Did diplomatic immunity exist in the ancient Near East?

The text discusses the concept of diplomatic immunity in the ancient Near East.

Manuel-de-droit-diplomatique.png

Manuel de droit diplomatique

This text is the first chapter of the "Manuel de droit diplomatique," a comprehensive guide on diplomatic law.

1559241540702.jpg

The system of privileges and immunities applicable to the international organisations in Switzerland and to the permanent foreign delegations in Geneva

Amadeo Perez is Legal Adviser to the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the International Organisations in Geneva, and this booklet is therefore authoritative. It is a revised edition of an article published in the UNITAR Employment Guide by Jean-Pierre Vettovaglia in 1991. As will thus be clear, it is designed to provide a non-legalistic description of its subject for new members of the Geneva diplomatic corps, specifically, those on the staff of the international organizations headquartered there as well as those attached to the permanent missions accredited to them.

download-3.jpg

Vienna Convention on Consular Relations

The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations is an international treaty that governs the treatment of consular relations between states. It ensures that consular officers can perform their duties effectively and provides guidelines for consular notification and access for individuals detained in foreign countries. The convention also outlines the privileges and immunities granted to consular officers to facilitate their work and protect their independence. Overall, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations aims to promote friendly relations between states and enhance cooperation in consular m...