Privileges and immunities
Seminar: Diplomatic immunities in the digital era
29 Nov 17 - Geneva, Switzerland
Data embassies: Protecting nations in the cloud
In an era where cyber threats, natural disasters, and geopolitical instability pose risks to digital infrastructure, data embassies offer nations a secure way to protect critical information beyond th[...]
06 Mar, 2025
Global Affairs Canada: What are the lessons?
Global Affairs Canada's latest report reveals serious misconduct by diplomatic staff. With robust whistle-blower protections and strict disciplinary actions, will this change diplomatic behaviour? Les[...]
28 Jun, 2024
Reaffirming the foundations of diplomacy: The brighter side of the Mexican embassy incident
The blog discusses the breach of diplomatic premises at the Mexican Embassy in Quito involving the protection of Jorge Glas, former vice president of Ecuador. This incident challenges the long-standin[...]
08 Apr, 2024
Diplomatic immunity law and jus cogens: Can the relationship result in invalidating the VCDR or the VCCR?
Some argue that diplomatic immunity may conflict with international human rights laws, specifically jus cogens norms. The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties states that a treaty conflicting with[...]
04 Jul, 2022
State immunity: Germany revisits earlier ICJ decision and its potential ramifications for diplomatic immunity
Germany has revisited a 2012 ICJ decision regarding state immunity in relation to claims against it for WWII atrocities. The conflict arises as Italy allows claims against Germany based on its domesti[...]
04 Jul, 2022
Diplomatic immunity: The reality of the sources of the law
The sources of the law on diplomatic immunity predominantly stem from the Vienna Conventions. However, implementation of these conventions varies among common law and civil law states, leading to diff[...]
28 Jul, 2021
Are international immunities of heads of state and government officials undergoing a major change?
Heads of state and government officials' international immunities are facing potential significant changes. Recent actions by Western states, including the US and Canada, show a shift towards holding [...]
18 Jul, 2021
New perspectives on the immunity of international organisations
The text discusses sovereign immunity in international law, highlighting cases involving international organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations. It mentions a recent case against the I[...]
17 Aug, 2018
Diplomats and ‘immunity’ from the sending state
The text discusses diplomats' immunity from the sending state, exemplified by diplomats seeking refugee status in their receiving country due to fears of persecution upon returning home. Instances in [...]
24 Jul, 2018
Does diplomatic law really protect? Part two
Diplomatic law provides protection to ensure efficient diplomatic functions, not individual benefit. There is a balance needed between immunity and accountability for crimes. Domestic courts interpret[...]
06 Jun, 2014
Webinar digest: Does diplomatic law really protect?
Alan Franklins' webinar sparked discussion on whether diplomatic law is truly adhered to or frequently breached. The conversation covered Snowden's revelations, immunity interpretations, and breaches [...]
25 May, 2014
Do e-mail and e-documents have diplomatic protection?
The legal status of e-mail and e-documents in diplomatic contexts raises questions about their protection under international law. Exploring whether digital communications are afforded the same protec[...]
13 Jun, 2013
21 July 2025
2008
Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities
The text discusses the distinctions between privileges, immunities, and facilities in the context of diplomatic relations. It explains how privileges ... Read more
2002
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 auth... Read more
2000
Did diplomatic immunity exist in the ancient Near East?
The text discusses the concept of diplomatic immunity in the ancient Near East.... Read more
1999
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. W... Read more
1999
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 his... Read more
1998
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 fram... Read more
1991
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 cove... Read more
1989
Diplomatic Immunity: Principles, Practices, Problems
Diplomatic Immunity: Principles, Practices, Problems" explores the concept of diplomatic immunity, its application, and the challenges it poses.... Read more
1986
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, ... Read more
1985
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.... Read more
1973
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 cooperatio... Read more
1954
Convention on Diplomatic Asylum
The text discusses the Convention on Diplomatic Asylum.... Read more
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