Definition

Diplomatic Immunity (European Union and International Law) (Fr. immunité diplomatique, Ro. imunitate diplomatica, Tr. diplomatik dokunulmazlık, Gr. διπλωματική ασυλία) (see also extraterritoriality, immunity, sovereign immunity ) = one of the main principles of international law, which usually does not allow, sometimes limits the application of jurisdiction of the country of assignment to certain foreign official representatives and diplomatic personnel. The concept of immunity was recognized by most communities and states since ancient times.  The most modern rules concerning diplomatic immunity are set forth in the 1961 Vienna Convention and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations which has been agreed upon by 187 nations.

 

Useful links:

Legislation (International Treaties)

https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/1964/06/19640624%2002-10%20AM/Ch_III_3p.pdf  (Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961) – (English)

http://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_2_1963.pdf (Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963) – (English)

(US-UN Headquarters Agreement

https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%2011/volume-11-I-147-English.pdf 1947 and the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the U.N.

http://www.un.org/en/ethics/pdf/convention.pdf 1946 ) - (English)

(Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the U.N.

http://www.un.org/en/ethics/pdf/convention.pdf 1946 ) - (English)

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A12012E%2FPRO%2F07 - Protocol (No 7) on the privileges and immunities of the European Union

https://rm.coe.int/16800730b1 - European Convention on State Immunity – 1972

Organisations and associations

http://www.un.org – United Nations

https://europa.eu – European Union

https://www.government.nl/topics/embassies-consulates-and-other-representations/diplomatic-immunity - Government of Netherlands

https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/150546.pdf - UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF FOREIGN MISSIONS

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/F-29.4/page-2.html - Government of Canada

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/the-ministry-and-its-network/protocol/immunities/ - French Government

Case law

UNITED KINGDOM

https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uksc-2015-0063-judgment.pdf Benkharbouche (Respondent) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Appellant) and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Libya (Appellants) v Janah (Respondent)

https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uksc-2016-0023-judgment.pdf Reyes (Appellant/Cross-Respondent) v Al-Malki and another (Respondents/Cross-Appellants)

EUROPEAN UNION

https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/new-zealand/48805/statement-eu-spokesperson-accusations-about-eu-diplomat-nz_en - Statement - English

Online publications

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2018/10/23/when-it-comes-khashoggi-killing-erdogan-holds-double-standard-over-diplomatic-immunity/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.e379ea3c22e4 NOACK, R. When it comes to the Khashoggi killing, Erdogan holds double standard over diplomatic immunity. The Washington Post, [s. l.], 2018.

https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/media/61895/eirwen-jane_pierrot__42_.pdf - Diplomatic Immunity. Comments on the Decision No. 15J from 4 May 2017 of the Superior Council of Magistracy - Chamber for Judges in Disciplinary Affaires -  Popescu, Corneliu-Liviu. In: Analele Universitatii din Bucuresti: Seria Drept Vol 2017

Publications

Linda S. Frey, Marsha L. Frey, 1999, The History of diplomatic immunity, Columbus : Ohio State University, 1999. - English

The Harvard Law Review Association, International Law. Diplomatic Immunity. American Courts Have Jurisdiction over Real Property Claims Incident to Divorce Proceedings. Fernandez v. Fernandez, 208 Conn. 329, 545 A. 2d 1036 (1988) – English

Rudd, Jonathan L., Diplomatic Immunity - FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Feb. 2008, Vol. 77 Issue 2, p25-32. 8p. 1 Color Photograph, 1 Chart. - English

Troshynskı, E. I. Diplomatic immunity, Salem Press Encyclopedia, [s. l.], 2017. - English

Wilson, Clifton E. Tucson, 1967, Diplomatic privileges and Immunities, Arizona, The University of Arizona Press - English

McClanahan, Mark V., 1989, Diplomatic Immunity: Principles, Practices, Problems, New York: St. Martin’s Press, -  English



By Özlem Nişancıoğlu