Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

Done at Vienna on 18 April 1961. Entered into force on 24 April 1964.

United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 500, p. 95.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 is an international treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries. It specifies the privileges and immunities of a diplomatic mission, such that diplomats may perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country. Its articles are considered to be a cornerstone and the main source of modern international relations. It has been ratified by 186 countries.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is fundamental for the conduct of foreign relations and ensures that diplomats can go through their duties without threat of influence by the host government. In particular, the Convention establishes the following:

· rules for the appointment of foreign representatives;

· the inviolability of mission premises;

· protection of the diplomat and his or her family from any form of arrest or detention;

· protection of all forms of diplomatic communication;

· the basic principle of exemption from taxation;

· immunity from civil and administrative jurisdiction, with limited exceptions;

· diplomats must respect the laws of the host state.

As it is stated in the preamble of the Convention, that rules are intended to facilitate the development of friendly relations among nations, irrespective of their differing constitutional and social systems. The purpose of such privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of diplomatic missions. The Convention requires diplomats to obey local laws; however, the only sanction permissible under the Convention, in the absence of a waiver of immunity, is expulsion. This prevents the potential abuse by local authorities of the power of a state's law enforcement system. Reciprocity also forms an effective sanction for the observance of the rules of the Convention.

The treaty was adopted on April 18, 1961, by the United Nations Conference on Diplomatic Intercourse and Immunities held in Vienna, Austria.

The Conference also adopted the Optional Protocol concerning the Acquisition of Nationality, the Optional Protocol concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes, the Final Act and four resolutions annexed to that Act. It was first implemented on April 24, 1964.

The States Parties to the present Convention, recalling that peoples of all nations from ancient times have recognized the status of diplomatic agents, having in mind the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations concerning the sovereign equality of States, the maintenance of international peace and security, and the promotion of friendly relations among nations, believing that an international convention on diplomatic intercourse, privileges and immunities would contribute to the development of friendly relations among nations, irrespective of their differing constitutional and social systems, realizing that the purpose of such privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of diplomatic missions as representing States, affirming that the rules of customary international law should continue to govern questions not expressly regulated by the provisions of the present Convention, have agreed the main following articles:

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