Diplomatic law
From our blog
Diplomatic immunity: The reality of the sources of the law
It is generally understood that the source of the law on diplomatic immunity (DI) is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Immunity (VCDR), and the immunities of consular officers is the Vienna Convention on Consula...
Are international immunities of heads of state and government officials undergoing a major change?
18 July 2021
Diplomatic law, Diplomatic theory and practice, International relations, law and politics, Privileges and immunities
The immunities from criminal and civil liability of heads of state and senior government officials (such as the minister of foreign affairs) are set out in customary international law, not treaties or conventions; t...
COVID-19 and international investment issues for diplomats
02 June 2020
COVID-19 and Diplomacy, Diplomacy courses and workshops, Diplomatic law, Diplomatic theory and practice, International relations, law and politics, Online education
Lockdowns and other restrictions imposed by governments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused catastrophic losses to businesses. Foreign investors around the world, whose investments are protected under int...
The Sacoolas affair. Diplomatic immunity or special immunity?
12 October 2019
When the abuse of diplomatic immunity is alleged to have occurred it usually refers to diplomatic officers taking advantage of their special status under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) (VCDR)Â...
Training and courses
Events
Resources
2013
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 natur... Read more...
2012
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. ... Read more...
2011
Satow’s Diplomatic Practice, 6th ed
Satow’s Diplomatic Practice is a classic work, first published 90 years ago and revised four times since. This is the first revised edition for thirty years, during which time the world and diplomacy have changed almost beyond recognition. The new edition provide... Read more...
2008
Evolution of Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities
Excerpt from the lecture 1: Principles and concepts, evolution and instruments; Online course on Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities.... Read more...
2008
Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 3rd ed
... Read more...
2008
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.... 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 authoritative. It is a revised edition of an article published in the UNITAR Employment Guide by Jean-Pierre Vettovaglia in... Read more...