For example, the diplomatic agents and members of their immediate families are protected from criminal prosecution and most civil law suits.

Immunity is also provided for according to the need in the performance of duties by the diplomatic personnel. These treaties were signed by more than 160 counties the treaties gave immunity to individuals in accordance to their ranks in the diplomatic mission or consular post. This however does not imply that the diplomats have the right to show disrespect to the laws of the host country but are expected to follow the laws and regulations of the host nation.Īccording to e-Diplomat, “The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 codified most modern diplomatic and consular practices, including diplomatic immunity”. Diplomatic immunity gives the diplomat the freedom to work in foreign countries without having fully understood the laws and customs of the nation. Diplomatic immunity is a concept that was established by the Vienna conventions of 19, granting immunity to diplomats depending on their position and the amount of immunity they required to carry out their mission without fear of any legal harassment.

This law is not a new concept as it can be traced back to ancient times where messengers were allowed to cross different territories without fear of being harmed. Share this: Facebook Twitter Reddit LinkedIn WhatsAppĭiplomatic immunity is a part of international law that states that representatives of foreign governments are exempted from the jurisdiction of local courts as well as other authorities.

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