Representatives to international organizations

Diplomatic passports

Reciprocal duties of diplomats

Travel through a third state

Provided that they have the necessary visas, diplomatic agents and members of their family, whether travelling with them or separately, are entitled to inviolability and all other immunities necessary to ensure a safe journey when passing through a third state on their way to or from a post. To ensure this they should be provided by their Ministry with a letter (preferably in the language of the third state or states) giving the purpose of their journey; or with a diplomatic visa issued by a diplomatic or consular representative of that state. It is not normal for their luggage to be inspected, and the authorities should have very good reasons before doing so.

The granting of privileges and immunities by a state implies the acceptance of a high standard of responsibility and integrity on the part of the recipient. He may not interfere in the internal affairs of that state nor allow official premises to be put to any purpose other than their proper and recognized function; and he should not take advantage of his immunity from the jurisdiction of the courts to disregard its laws in such matters as motor-car accidents, speeding and parking. He is under a duty to respect these laws.

Diplomatic passports are issued by most states (but not the UK) to those of their nationals who are entitled to diplomatic immunity. They are usually taken not as evidence of entitlement to immunity (this being a function prima facie of the Diplomatic List), but as evidence of appointment only; they nevertheless often serve a useful purpose. Identity cards may be issued by the receiving state for the same purpose.

In certain cases resident (and sometimes non-resident) representatives of states to international organizations are entitled to the same privileges and immunities as diplomatic agents. Representatives to the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies normally receive a wide range of privileges and immunities under the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the similar Convention regarding the Specialized Agencies. The few most senior officers on the staffs of these organizations are entitled to the full range of diplomatic privileges and immunities (unless they are nationals or permanent residents of the receiving state); the other staff members of the organizations enjoy more limited privileges and immunities. In the case of other organizations, such matters are normally included in the Agreement establishing the organization or in an Agreement concluded between the host state and the international organization before the latter is set up. Special provisions apply in Switzerland and the USA where such organizations are numerous.

Дата добавления: 2014-12-27