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Chapter 6: Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

Chapter 6: Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

pp. 76-87

Authors

Edited by Jan Klabbers, University of Helsinki
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Summary

500 UNTS 95

Concluded: 18 April 1961

In force: 24 April 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 as follows:

Article 1

For the purpose of the present Convention, the following expressions shall have the meanings hereunder assigned to them:

  • (a)The “head of the mission” is the person charged by the sending State with the duty of acting in that capacity;

  • (b)The “members of the mission” are the head of the mission and the members of the staff of the mission;

  • (c)The “members of the staff of the mission” are the members of the diplomatic staff, of the administrative and technical staff and of the service staff of the mission;

  • (d)The “members of the diplomatic staff” are the members of the staff of the mission having diplomatic rank;

  • (e)A “diplomatic agent” is the head of the mission or a member of the diplomatic staff of the mission;

  • (f)The “members of the administrative and technical staff” are the members of the staff of the mission employed in the administrative and technical service of the mission;

  • (g)The “members of the service staff” are the members of the staff of the mission in the domestic service of the mission;

  • (h)A “private servant” is a person who is in the domestic service of a member of the mission and who is not an employee of the sending State;

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