DiplomaticImmunity

What is Diplomacy?• Art or science of managing international

relations

• Politicians establish a country’s foreign policy and diplomacy achieves it

• Diplomacy fosters co-operation between countries through negotiation

• May involve coercive measures and in volatile situations, may result in war

Hockey – an effective diplomatic tool?

What is Diplomatic Immunity?• Diplomats in foreign countries are

shielded from the laws of the host country in which they reside.

• If the host country is unhappy with a diplomat for any reason…

1. Declare him/her persona non grata (expel the diplomat)– could jeopardize relationship between 2

countries– home country may recall the diplomat if it

believes diplomat is about to face expulsion (avoid embarrassment) - article

2. Request a waive of Diplomatic Immunity– The receiving country may ask that a

diplomat’s immunity be waived, but the sending country is not obliged to accommodate that request

– Won't waive immunity of 'wife-beater' diplomat: India to UK

Diplomatic Immunity Cases

• Andrei Knyazev – Russian diplomat living in Ottawa

Some interesting questions…• Is Diplomatic Immunity really necessary?

• Should it be waived in cases involving death?

• Should Diplomatic Immunity extend to the diplomat’s family?