1. What is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations?
• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international agreement that codifies crucial aspects of international law. It serves as a framework for diplomacy between independent countries and outlines diplomatic immunity privileges.
2. What are the primary functions defined by the Vienna Convention for diplomatic missions?
• The Vienna Convention emphasizes the efficient performance of diplomatic missions, including representation, protection of interests, negotiation, ascertaining and reporting on-ground developments, and promoting friendly relations among nations.
3. When was the Vienna Convention adopted and how many countries are parties to it?
• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations was adopted on April 18, 1961, and came into effect on April 24, 1964. Currently, 193 states are parties to the convention.
4. What is diplomatic immunity, and why is it emphasized in the Vienna Convention?
• Diplomatic immunity is a privilege granted to diplomats to ensure the efficient functioning of diplomatic missions. It protects diplomats from legal jurisdiction in the host country and is essential for maintaining peaceful relations between nations.
5. What is Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention, and how is it relevant to the India-Canada controversy?
• Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention allows the receiving State to require that the size of a diplomatic mission be kept within reasonable limits. This article was invoked by India in the India-Canada controversy regarding the size of diplomatic missions.
6. What is Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, and what does it concern?
• Article 9 of the Vienna Convention deals with diplomatic officials considered persona non grata by the receiving country. It allows the receiving State to declare diplomats as persona non grata without having to explain its decision, and the sending State must recall the concerned diplomats. Persona non grata means an unacceptable or unwelcome individual. This article allows the receiving State to declare diplomats as persona non grata without having to explain its decision, and the sending State must recall the concerned diplomats.
These FAQs provide an overview of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and its relevance in the recent India-Canada diplomatic issue.
