Abuse of diplomatic immunity in bilateral relations: a critique on the vienna convention on diplomatic relations, 1961

Abstract

This study examines the abuse of diplomatic immunity and privileges. This study further gives an analysis ofthe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which has been ratified by many states. The Convention is established to govern the diplomatic relations. The study establishes the fact that diplomacy has been in existence before the adoption of the VCDR. The study notes the fact that the provisions in the VCDR has contributed to the abuse of diplomatic immunity and privileges. The hierarchy of norms is also brought into the lime light as to whether the immunity granted to diplomatic agent should be giving paramount interest to human rights of the citizens of the host state.The study notes that there have been challenges in implementing the VCDR due to the contradiction in the provisions in the Convention. The underlying theory which is the theory of functional necessity is stipulated in the preamble as the fundamental basis ofthe immunity granted to diplomats, it has been noted in this study that this theory has not been upheld in practice. In establishing the weaknesses attributed to the Convention as well as establishing the fact that an abuse has happened, the theory of functional necessity was used as a guide. Various case studies were used to highlight the abuse ofdiplomatic immunity as well as the challenges in implementing the Vienna convention. The paper further notes the fact that the persona non grata and the waver of immunity provided in the VCDR do not serve as a form of deterrence to other abuses, hence a need to include other stringent provisions to deter the abuse of diplomatic immunity.