Inviolability of Residence and Property

Subject(s):

Diplomatic immunity — Diplomatic missions — Diplomatic relations — Right to liberty of movement

This chapter looks into Article 30 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which deals with the inviolability of a diplomatic agent’s residence and property. Under Article 30, the private residence of a diplomatic agent shall enjoy the same inviolability and protection as the premises of the mission. The agent’s papers, correspondence, and property shall likewise enjoy inviolability except as provided in Article 31.3. The chapter elaborates the scope of the inviolability in terms of private residences, papers and correspondence, property, and also exchange control. In addition, it also discusses the removal or towing away of motor vehicles of the diplomatic agent.