Definitions

Subject(s):

Diplomatic immunity — Diplomatic missions — Diplomatic relations — Diplomatic privileges

This chapter examines Article 1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which defines some of the key terms used in the Convention. The article specifically defines nine terms—(a) head of the mission; (b) members of the mission; (c) members of the staff; (d) members of the diplomatic staff; (e) diplomatic agent; (f) members of the administrative and technical staff; (g) members of the service staff; (h) private servant; and (i) premises of the mission. Definitions (a) to (h) of the Article that concern the various categories of persons whose appointment, privileges, and immunities are prescribed by the Convention are almost entirely formal in character. The last definition, definition (i) premises of the mission, is objective. According to the International Law Commission on their 1958 draft, premises include the buildings or parts of buildings used for the purposes of the mission.