Book II Diplomatic and Consular Relations, 9 Consular Access and Protection

Subject(s):

Consular relations — Consulates — Diplomatic missions — Diplomatic relations — Diplomatic privileges — Diplomatic protection — Governments

This chapter continues the discussion on consuls from the previous, this time focusing on access to consuls and consular protection. For many States there has in recent years been enormous growth in the demand for consular protection as businesses increasingly set up subsidiaries and branches overseas and individuals travel abroad. National laws vary greatly not only on such obvious matters as dress and the public consumption of alcohol but also on driving and road safety, photography of sites of cultural or security interest, and entitlement to social benefits and to police protection. In consequence, it is easy for the unwary traveller to contravene local laws and to be arrested and detained in police custody without knowledge even of the language, far less of how to secure the services of an interpreter or competent legal representation. Hence assistance from a consular staff becomes necessary.