Immunity of Heads of State, Governments  and Foreign Ministers in International Law

Ansari, Mostafa Taghizadeh

Immunity of Heads of State, Governments and Foreign Ministers in International Law

Document Type : Scientific Paper

Author

Mostafa Taghizadeh Ansari

Assistant Professor Islamic Azad University - North Tehran

Abstract

International law provides, according to the 1961 Geneva Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Geneva Convention on Consular Relations, for the diplomatic and consular missions of a foreign country and their respective personnel in a host state to enjoy penal and executive immunity. There exists no specifics convention bestowing same immunities to other high-ranking political figures of a foreign country such as the Head of State, the Head of Governement, or the foreign Minister. Nevertheless a quick and overall review of international law sources leads us to conclude that such distinguished
officials also benefit from aforementioned immunities while performing the tasks within the sphere of their discretions and authority. Notwithstanding the above, no ranking official may invoke such immunities to evade persecution for acts which amount to serious breach of international law such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Keywords

Imunities

High Ranking Political Authorities

Geneva Conventions

Head of State

Head of Governemen

Foreign Minister

Genocide

War Crimes

Crimes Against Humanity

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