Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is the treaty that sets out the rules governing relations between states through embassies and diplomats. It codified centuries of customary practice, stating that diplomatic missions are inviolable, that host countries must protect them, and that diplomats are immune from arrest and from the host state's courts. It also allows a state to declare a diplomat persona non grata and so require their departure. The convention was drawn up at a UN conference in Vienna and entered into force in 1964. It has been accepted by almost every country in the world and is regarded as one of the most successful treaties in international law, although it has been tested by cases of embassy seizures and abuse of immunity.

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