scholarly journals COVID-19 CHALLENGES TO THE CHILD ABDUCTION PROCEEDINGS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Drventić
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Access To Justice ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
International Child ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
National Competent Authorities ◽  
International Border ◽  
National Practice ◽  
Insight Into

While creating a new notion of everyday life, the COVID-19 pandemic also affects the resolution of cross-border family disputes, including the international child abduction cases. The return of an abducted child to the country of his or her habitual residence is challenged by travel restrictions, international border closures, quarantine measures, but also by closed courts or cancelled hearings. Those new circumstances that befell the whole world underline two issues considering child abduction proceedings. The first one considers access to justice in terms of a mere possibility of the applicant to initiate the return proceeding and, where the procedure is initiated, in terms of the manner of conducting the procedure. The legislation requires a quick initiation and a summary resolution of child abduction proceedings, which is crucial to ensuring the best interests and well-being of a child. This includes the obligation of the court to hear both the child and the applicant. Secondly, it is to be expected that COVID-19 will be used as a reason for child abduction and increasingly as justification for issuing non-return orders seen as a “grave risk” to the child under Article 13(1)(b) of the Child Abduction Convention. By analysing court practice from the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 to March 2021, the research will investigate how the pandemic has affected child abduction proceedings in Croatia. Available national practice of other contracting states will also be examined. The aim of the research is to evaluate whether there were obstacles in accessing the national competent authorities and courts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in which manner the courts conducted the proceedings and interpreted the existence of the pandemic in the context of the grave risk of harm exception. The analyses of Croatian and other national practices will be used to gain an overall insight into the effectiveness of the emerging guidance and suggest their possible broadening in COVID-19 circumstances or any other future crises.

Substantive and Procedural Legal Issues in Dispute Resolution Under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu.A. Marks ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Hague Convention ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
Procedural Law ◽  
International Child ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Access Rights

The article is devoted to considering cases on the return of a child or on the exercising access rights in relation to a child on the basis of the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction of 1980. The importance of cases concerning the return of a child or the exercise of access rights in respect of a child necessitates theoretical development not only of the procedural institutions, which norms regulate the examination of this category of cases by the courts, but also an analysis of the substantive aspects of disputes concerning the return of a child or the exercise of access rights in respect of a child on the basis of the 1980 Convention. According to the author, the relationship between substantive and procedural law is reflected in the principle of the best interests of the child, the subject of judicial protection, the specifics of the protection means and the subject of proof, as well as the specifics of the composition and procedural position of the persons involved in the trial of the category under study. Particular attention is paid to the tasks and powers of the central authorities established to ensure the unhindered and effective application of the 1980 Convention. It is proposed to transfer the powers of the central body in this sphere from the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. The development of the institution of mediation, including the active promotion of the expansion of mediation cooperation within the framework of interstate contacts aimed at resolving cases of the category under consideration, seems promising.

scholarly journals La construcción del concepto autónomo de residencia habitual del menor en los supuestos de sustracción internacional de menores = The construction of the autonomous concept of habitual residence of the child in the cases of international abduction of children

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 877
Author(s):  
Isabel Reig Fabado
Keyword(s):  
Best Interests ◽  
Legal Systems ◽  
Parental Responsibility ◽  
Habitual Residence ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
International Child

Resumen: La concreción de la residencia habitual del menor en los supuestos de sustracción internacional de menores ha resultado especialmente problemática por varias razones. En primer lugar por las interpretaciones divergentes que se han dado en los diferentes ordenamientos jurídicos y, en segundo término, por plantearse de manera especialmente delicada en estos supuestos en los que concurre la sustracción internacional de menores. Y, finalmente y a mayor abundamiento, por la ausencia de un concepto de residencia habitual del menor en la normativa reguladora. Probablemente, la necesidad de concretarlo, en aras al principio del interés superior del menor, en atención a criterios fácticos que, bajo el método casuístico, requiere un análisis de una serie de circunstancias ex casu. Piénsese que, en definitiva, la residencia habitual del menor se configura como criterio clave para la determinación de aspectos tan relevantes como la competencia judicial internacional, no solo en los casos de responsabilidad parental, sino y asimismo, en los supuestos de traslado o retención ilícitos de menores.Palabras clave: sustracción internacional de menores, retención ilícita, competencia judicial internacional, residencia habitual del menor, concepto autónomo, integración y adaptación, retorno inmediato, restitución.Abstract: The realization of the habitual residence of the minor in cases of international child abduction has been especially problematic for several reasons. In the first place because of the divergent interpretations that have been given in the different legal systems and, secondly, because they are considered to be particularly sensitive in these cases in which international child abduction occurs. And, finally and to a greater extent, by the absence of a concept of habitual residence of the minor in the regulatory regulations. Probably, the need to make it concrete, based on the principle of the best interests of the child, in response to factual criteria that, under the casuistic method, requires an analysis of a series of ex-casu circumstances. Think that, definitively, the habitual residence of the minor is configured as a key criterion for the determination of aspects as important as international judicial competence, not only in cases of parental responsibility, but also, in the event of illicit transfer or retention of children.Keywords: international child abduction, illegal retention, international judicial competence, habitual residence of the minor, autonomous concept, integration and adaptation, immediate return, restitution.

The Applicability of the 1980 Hague Abduction Convention in Muslim Countries: Particular Reference to the Malaysian Position

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-128
Author(s):  
Abdul Ghafur Hamid ◽  
Nora Abdul Hak ◽  
Najibah Mohd Zin ◽  
Hidayati Mohamed Jani
Keyword(s):  
Islamic Law ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
International Child ◽  
Domestic Legislation ◽  
The Hague ◽  
Areas Of Concern

Abstract In response to the increasing number of traumatic international child abduction cases, the Hague Abduction Convention (the Convention) has been adopted to secure the return of abducted children to their home country. Most Muslim countries are, however, not yet parties to the Convention. This article seeks to investigate the reason for this phenomenon, focusing in particular on the Convention’s compatibility with basic tenets of Islamic law. The article also evaluates Malaysian domestic legislation and case law in order to assess whether Malaysia is in a position to be a party to the Convention. The article finds that although there are a few areas of concern, no serious incompatibility between Shari’ah and the Convention exist, and that more dissemination is required to quash misconceptions about the Convention among Muslim countries. The article concludes with recommendations for Muslim countries in this crucial area of protecting the best interests of our children.

scholarly journals PARENTAL CHILD ABDUCTION CASES: PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

Obiter ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frans M Mahlobogwane
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Hague Convention ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
The Past ◽  
International Child ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
The Hague ◽  
The Hague Convention ◽  
Better Than

The past few decades have witnessed an unprecedented growth of child abduction cases that has generated the need for legislative framework governing such cases. This happened, after a period of uncertainty on how the courts should deal with abduction cases, as a result our South African legislature incorporated the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction Act 72 of 1996. The Act came into operation on the 01 October 1997, making the Hague Conventionapplicable in South Africa. This paper will look into the issue of prevention of parental child abduction and whether such prevention will promote the child's best interests in such cases.

scholarly journals El traslado ilícito de menores en la Unión Europea: retorno vs violencia familiar o doméstica = International child abduction in the European Union: return of the child vs domestic or family violence

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 610
Author(s):  
Isabel Reig Fabado
Keyword(s):  
Family Violence ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Hague Convention ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
International Child ◽  
The Hague ◽  
Violencia Domestica ◽  
The Hague Convention

Resumen: Cada vez resulta más habitual la concurrencia de violencia doméstica o familiar en los supuestos de sustracción internacional de menores, en los que la retención o el traslado ilícito del menor se utiliza como una vía de alejamiento. El sistema de retorno inmediato del menor del Convenio de la Haya de 1980 prevé esta circunstancia bajo la excepción de grave riesgo del artículo 13.1.b), en un marco regulador poliédrico, que se completa con el Reglamento 2201/2003, Bruselas II bis –para los traslados intracomunitarios– y con las medidas de protección previstas en el Convenio de la Haya de 1996 –entre los Estados parte– y el procedimiento del Capítulo IV bis de la LEC española. Los problemas en la aplicación práctica y la apreciación del interés superior del menor se revelan especialmente polémicos en estos supuestos, sobre todo por lo que respecta a las ejecutorias.Palabras clave: sustracción internacional de menores, violencia doméstica o familiar, retorno seguro, carácter ejecutorio, medidas de protección del menor, derecho de audiencia del menor.Abstract: The occurrence of domestic or family violence in cases of international child abduction is increasingly common, in which the detention or illegal transfer of the child is used as a means of alienation. The system of immediate return of the child of the Hague Convention of 1980 provides for this circumstance with the exception of grave risk of harm of article 13(1)(b), in a polyhedral regulatory framework, which is completed by Regulation 2201/2003, Brussels IIa –for intra-EU cases– and with the protection measures provided for in the Hague Convention of 1996 -between the States Parties- and the procedure of Chapter IV bis of the Spanish Civil Prosecution Law. Problems in the practical application and appreciation of the best interests of the child are particularly controversial in these cases.Keywords: international child abduction, domestic or family violence, safe return, enforceability, child protection measures, right of a child to be heard.

9. International Relocation and Child Abduction

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Gaffney-Rhys
Keyword(s):  
Hague Convention ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
International Relocation ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
International Child ◽  
Questions And Answers ◽  
Essay Question ◽  
The Hague ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Hague Convention

The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for tackling exam and assignment questions. Each book includes key debates, typical questions, diagram answer plans, suggested answers, author commentary and tips to gain extra marks. This chapter focuses on international relocation and child abduction. The first question is an essay question that considers the law relating to international relocation, i.e. how the English courts have dealt with applications to relocate out of the jurisdiction (e.g. Payne v Payne). The second is a problem question that requires the application of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects on International Child Abduction 1980 and the EU Regulations (BIIR), but also considers the law that applies if a child is taken to England and Wales from a country that has not ratified the Hague Convention. The final question is an essay question that considers whether the Hague Convention ensures that the child’s best interests are protected.

Protecting the Best Interests of the Child: International Child Abduction and the European Court of Human Rights

2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Keller ◽  
Corina Heri
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Hague Convention ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
European Convention ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
European Court ◽  
International Child ◽  
The Hague ◽  
Viable Approach ◽  
The Hague Convention

In its case law on international child abduction, the European Court of Human Rights (ecthr) seeks to interpret the European Convention on Human Rights (echr) in conformity with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Both instruments safeguard the best interests of abducted children, but in different ways. This article explores the progress made by the ecthr in harmonising the conflict between the Hague Convention and Article 8 echr. While the ecthr’s approach to the abducted child’s best interests in Neulinger and Shuruk v. Switzerland was met with strong criticism, the Court seems to have found a viable approach in X. v. Latvia. The ecthr’s current tactic allows it to continue its dialogue with national authorities and international bodies by imposing procedural requirements, thereby contributing to a harmonised approach appropriate to the best interests of abducted children without negatively impacting the functioning of the Hague Convention.

scholarly journals Excepciones legales al retorno del menor en los supuestos de sustracción internacional = Legal exceptions to the child’s return in international abduction situations

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 561
Author(s):  
Juan José Castelló Pastor
Keyword(s):  
Hague Convention ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
Gran Canaria ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
International Child ◽  
The Hague ◽  
The Hague Convention

Resumen: El Convenio de la Haya de 25 de octubre de 1980 sobre los Aspectos Civiles de la Sustracción Internacional de Menores prevé un sistema de excepciones legales a la restitución del menor con el objeto de respetar el principio del interés superior del menor. Estas excepciones a la restitución o retorno del menor al lugar de residencia anterior al traslado o retención ilícito a la mayor brevedad posible deben interpretarse de forma restrictiva y, por supuesto, acreditarse la concurrencia de los motivos de oposición a la restitución.La Sentencia de la Audiencia Provincial de las Palmas de Gran Canaria, sección 3ª, de 21 de junio de 2017 objeto de comentario aborda las excepciones legales al retorno del menor y la necesidad de acreditar los motivos alegados para acordarse la excepción. De lo contrario, como sucede en el presente litigio, procede el retorno del menor al lugar de residencia anterior al traslado ilícito.Palabras clave: Sustracción internacional de menores, traslado ilícito, restitución inmediata, Convenio de La Haya de 1980.Abstract: The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction provides for a system of legal exceptions to the return of the child in order to respect the principle of the best interests of the child. These exceptions to the return or return of the child to the place of residence prior to the illicit transfer as soon as possible must be interpreted restrictively and, of course, the concurrence of the grounds for opposition to the restitution must be proven.The Judgment of the Provincial Court of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, section 3, of June 21, 2017 object of comment deals with the legal exceptions to the return of the minor and the need to prove the alleged grounds for agreeing the exception. Otherwise, as in the present case, the minor returns to the place of residence prior to the illicit transfer.Keywords: International child abduction, legal kidnapping, prompt return, The Hague Convention 1980

The Hague Convention: Who is Protecting the Child?

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 135-141
Author(s):  
Carmen Tetley
Keyword(s):  
Hague Convention ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
List Type ◽  
Child Abduction ◽  
Family Courts ◽  
International Child ◽  
The Hague ◽  
The Hague Convention ◽  
International Boundaries ◽  
Custody And Access

The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a multilateral treaty that seeks to protect children from the harmful effects of abduction and retention across international boundaries by providing a procedure to bring about their prompt return. The ‘Child Abduction Section’ provides information about the operation of the Convention and the work of the Hague Conference in monitoring its implementation and promoting international co-operation in the area of child abduction. There are currently 58 member countries and 22 non-member countries. Australia signed the Convention five years after its introduction. The Family Law (Child Abduction) Regulations 1986 enshrined in Australian law the principles espoused in the Convention which came into force in 1987. The Regulations are to: (a)secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in any contracting state, and(b)ensure that rights of custody and access under the law of one contracting state are effectively respected in the other contracting states. This paper shows that the failure of Family Courts to take account of the effects of their actions on the development and best interests of children whose return is secured can add to the psychological abuse of those who were removed from their home countries to avoid sexual abuse and violence. It suggests that the exceptions in the regulations that allow a child to remain in the new country with the primary caregiver are being ignored.

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