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INVIOLABILITY DOCTRINE IN INTERNATIONAL LAW
Khudayberganova Nigina To`lqin qizi
LL.B., LL.M.,
University of World Economy and Diplomacy
e-mail: n.khudayberganova17@gmail.com
+998907098373
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13919833
We often encounter the expression `inviolable` while studying the theme of immunities
and privileges. Scholars define "inviolable" as a set of legal relations that are protected from
violation by other subjects of law.
1
. The inviolability of diplomatic premises is a core principle
in international law that governs the conduct of states and their representatives in foreign
territories
2
. This principle is enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
(VCDR) of 1961
3
and has been widely accepted by states, becoming a cornerstone of diplomatic
practice and international relations. This article will discuss the role of inviolability of
diplomatic premises in both international and domestic law, as well as the challenges and
controversies surrounding its application.
When it comes to the inviolability of international organizations and special missions, the
term is usually used to refer to protection from unauthorized entry into their buildings, as well
as protection against the examination of their archives and data without their permission or
consent.
To fully understand the concept of diplomatic immunity, it is essential to have a clear
understanding of the concept of inviolability, which is a fundamental aspect of immunities and
privileges. It is worth noting that basic diplomatic immunities and privileges are granted
automatically from the moment of arrival on the territory of another state, regardless of the
existence of any special agreements. The principle of personal inviolability remains a
cornerstone of diplomatic law, and diplomatic immunity is granted to subjects of modern
international law who possess the key feature of inviolability.
4
.
To understand the significance of inviolability in international law, it is necessary to
examine its relationship with the term "immunity". As previously mentioned, immunity refers
to a set of privileges and immunities granted to a subject of international law engaged in foreign
relations. These privileges include a range of special personal rights and benefits that facilitate
the work of foreign representatives.
5
. Inviolability, on the other hand, refers to the exemption
of diplomatic agents and their premises from the administrative, criminal, and civil jurisdiction
of the host state.
1
William Worster, Cases and materials on the Law of International organizations, Abingdon , Oxon New York,
Routledge, 2021. P 450, p-309.
2
Berridge, G.R. (2010). Diplomacy: Theory and Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
3
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Apr. 18, 1961, 23 U.S.T. 3227, 500 U.N.T.S. 95. Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/ru/documents/decl_conv/conventions/dip_rel.shtml
4
Rene` Vark “Personal Inviolability and Diplomatic Immunity in Respect of Serious Crimes”. University of Tartu.
JURIDICA INTERNATIONAL VIII 2003. P-111.
https://juridicainternational.eu/public/pdf/ji_2003_VIII_110.pdf
5
I. S. Iskevich, A. V. Podolsky "DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR LAW". Publishing house of FGBOU VPO “TSTU. Tambov
2014. P-39. // И. С. Искевич, А. В. Подольский «ДИПЛОМАТИЧЕСКОЕ И КОНСУЛЬСКОЕ ПРАВО». Издательство
ФГБОУ ВПО «ТГТУ. Тамбов 2014. Стр-39.
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In international law, the inviolability of diplomatic premises is rooted in the concept of
state sovereignty
6
. The VCDR
7
establishes the inviolability of diplomatic premises, declaring
that they "shall be inviolable" and that the "agents of the receiving State may not enter them,
except with the consent of the head of the mission."
8
This principle is intended to protect the
functioning of diplomatic missions and to maintain the independence, dignity, and equality of
states
9
.
The inviolability of diplomatic premises also extends to the protection of diplomatic
personnel and their families
10
, as well as diplomatic archives and documents
11
. This protection
allows for the safe and effective conduct of diplomatic relations, as well as the preservation of
state secrets and sensitive information.
However, the inviolability of diplomatic premises is not absolute and can be subject to
certain exceptions and limitations
12
. For instance, in cases of a breach of diplomatic relations
or a threat to the security of the premises, the receiving state may take necessary protective
measures
13
. Additionally, the sending state is obliged to respect the laws and regulations of the
receiving state and not interfere in its internal affairs
14
.
Inviolability is divided into personal inviolability (inviolability of the members of the
missions), inviolability of premises of the missions, inviolability of the correspondence,
archives and documents, which are accepted as imperative norms
15
.
Firstly, inviolability should be analyzed as an aspect of personal inviolability. Subjects of
modern international law (diplomatic agents
16
) enjoy complete personal inviolability, which
means that they may not be handcuffed (except in extraordinary circumstances), arrested, or
detained; and neither their property (including vehicles) nor residences may be entered or
searched
17
.
Secondly, if personal inviolability is accepted as individual and as spreading immunity to
their property, the purpose of inviolability of the premises is related to freedom and security in
the exercise of functions. The classic reason why a receiving state grants inviolability to a
6
Shaw, M.N. (2017). International Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
7
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Apr. 18, 1961, 23 U.S.T. 3227, 500 U.N.T.S. 95. Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/ru/documents/decl_conv/conventions/dip_rel.shtml
8
Ibid., Article 22(1).
9
Denza, E. (2016). Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
10
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Apr. 18, 1961, 23 U.S.T. 3227, 500 U.N.T.S. 95. Article 29. Retrieved
https://www.un.org/ru/documents/decl_conv/conventions/dip_rel.shtml
11
Ibid., Article 24.
12
Denza, E. (2016). Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
13
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Apr. 18, 1961, 23 U.S.T. 3227, 500 U.N.T.S. 95. Article 45.
https://www.un.org/ru/documents/decl_conv/conventions/dip_rel.shtml
14
Ibid., Article 41(1).
15
Ya.A.Usikova "Diplomatic immunities and privileges: history and modernity" "Belgorod State National Research
University". Belgorod 2018. Page-12. // Я.А.Усикова «Дипломатические иммунитеты и привилегии: история и
современность» «Белгородский государственный национальный исследовательский университет». Белгород
2018. Стр-12.
16
According to Article 1 of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations from 1961 a “diplomatic agent” is the head
of the mission or a member of the diplomatic staff of the mission.
https://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_1_1961.pdf
17
Diplomatic and Consular Immunity: Guidance for Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities. United States
Department of State Office of Foreign Missions Washington, D.C. 20522-2008. Revised August 2018.
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sending state is to permit the sending state the freedom to use the premises of its mission for
the purposes of the mission's functions in the manner of the sending state's own choosing (the
franchise de l'hotel)
18
.
The principle of inviolability is emphasized by the provisions of Articles 44 and 45 of the
1961 Vienna Convention (as well as Articles 26 and 27 of the 1963 Vienna Convention). These
provisions require that both the members of a diplomatic mission and the premises, property,
and archives of the mission be respected by the receiving state, even in the event of armed
conflict or a breach in diplomatic relations. However, it should be noted that the observance of
this principle does not prevent a diplomatic agent who is caught committing a crime from being
briefly arrested by the police of the receiving state to prevent the commission of the particular
crime. The Applicant Government acknowledges this fact.
19
.
In conclusion, the inviolability of diplomatic premises is a fundamental principle in
international and domestic law that serves to protect the conduct of diplomatic relations
between states. While the principle is not without its challenges and controversies, it remains
a vital component of the international legal order and the peaceful resolution of disputes
between nations.
References:
1.
William Worster, Cases and materials on the Law of International organizations,
Abingdon, Oxon New York, Routledge, 2021. P 450, p-309.
2.
Berridge, G.R. (2010). Diplomacy: Theory and Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
3.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Apr. 18, 1961, 23 U.S.T. 3227, 500 U.N.T.S.
95. Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/ru/documents/decl_conv/conventions/dip_rel.shtml
4.
Rene` Vark “Personal Inviolability and Diplomatic Immunity in Respect of Serious
Crimes”. University of Tartu. JURIDICA INTERNATIONAL VIII 2003. P-111.
https://juridicainternational.eu/public/pdf/ji_2003_VIII_110.pdf
5.
I. S. Iskevich, A. V. Podolsky "DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR LAW". Publishing house of
FGBOU VPO “TSTU. Tambov 2014. P-39. // И. С. Искевич, А. В. Подольский
«ДИПЛОМАТИЧЕСКОЕ И КОНСУЛЬСКОЕ ПРАВО». Издательство ФГБОУ ВПО «ТГТУ.
Тамбов 2014. Стр-39.
6.
Shaw, M.N. (2017). International Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
7.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Apr. 18, 1961, 23 U.S.T. 3227, 500 U.N.T.S.
95. Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/ru/documents/decl_conv/conventions/dip_rel.shtml
8.
Denza, E. (2016). Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
9.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Apr. 18, 1961, 23 U.S.T. 3227, 500 U.N.T.S.
95.
Article
29.
Retrieved
from
https://www.un.org/ru/documents/decl_conv/conventions/dip_rel.shtml
10.
Denza, E. (2016). Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
18
Carl Islam “The inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises” Exon (Article p-4).
19
William R. Slomanson “Fundamental Perspectives on International Law” International Relations Western State
University – Son Diego. P-180-181.
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11.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Apr. 18, 1961, 23 U.S.T. 3227, 500 U.N.T.S.
95. Article 45
12.
Ya.A.Usikova "Diplomatic immunities and privileges: history and modernity" "Belgorod
State National Research University". Belgorod 2018. Page-12. // Я.А.Усикова
«Дипломатические иммунитеты и привилегии: история и современность»
«Белгородский государственный национальный исследовательский университет».
Белгород 2018. Стр-12.
13.
Diplomatic and Consular Immunity: Guidance for Law Enforcement and Judicial
Authorities. United States Department of State Office of Foreign Missions Washington, D.C.
20522-2008. Revised August 2018.
14.
Carl Islam “The inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises” Exon (Article p-4).
15.
William R. Slomanson “Fundamental Perspectives on International Law” International
Relations Western State University – Son Diego. P-180-181.
16.
Denza, E. (2016). Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
17.
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Measures to
Improve the Legal Framework for the Activities of Foreign Diplomatic Missions and Consular
Posts in the Republic of Uzbekistan, No. 473, 24 August 2019.
18.
Demin Yu.G. "The Problem of Diplomatic Vehicle Immunities". Moscow Journal of
International Law. 1994; (4):99-107 // Дёмин Ю.Г. «Проблема иммунитетов
дипломатических средств передвижения». Московский журнал международного права.
1994; (4):99-107.
19.
Oppenheim JL International law. - T. 1. Polutom 2. - M., 1949. - S. 332; Satow E. Guide to
Diplomatic Practice. - OGPIZ, 1947. - S. 205; Levin D B . Diplomatic Immunity. - M. - L., 1949. - S.
388-389. // Оппенгейм JL Международное право. - T. 1. Полутом 2. - М., 1949. - С. 332; Сатоу
Э. Руководство по дипломатической практике. — ОГПИЗ, 1947. - С. 205; Левин Д Б .
Дипломатический иммунитет. - М. — Л., 1949. - С. 388—389.
20.
Hardy М. Modern diplomatic law. — N.Y., 1968. — Р. 41, 50; Jecny D. Introduction into
diplomatic practice. — Praha, 1968. - P. 46.
21.
Yearbook of International Law Commission. - 1958. - Voi. 2. - P. 98.
22.
Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, Feb. 13, 1946, 1 UNTS
XVI, art. 3; Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies, Nov. 21,
1947, 33 U.N.T.S. 261, art. 7.
23.
Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, Feb. 13, 1946, 1 UNTS
XVI, art. 3.
24.
Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies, Nov. 21, 1947,
33 U.N.T.S. 261, art. 7.
25.
United Nations Security Council, "Resolution 573," Oct. 4, 1985. Retrieved from
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/101329?ln=en
26.
United Nations General Assembly, "Report of the Secretary-General on the Protection of
Civilians in Armed Conflict," Aug. 22, 2003,
27.
International Criminal Court, "ICC Condemns Attack on its Offices in Tripoli," June 15,
28.
Berridge, G.R. (2010). Diplomacy: Theory and Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
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29.
Denza, E. (2016). Diplomatic Law: Commentary onthe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
30.
Berridge, G.R. (2010). Diplomacy: Theory and Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
