This Country Profile should be used by Contracting States to assist with fulfilment of the obligations contained within Article 7 of the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
In particular, it is anticipated that the Country Profile will help Contracting States fulfil their obligations under Article 7(2) e) and 7(2) i) of the Convention, that is:
- To provide information of a general character on the law of their State in connection with the application of the Convention; and
- To keep other Central Authorities informed regarding the operation of the Convention in their State and to eliminate any obstacles to the Convention's application.
The Country Profile is intended to assist with the practical operation of the Convention. It is hoped that it will facilitate:
a) information exchanges between Contracting States;
b) knowledgeable service by Central Authorities under the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention;
c) cost-effective translation of the information provided by Contracting States into English, French, Spanish, and other languages as required by Contracting States; and
d) prompt updates of the information provided.