Why do embassies have immunity?

Diplomatic immunity was developed to allow for the maintenance of government relations, including during periods of difficulties and armed conflict. However, many countries refuse to waive immunity as a matter of course; individuals have no authority to waive their own immunity (except perhaps in cases of defection).

Do Embassies have diplomatic immunity?

Diplomatic Immunity for Embassy Personnel enjoy the highest degree of immunity. The same applies to their family members. The police cannot detain them, arrest them, or search or seize their houses and other property. Diplomats cannot be prosecuted or otherwise forced to appear in criminal court.

What if a diplomat commits a crime?

In addition, the diplomat’s home country can recall them and try them in local courts. In cases of serious crimes, the diplomat’s country can waive immunity, allowing them to be tried in a U.S. court.

What do diplomats do?

Diplomats represent UK interests overseas. They’re based in London and at embassies, consulates and high commissions around the world. While the tasks you undertake will change according to your specific department, your responsibilities may include: researching and analysing events overseas and their impact on the UK.

How do embassies work?

The primary purpose of an embassy is to assist American citizens who travel to or live in the host country. U.S. Foreign Service Officers also interview citizens of the host country who wish to travel to the United States for business, education, or tourism purposes. The main embassy building is called the chancery.

Do embassy workers sleep in the embassy?

Embassy staff analyze the political and economic situation in the host country and report back to the Department of State on issues that affect the United States. In some countries, American staff may live on the embassy compound, but they frequently live in apartments or houses in the host city.

What happens to embassies during war?

When a war starts, the diplomats lock down the embassy and leave through a neutral country. They are neither molested nor harassed, and their diplomatic immunity is not disputed.

What to do in the event of misconduct by a diplomat?

In the event of misconduct, however, only the sending state has the authority to take action, for instance by recalling the diplomat or waiving his/her diplomatic immunity. Long ago, diplomats acted as a form of guarantee for the good conduct of the sending state.

Is it safe to visit embassies?

Even in less dangerous countries, embassies are mired in security protocols that restrict access by locals and often confine embassy staff and diplomats to semi-safe green zones—hardly a way to get an accurate picture of events on the ground.

Where do Diplomats go on vacation?

Most diplomats travel to overseas embassies and consulates around the globe. They may travel to the United Nations Offices in Geneva or New York, or to the homes and offices of heads of state. Diplomats typically serve in at least one developing country, where there are higher rates of disease, difficult climates,…

What’s the biggest threat to the viability of embassies?

But the biggest threat to the viability of embassies is security. In conflict-ridden countries where information on the ground is scarce, diplomatic posts are crucial, and yet are routinely shuttered when conditions get rough. Most nations have closed their embassies in Libya, Syria, and Yemen because of the conflicts there.