Information sought from NGOs on cross-border recognition and enforcement of protection orders

The Hague Conference on Private International Law is exploring the development of a new international treaty (i.e. a new Hague Convention) on the cross-border recognition and enforcement on protection orders. This would seek to ensure victims of violence and of other harmful interpersonal behaviour would be protected when they move or travel to another country (i.e. victims would not have to apply for a new protection order in a foreign country, among other benefits). It would cover domestic violence and other forms of violence against women such as stalking and injunctions to protect victims or potential victims of human trafficking, forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), harassment and sexual assault.

The permanent bureau (the Secretariat) of the Hague Conference is currently seeking input from NGOs and other experts who have knowledge in this area through a short online survey. This seeks information on the need for this type of Convention or other mechanism of international cooperation, based on NGOs' work on cases with cross-border or global dimesions. The information gathered will inform the decision whether to continue the work. The survey closes on 30 September 2014.

Further information and background research on the Protection Orders Project is available on the Hague Conference website.