Statute of the Hague Conference on Private International Law

General Information

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What is it about?

The Hague Conference on Private International Law is an Intergovernmental Organization – headquartered at The Hague, the Netherlands – created “to work for the progressive unification of the rules of private international law” (Statute, Article 1). In order to achieve this, the Conference carries out negotiations and drafting of multilateral treaties in the different fields of private international law. After preparatory research done by the Secretariat, preliminary drafts of the Conventions are drawn up by the Special Commissions composed of governmental experts. The drafts are then discussed and adopted by State representatives at the Plenary Session of the Conference. The Conference deals with personal and family issues, such as status and protection of children, as well as with commercial issues – such as recognition of companies, conflict of laws for contracts and jurisdiction and enforcement of foreign judgments. The multilateral treaties signed within the Conference contribute to increase the degree of legal security of international commercial transactions.

Why is it relevant?

By adhering to the Conference, States can actively participate in the process of drafting (through Special Commissions) and adopting (at the Plenary Session) multilateral trade conventions in the field of private international law. Only if invited, non-member States can participate at the Plenary Session on equal footing with member States. In addition, the Secretariat of the Conference – the Permanent Bureau – maintains close contact with the governments of its Member States through National Organs designated by each government.

Additional Information

In order to promote international co-operation and to ensure co-ordination of the work undertaken by different bodies, the Hague Conference on Private International Law has close contacts with a number of International Organizations, including the United Nations.

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