The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980)

The Convention aims to secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in any Contracting State, and to protect rights of access. It rests on the concept of habitual residence and seeks to deter unilateral cross-border removals.

Key principles

• Return to the child’s habitual residence for custody determinations.
• Expedited proceedings with cooperation between Central Authorities.
• Limited defenses (e.g., grave risk, child consent/objection, rights not exercised).

Process overview

1. Apply through your national Central Authority.
2. The requested State processes and, where appropriate, initiates court proceedings.
3. Court assesses wrongful removal/retention and defenses.
4. Return order or access arrangements are enforced.

See official texts and Central Authorities via the HCCH.