The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction facilitates the return of abducted children to the country where they normally live so that issues of residence and contact can be resolved by the courts of that country. Three additional countries have just become signatories which will assist in the resolution of international parental child abduction and access cases.

The Hague Convention on Child Abduction comes into force today between Australia and three additional countries – Singapore, Albania and the Ukraine.

Parents whose children were abducted to Singapore, Albania and the Ukraine prior to 1 February 2013 may be eligible to apply for contact with their children under the access provisions of the Hague Convention.

In a media release today by the Attorney-General, the Commonwealth of Australia welcomes three more countries to Hague Abduction Convention.  The Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said:

“Child abduction cases are incredibly complex, but the Hague Convention can play a role in helping to resolve these very difficult cases.

“Australia will now be able to take action in relation to abductions of children to or from these countries.

“This creates a stronger process to resolve international parental abduction cases, and will assist with access arrangements across these international borders.”

If you have any questions in relation to an international child abduction or interstate child abduction or any other legal matter, contact Claire Naidu & Co.  Click here for our contact details.