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International Relations & Diplomacy vocabulary · Diplomacy & Embassies

Diplomatic immunity

Meaning in international relations & diplomacy, with examples

nounCommon term

In international relations & diplomacy, diplomatic immunity means: The legal protection that diplomats have in the country where they serve, which means they cannot be arrested or prosecuted there.

In Turkish: diplomatik dokunulmazlık

How it is used

Based on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). The immunity belongs to the sending state, which can 'waive' it. If a diplomat abuses it, the host state's usual response is to declare them persona non grata. Immunity does not free diplomats from the duty to respect local laws.

Example sentences

  1. The police could not detain the driver because he had diplomatic immunity.

  2. The sending state agreed to waive his diplomatic immunity so that he could be tried.

  3. Diplomatic immunity also covers family members who live with the diplomat.

Common collocations

  • claim diplomatic immunity
  • waive diplomatic immunity
  • enjoy diplomatic immunity
  • privileges and immunities
  • diplomatAn official who represents their country abroad or in international organisations, handling relations, negotiations and the protection of their country's interests and citizens.
  • persona non grataA Latin phrase meaning 'an unwelcome person': a diplomat whom the host country officially declares unacceptable, so that the sending state must recall them.
  • embassyThe main official mission of one country in another country's capital, led by an ambassador; also the building where this mission works.
  • international lawThe body of rules that governs relations between states and other international actors, based mainly on treaties, custom and general principles of law.

More terms: Diplomacy & Embassies

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