Forum on Domestic Violence and the Operation of Article 13(1)(b) of the 1980 Child Abduction Convention
From 18 to 21 June 2024, the HCCH will hold a Forum on domestic violence and the related operation of Article 13(1)(b) of the 1980 Child Abduction Convention in Sandton, South Africa, co-hosted with the Government of South Africa and the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Child Law (see Conclusion and Decision No 31 of CGAP 2024).
The Forum will bring together relevant parties with expertise and/or experience in return proceedings where domestic violence is raised as a defence to return under Article 13(1)(b), including advocates for victims of domestic violence and left-behind parents, judges, Central Authorities, legal practitioners, psychological experts, academic researchers and non-governmental organisations.
Registration for the Forum is now closed. The updated programme of the Forum, including the selection of speakers, has been developed by a Steering Committee representative of the wide range of participating parties.
The Forum will provide an informal setting in which participants can engage in a respectful and constructive dialogue on matters relating to the proper and practical application of Article 13(1)(b). Specifically, the Forum will provide an opportunity to give visibility to and learn from past decisions taken on the application of Article 13(1)(b) as well as for the range of participants to share their own experience and/or expertise regarding its application.