Entry into force of Spanish as an additional official language of the HCCH
Today, 1 July 2024, marks the entry into force of Spanish as an additional official language of the HCCH. As of today, English, French, and Spanish are the three official languages of the Organisation.
The Members of the HCCH took the historic decision to adopt Spanish as an official language in March 2023, during the annual meeting of the HCCH Council on General Affairs and Policy (Conclusion & Decision No 54). This decision, which reflects the importance of multilingualism and multilateralism as core pillars of the work of the HCCH, represents an important further step contributing to universality and inclusiveness.
To celebrate this momentous event, a ceremony will be held tomorrow, 2 July 2024, upon the conclusion of the first day of the meeting of the Special Commission on the practical operation of the 1965 Service, 1970 Evidence, and 1980 Access to Justice Conventions. The ceremony, organised through the generous support of the Government of Spain, will count with the participation of representatives of the Government of Spain and of the Governments of States from Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Permanent Bureau takes this opportunity to reiterate its gratitude to the Members of the HCCH for their support for the adoption of Spanish as an additional official language and, in particular, to the Members who have generously provided voluntary contributions to support its implementation.