Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to supporting the effective operation of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and works closely with international partners to support the effective operation of the Convention and to facilitate safe, timely outcomes. This includes engaging with the Hague Conference on Private International Law and its Member States at regular Special Commissions to discuss operational matters and to share best practice.

The Ministry of Justice is also assessing and taking seriously concerns about the operation of the Convention in situations where domestic abuse is present. We were an active participant in two international Fora discussing this issue and contributed financial support to these events.

Recognising the complexity of the issue, the Ministry of Justice has since initiated a research project involving analysis of court proceedings in England and Wales under the Hague Convention where allegations of domestic abuse are raised.