Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction

Albania

04-05-2007

In accordance with Article 42 of the Convention, the Republic of Albania reserves the right that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of Article 26 of the Convention resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Andorra

06-04-2011

Reservation relating to article 24. In accordance with the provisions of article 42 and pursuant to article 24, second paragraph of the Convention, the Principality of Andorra declares that it will not accept the applications, communications and other documents sent to its Authority unless they are accompanied by a translation into Catalan or, where that is not feasible, a translation into French.
Reservation relating to article 26. In accordance with the provisions of article 42 and pursuant to article 26, third paragraph of the Convention, the Principality of Andorra declares that it will not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of the article in question resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings except in so far as those costs may be covered by the Andorran system of legal aid and advice.

Argentina

04-08-2009

[...]with regard to Notification No. 3/2009, March 6 2009, by which the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accepts on behalf of the Malvinas Islands, among other territories, the accession of Bulgaria, Costa Rica and El Salvador to the said Convention.
The Argentine Republic recalls that, by Note A.E. No. 33/98, May 30 1998, it rejected the extension of the Convention to Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands, which was notified by the United Kingdom on March 26, 1998. In the same manner, by Note A.E. No. 47/98, July 13 1998, it disowned the appointment of the illegitimate governor as central authority in the Malvinas Islands as well as any other act derived from the illegitimate extension of the said Convention by the United Kingdom.
Taking into account this precedents, the Argentine Government also rejects the acceptance of the accession and entry into force of the said Convention with regard to Bulgaria, Costa Rica and El Salvador made by the United Kingdom on behalf of the Malvinas Islands.
The Argentine Government recalls that the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas are an integral part of the Argentine Republic's national territory and that, being illegitimately occupied by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, they are subject to a sovereignty dispute between both countries, which is recognized by the United Nations and other international organizations.
In that respect, it recalls that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolutions 2065 (XX), 3160 (XXVIII), 31/49, 37/9, 38/12, 39/6, 40/21, 41/40, 42/19 and 43/25, where it recognizes the existence of the sovereignty dispute to which the Question of the Malvinas Islands refers and it urges the Governments of the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to resume negotiations in order to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the dispute as soon as possible. In turn, the UN Special Committee on Decolonization has repeatedly urged them to do the same since 1989, most recently through its resolution of 12 June 2008. Furthermore, on 3 June 2008, the General Assembly of the Organization of American States issued a similar decision on this Question.
The Argentine Government reaffirms its legitimate sovereign rights over the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, which are an integral part of its national territory.

13-05-2020

… in relation to the notification n° 09/2020 dated 30 April 2020, by which the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland mentions the Malvinas Islands in the acceptance of the accession of the Dominican Republic to the Convention.
The Argentine Republic recalls that by Notes AE N° 33/98 dated 30 May 1998, 47/98 dated 13 July 1998 and the statement of 4 August 2009 it rejected the pretension of the United Kingdom to extend the application of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction to the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, as notified by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as the acts related to the appointment of the illegitimate government of Malvinas as the central authority of the Convention and the acceptance of the accession and entry into force of the Convention for Bulgaria, Costa Rica and El Salvador on behalf of the Malvinas Islands.
In light of such precedents, the Argentine Republic rejects the pretension of the United Kingdom to include the Malvinas Islands in the acceptance of the Dominican Republic's accession to the Convention.
The Government of the Argentine Republic wishes to recall that the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas are an integral part of the Argentine national territory and that, being under illegitimate British occupation are object of a sovereignty dispute between both countries, which is recognized by Resolution 2065 (XX) and subsequent ones of the United Nations General Assembly and more than 40 resolutions of the Special Committee on Decolonization, as well as of other international organizations.
In that sense, it is recalled that the United Nations General Assembly calls upon the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations on sovereignty in order to find a peaceful and definitive solution.

23-08-2023

The Argentine Government has taken notice of notification no. 045, dated August 1, 2023, in which the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by accepting Jamaica’s accession to the aforementioned Convention, intends to do so also on behalf of the Malvinas Islands.
The Argentine Republic recalls that by means of Notes AE No. 33/98, of May 30, 1998, 47/98, of July 13, 1998 and the declarations of August 4, 2009 and May 13, 2020, it rejected the claim of the United Kingdom to extend the application of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction to the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, which was notified by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland del Norte, as well as the acts related to the designation of the illegitimate government of Malvinas as the central authority of the Convention.
In addition, it opportunely rejected the acceptance of the accession and entry into force of the Convention for Bulgaria, Costa Rica, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic on behalf of the Malvinas Islands.
On this occasion, the Argentine Republic categorically rejects the current claim of the United Kingdom to accept Jamaica's accession to the Convention on behalf of the Malvinas Islands.
The Government of the Argentine Republic wishes to recall that the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime spaces are an integral part of the Argentine national territory and that, being under illegitimate British occupation, they are the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries, which was recognized by Resolution 2065 (XX) and subsequent ones of the United Nations General Assembly and more than 40 resolutions of the Special Committee on Decolonization, as well as by other international organizations.
In this sense, it is recalled that the General Assembly of the United Nations urges the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations on sovereignty in order to reach a peaceful and definitive solution.
[...]

Armenia

01-03-2007

Pursuant to Article 42 of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the Republic of Armenia makes the following reservations:
1. with regard to Article 24, applications, communications or other documents sent to the Central Authority of the Republic of Armenia shall be in original languages and shall be accompanied by a translation into Armenian or, where that is not feasible, a translation into English.
2. with regard to Article 26, the Republic of Armenia shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, second paragraph, resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Australia

29-10-1986

The Convention extends to the legal system applicable only in the Australian States and mainland Territories.

Austria

09-03-2018

Austria takes note of the Declarations submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the Convention on Civil Procedure (1954), the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961), the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980) and the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996) to the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol and of the Declarations submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declarations made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declarations made by the Russian Federation, Austria declares, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
As regards the territorial scope of the above Conventions, Austria therefore considers that the Conventions in principle continue to apply to the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
Austria further notes the Declarations by Ukraine that the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Conventions is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the central authorities of Ukraine in Kiev will determine the procedure for relevant communication. As a consequence of the above, Austria declares that it will not engage in any direct communication or interaction with authorities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and will not accept any documents or requests emanating from such authorities or through the authorities of the Russian Federation, but will only engage with the central authorities of Ukraine in Kiev for the purposes of the application and implementation of the conventions.

Belarus

12-01-1998

The Republic of Belarus declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Paragraph 2 of Article 26 of this Convention resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from our court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Belize

22-06-1989

1) Any application or other documents transmitted to the Central Authority under the Convention must be accompanied by a translation in English and not in French.
2) Belize will not be bound to assume any costs relating to applications under the Convention resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers, or from court proceedings, except insofar as these costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Bolivia

13-07-2016

a. Declaration.
The Plurinational State of Bolivia understands that any provisions relating to age in this Convention, does not preclude Bolivian law which stipulates that exercise of authority of the mother, the father or both, and the custody is up to the age of 18 years old.
b. Reservation.
With regard to Article 24 of the "Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction" foreign documents annexed to return applications to be submitted in English or French, must also attach a Spanish translation by a sworn translator.
c. Reservation.
With regard to Article 26 of the "Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction", the Plurinational State of Bolivia is not obliged to take any expenses arising from the participation of a lawyer or legal advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by a system of legal assistance and legal advice.

Brazil

19-10-1999

[...] with a reservation as provided for in Article 24 of the said Convention (permitted under Article 42), to the effect that foreign documents appended to legal instruments must be acccompanied by a translation into Portugese done by a sworn translator.

Bulgaria

20-05-2003

2. Reservation in accordance with Article 26, paragraph 3:
In accordance with Article 42, paragraph 1 of the Convention the Republic of Bulgaria declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs and expenses resulting from the proceedings or, where applicable, those arising from the participation of legal counsel and those of returning the child.

Canada

02-06-1983

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and British Columbia, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Province concerned.

The Government of Canada further declares that it may at any time submit other declarations or reservations, pursuant to Articles 6, 40 and 42 of the Convention, with respect to other territorial units.

27-02-1984

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Province of Nova Scotia.
The Government of Canada further declares that it may at any time submit other declarations or reservations, pursuant to Articles 6, 40 and 42 of the Convention, with respect to other territorial units.

06-07-1984

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Province of Newfoundland, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Province of Newfoundland.

The Government of Canada further declares that it may at any time submit other declarations or reservations, pursuant to Articles 6, 40 and 42 of the Convention, with respect to other territorial units.

11-10-1984

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 and pursuant to Article 24, paragraph 2, translation in the French language will be required for any application, communication or other document concerning the Province of Quebec when the original language is neither French nor English.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Province of Quebec, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Province of Quebec.

The Government of Canada further declares that it may at any time submit other declarations or reservations, pursuant to Articles 6, 40 and 42 of the Convention, with respect to other territorial units.

18-11-1984

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42, and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Yukon Territory, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Yukon Territory.
The Government of Canada further declares that it may at any time submit other declarations or reservations, pursuant to Articles 6, 40 and 42 of the Convention, with respect to other territorial units.

12-02-1986

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42, and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Province of Prince Edward Island, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Province of Prince Edward Island.

The Government of Canada further declares that it may at any time submit other declarations or reservations, pursuant to Articles 6, 40 and 42 of the Convention, with respect to other territorial units.

11-08-1986

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42, and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Province of Saskatchewan.

The Government of Canada further declares that it may at any time submit other declarations or reservations, pursuant to Articles 6, 40 and 42 of the Convention, with respect to other territorial units.

04-11-1986

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42, and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Province of Alberta, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Province of Alberta.

The Government of Canada further declares that it may at any time submit other declarations or reservations, pursuant to Articles 6, 40 and 42 of the Convention, with respect to other territorial units.

26-01-1988

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42, and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning the Northwest Territories, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of the Northwest Territories.

09-01-2001

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42, and pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3 of the Convention, the Government of Canada declares that, with respect to applications submitted under the Convention concerning Nunavut, Canada will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the system of legal aid of Nunavut.

Chile

23-02-1994

Chile understands article 3 of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction in the sense that it is not inconsistent with the national legislation which provides that the right to guardianship and custody is exercised until the age of 18.

China

16-06-1997

In accordance with the Joint Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the Question of Hong Kong signed on 19 December 1984 (hereinafter referred to as the "Joint Declaration"), the People's Republic of China will resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong with effect from 1 July 1997. Hong Kong will, with effect from that date, become a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which are the responsibilities of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China.
It is provided both in Section XI of Annex I to the Joint Declaration, "Elaboration by the Govermnent of the People's Republic of China of its Basic Policies Regarding Hong Kong", and Article 153 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, which was adopted on 4 April 1990 by the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, that international agreements to which the People's Republic of China is not a party but which are implemented in Hong Kong may continue to be implemented in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
In accordance with the above provisions, I am instructed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China to make the following notification:
The Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction done at the Hague on 25 October 1980 (hereinafter referred to as the "Convention"), by which the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is designated as the depository, which applies to Hong Kong at present, will continue to apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with effect from 1 July 1997.
The Government of the People's Republic of China also makes the following declaration:
In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 of the Convention, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will not be bound to bear any costs referred to in Paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Convention resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice;
Within the above ambit, responsibility for the international rights and obligations of a party to the Convention will be assumed by the Government of the People's Republic of China.

10-12-1999

In accordance with the Joint Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal on the Question of Macao (hereinafter referred to as the Joint Declaration) signed on 13 April 1987, the Government of the People's Republic of China will resume the exercise of sovereignty over Macao with effect from 20 December 1999. Macao will from that date, become a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which are the responsibilities of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China.
It is provided both in Section VIII of Elaboration by the Government of the People's Republic of China of its Basic Policies Regarding Macao, which is annex I to the Joint Declaration, and Article 138 of the Basic Law of Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, which was adopted on 31 March 1993 by the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, that international agreements to which the Government of the People's Republic of China is not yet a party but which are implemented in Macao may continue to be implemented in the Macao Special Administrative Region.
In accordance with the provisions mentioned above, I am instructed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, to inform Your Excellency of the following:
The Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction, concluded at The Hague on 25 October 1980 (hereinafter referred to as the Convention), which applies to Macao at present, will continue to apply to the Macao Special Administrative Region with effect from 20 December 1999.

03-09-2012

Official languages of Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) are Chinese and Portuguese. Processing of applications under the Convention would be expedited if applications and other documents addressed to Central Authority of MSAR could be accompanied by a translation into Chinese or Portuguese.

Czech Republic

15-12-1997

Having examined this Convention and knowing that the Parliament of the Czech Republic has given its consent thereto, we hereby ratify and confirm it with the Reservation according to Article 42 of the Convention, that the Czech Republic shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2 of the Convention, resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from our court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its legal system of legal aid and advice.

Denmark

17-04-1991

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 39, paragraph 1, the Convention shall not be applicable to the territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 42, paragraph 1,
a) the Kingdom of Denmark objects to the use of French in any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority (cf. Article 24, paragraph 2); and
b) it shall not be bound to assume any costs resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice (cf. Article 26, paragraph 3).

22-04-2016

The Convention should now be applied to Greenland wherefore the Kingdom of Denmark withdraws its territorial declaration with regard to Greenland in accordance with Article 42, paragraph 2.

El Salvador

05-02-2001

1. The Government of the Republic of El Salvador shall not be bound to assume the costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.
2. The Government of the Republic of El Salvador interprets Article 3 with the domestic legislation of the Republic whereby the age of majority is eighteen years.
[...]
4. The Government of the Republic of El Salvador declares that all documentation sent to El Salvador in application of the said Convention must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish.

Estonia

18-04-2001

[...]
2) Pursuant to Article 42 and Article 24, paragraph 2, of the Convention the Republic of Estonia only accepts English language with regard to applications, communications or other documents.
3) Pursuant to Article 42 and Article 26, paragraph 3, of the Convention the Republic of Estonia will not accept obligations with regard to expenses referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2, which result from the participation of a legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

30-04-2019

Estonia takes note of the Declarations submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961), the Convention on the service abroad of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (1965), the Convention on the taking of evidence abroad in civil or commercial matters (1970), the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980) and the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996) to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and of the Declarations submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declarations made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declarations made by the Russian Federation, Estonia declares, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
As regards the territorial scope of the above-mentioned Conventions, Estonia therefore considers that the conventions in principle continue to apply to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
Estonia further notes the Declaration by Ukraine that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Conventions is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the central authorities of Ukraine in Kyiv will determine the procedure for relevant communication.
As a consequence of the above, Estonia declares that it will not engage in any direct communication or interaction with authorities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and will not accept any documents or requests emanating from such authorities or through the authorities of the Russian Federation, but will only engage with the central authorities of Ukraine in Kyiv for the purposes of the application and implementation of the conventions.

Finland

25-05-1994

1) Finland declares, according to Article 42 and Article 24, paragraph 2 of the Convention, that it accepts only the use of English in applications, communications and other documents sent to its Central Authority.
2) Finland declares, according to Article 42 and Article 26 pagragraph 3 of the Convention, that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26 paragraph 2 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

19-09-2018

The Government of Finland takes note of the Declarations submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the Convention on Civil Procedure (1954), the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961), the Convention on the service abroad of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (1965), the Convention on the taking of evidence abroad in civil or commercial matters (1970), the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980) and the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996) and the Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance (2007) to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and of the Declarations submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declarations made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declarations made by the Russian Federation, Finland declares, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
As regards the territorial scope of the above Conventions, Finland therefore considers that the conventions in principle continue to apply to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
Finland further notes the Declaration by Ukraine that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Conventions is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the central authorities of Ukraine in Kyiv will determine the procedure for relevant communication.
As a consequence of the above, Finland declares that it will not engage in any direct communication or interaction with authorities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and will not accept any documents or requests emanating from such authorities or through the authorities of the Russian Federation, but will only engage with the central authorities of Ukraine in Kyiv for the purposes of the application and implementation of the said conventions.

France

16-09-1982

2) In accordance with the provisions of article 42 and in application of article 24, paragraph 2, [the Central Authority] will only follow up applications written in French or accompanied by a translation into French and will require all communications or documents sent to its Central Authority to be translated into French.
3) In accordance with the provisions of article 42 and in application of article 26, paragraph 3, it declares that it will only assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of article 26 in so far as they are covered by the French legal aid system.
4) In accordance with the provisions of article 39, it declares that the Convention will apply to the entire territory of the French Republic.

Georgia

05-11-2018

[…] Georgia declares that according to Article 36 of the above-mentioned Convention the application of the Convention between the Republic of Iraq and Georgia shall be extended with regard to the cases arisen between the Parties before its entry into force.

Germany

27-09-1990

The Federal Republic of Germany assumes that, in accordance with the first paragraph of Article 24, applications from other Contracting States shall regularly be accompanied by a translation into German [...]
[...] declares in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 26 that it is not bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of Article 26 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its regulations concerning legal aid and advice.

06-06-2018

The Federal Republic of Germany takes note of the Declarations submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the Convention on Civil Procedure (1954), the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961), the Convention on the service abroad of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (1965), the Convention on the taking of evidence abroad in civil or commercial matters (1970), the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980) and the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996) and the Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance (2007) to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and of the Declarations submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declarations made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declarations made by the Russian Federation, the Federal Republic of Germany declares, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
Regarding the territorial scope of the above Conventions, the Federal Republic of Germany therefore considers that the Conventions in principle continue to apply to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
The Federal Republic of Germany further notes the Declarations by Ukraine that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Conventions is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the government of Ukraine will determine the procedure for relevant communication.
As a consequence of the above, the Federal Republic of Germany declares that it will only engage with the government of Ukraine for the purposes of the application and implementation of the conventions with regard to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

Greece

19-03-1993

1. In accordance with article 42 of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Greece declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of article 26 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings except in so far as those costs relate to instances of legal aid and advice.
2. In accordance with article 42 of the above-mentioned Convention, Greece declares that it objects to the use of French in any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority as provided for in article 24.

Guatemala

06-02-2002

The Republic of Guatemala formulates the following reserves according to the Article 42 of the Convention:
I. The Republic of Guatemala oppose itself to the use of French in all the requests, communication and other documents to be sent to the Central Authority, based in the second paragraph of the Article 24 of the Convention (if applicable).
II. The Republic of Guatemala is not obligated to assume any kind of expenses mentioned on the second paragraph of the Article 26 of the Convention, derived from the participation of a lawyer, legal advisors or the judiciary procedure, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal advice.

Iceland

14-08-1996

1. In accordance with Article 42, paragraph 1, and Article 24, paragraph 2, of the Convention, Iceland makes a reservation with regard to Article 24, paragraph 1, and objects to the use of French in any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority.
2. In accordance with Article 42, paragraph 1, and Article 26, paragraph 3, of the Convention, Iceland makes a reservation that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2, resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court procee-dings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Israel

04-09-1991

In accordance with Articles 26 and 42 of the Convention, the State of Israel hereby declares that, in proceedings under the Convention, it shall not be bound to assume any costs resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Jamaica

24-02-2017

In accordance with Articles 26 and 42 of the Convention, Jamaica hereby declares that, in proceedings under the Convention, it shall not be bound to assume any costs resulting from participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs are covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Japan

24-01-2014

Pursuant to Article 24, paragraph 2 of the Convention, the Government of Japan objects to the use of French in any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority.
Pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3 of the Convention, the Government of Japan declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Kazakhstan

03-06-2013

The Republic of Kazakhstan in accordance with Article 42, declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Latvia

15-11-2001

In accordance with the Article 42 and 24, paragraph 2, of the Convention the Republic of Latvia declares that it accepts only the use of English in any application, communication or other documents sent to its Central Authority.

04-04-2018

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia […] with reference to […] the Convention on Civil Procedure (1954), the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961), the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (1965), the Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters (1970), the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980),and the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996) has to honour to convey the following.
The Government of the Republic of Latvia takes note of the Declarations submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the aforementioned Conventions to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and of the Declarations submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declarations made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declarations made by the Russian Federation, the Republic of Latvia declares, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
As regards the territorial scope of the above Conventions, the Republic of Latvia therefore considers that the Conventions in principle continue to apply to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
The Republic of Latvia further notes the Declarations by Ukraine that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Convention is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the central authorities of Ukraine in Kyiv will determine the procedure for relevant communication.
As a consequence of the above, the Republic of Latvia declares that it will not engage in any direct communication or interaction with authorities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and will not accept any documents or requests emanating from such authorities or through the authorities of the Russian Federation, but will only engage with the central authorities of Ukraine in Kiev for the purposes of the application and implementation of the convention.

Lithuania

05-06-2002

1. Pursuant to Article 42 and paragraph 2 of Article 24 of the Convention, the Republic of Lithuania consents to using only the English language for any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority.
2. Pursuant to Article 42 and paragraph 3 of Article 26 of the Convention, the Republic of Lithuania shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Convention resulting from court proceedings or from the participation of legal counsel or advisers, except insofar as those costs may be covered by the system of legal aid and advice of the Republic of Lithuania.

16-06-2020

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania takes note of the Declarations submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the Convention on Civil Procedure (1954), the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961), the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (1965), the Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters (1970), the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980) and the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996) to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and of the Declarations submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declarations made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declarations made by the Russian Federation, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania declares, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognize the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
As regards the territorial scope of the above Conventions, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania therefore considers that the conventions in principle continue to apply to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
The Government of the Republic of Lithuania further notes the Declaration by Ukraine that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Conventions is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the central authorities of Ukraine in Kyiv will determine the procedure for relevant communication.
As a consequence of the above, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania declares that it will not engage in any direct communication or interaction with authorities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and will not accept any documents or requests emanating from such authorities or through the authorities of the Russian Federation, but will only engage with the central authorities of Ukraine in Kyiv for the purposes of the application and implementation of the said conventions.

Luxembourg

08-10-1986

The Grand-Duchy of Luxemburg declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2, of the Convention, namely the costs resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs are covered by the Luxemburg system of legal aid and advice.

Mauritius

23-03-1993

The Republic of Mauritius declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Moldova

10-04-1998

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 of the Convention, pursuant to Article 26, paragraph 3, the Republic of Moldova declares that the Republic of Moldova will assume the costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 only insofar as these costs are covered by the national system of legal and judicial aid.

Monaco

12-11-1992

In conformity with Article 26 paragraph 3 of the Convention, the Principality of Monaco declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2, resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisors or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Montenegro

01-03-2007

[...] the Government of the Republic of Montenegro succeeds to the Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction, concluded at The Hague on 25 October 1980, and takes faithfully to perform and carry out the stipulations therein contained as from 3 June 2006, the date upon the Republic of Montenegro assumed responsibility for its international relations.

Netherlands, the Kingdom of the

12-06-1990

The Kingdom of the Netherlands shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of Article 26 of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, done at The Hague on 25 October 1980, resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

18-10-2010

The Kingdom of the Netherlands consisted of three parts: the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. The Netherlands Antilles consisted of the islands of Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
With effect from 10 October 2010, the Netherlands Antilles ceased to exist as a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Since that date, the Kingdom consists of four parts: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
Curaçao and Sint Maarten enjoy internal self-government within the Kingdom, as Aruba and, up to 10 October 2010, the Netherlands Antilles do. The other islands of the Netherlands Antilles - Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba - are administratively integrated in the Netherlands, forming 'the Caribbean part of the Netherlands'.
These changes constitute a modification of the internal constitutional relations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will accordingly remain the subject of international law with which agreements are concluded.
The Convention, that applied until now only to the European part of the Netherlands, is declared applicable to the Caribbean part of the Netherlands. The Government of the Netherlands is responsible for implementing the Convention.

New Zealand

31-05-1991

The Government of New Zealand hereby declares in accordance with Article 24 and Article 42 of the Convention that any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority should either be in the English language or accompanied by a translation thereof in the English language.
And the Government of New Zealand hereby further declares in accordance with Article 26 and Article 42 of the Convention that it reserves the right not to be bound to assume the costs referred to in Article 26 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from Court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

North Macedonia

20-09-1993

[Succession by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.]

Norway

09-01-1989

1. In accordance with Articles 24 and 42, the Norwegian Government reserves the right not to accept applications, communications or other documents sent to the General Authority in French.
2. In accordance with Articles 26 and 42, Norway makes the reservation that it shall not be bound to assume any costs resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by Act of 13 June 1980 relating to free legal aid.

Pakistan

22-12-2016

Article 24
The document should be in English language.
Article 26
It shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of Article 26 of the Convention resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Panama

02-02-1994

1. The Republic of Panama objects to the use of the French language in any application, communication or other document mentioned in article 24, first paragraph, sent to its Central Authority.
2. Likewise the Republic of Panama declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the first paragraph of Article 26 of the Convention resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

03-05-1994

The first part of the reservation made by Panama on 2 February 1994 is withdrawn with effect from 1 August 1994.

Philippines

04-04-2016

1. On Article 24 of the Convention
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines declares, in accordance with Article 24 and Article 42 of the Convention, that any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority shall be in the English language or in its original language accompanied by a translation thereof in the English language.
2. On Article 26, third paragraph of the Convention
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines declares, pursuant to the third paragraph of Article 26 and Article 42 of the Convention, that it shall not be bound to assume any costs or expenses arising from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court and legal proceedings in connection with efforts to return children from the Republic of the Philippines pursuant to the Convention, except insofar as those costs or expenses may be covered by a system of legal aid and advice.

Poland

10-08-1992

In accordance with article 42, the Republic of Poland makes the reservation referred to in article 26, paragraph 3 of the above-mentioned Convention and declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the preceding paragraph resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings except in so far as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

29-04-2021

The Republic of Poland takes note of the Declarations submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the Convention on civil procedure (1954), the Convention on the service abroad of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (1965), the Convention on the taking of evidence abroad in civil or commercial matters (1970), the Convention on the recognition and enforcement of decisions relating to maintenance obligations (1973), the Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction (1980) and the Convention on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition, enforcement and co-operation in respect of parental responsibility and measures for the protection of children (1996) and of the Declarations submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declarations made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declarations made by the Russian Federation, the Republic of Poland declares, in accordance with the duty of non-recognition as lawful a situation created by a serious breach by State of an obligation arising under a peremptory norm of general international law and in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognize the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
As regards the territorial scope of the above Conventions, the Republic of Poland therefore considers that the Conventions in principle continue to apply to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
The Republic of Poland further notes the Declarations by Ukraine that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as well as certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Conventions is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the government of Ukraine will determine the procedure for relevant communication.
As a consequence of the above, the Republic of Poland declares that it will not engage in any direct communication or interaction with authorities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as well as in certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and will not accept any documents or requests emanating from such authorities or through the authorities of the Russian Federation, but will only engage with the central authorities of Ukraine for the purposes of the application and implementation of the conventions.

Portugal

26-11-1999

In accordance with the Joint Declaration of the Government of the Portuguese Republic and of the Government of the People's Republic of China on the question of Macau, signed in Beijing on 13 April 1987, the Government of the Portuguese Republic will remain internationally responsible for Macau until 19 December 1999, the People's Republic of China resuming from that date the exercise of sovereignty over Macau, with effect from 20 December 1999.
From 20 December 1999 the Portuguese Republic will cease to be responsible for the international rights and obligations arising from the application of the Convention in Macau [...] .

13-03-2018

The Government of the Portuguese Republic takes note of the Declaration submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, done at The Hague, on 25 October 1980, to the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol and of the Declaration submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declaration made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declaration made by the Russian Federation, the Government of the Portuguese Republic declares, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
As regards the territorial scope of the above Convention, the Government of the Portuguese Republic therefore considers that the Convention in principle continues to apply to the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
The Government of the Portuguese Republic further notes the Declaration by Ukraine that the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Convention is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the central authorities of Ukraine in Kiev will determine the procedure for relevant communication.
As a consequence of the above, the Government of the Portuguese Republic declares that it will not engage in any direct communication or interaction with authorities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and will not accept any documents or requests emanating from such authorities or through the authorities of the Russian Federation, but will only engage with the central authorities of Ukraine in Kiev for the purposes of the application and implementation of the convention.

Republic of Korea, the

13-12-2012

1. Pursuant to Article 42 and 24 of the Convention, the Republic of Korea objects to the use of French in any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority.
2. Pursuant to Article 42 and 26 of the Convention, the Republic of Korea declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of Article 26 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Romania

14-06-2018

Romania takes note of the Declarations submitted by Ukraine on 16 October 2015 regarding the application of the Convention on Civil Procedure (1954), the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961), the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980), the Convention on the service abroad of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (1965) and the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996) to the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol and of the Declarations submitted by the Russian Federation on 19 July 2016 in relation to the Declarations made by Ukraine.
In relation to the Declarations made by the Russian Federation, Romania declares, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 20/21 March 2014, that it does not recognise the illegal referendum in Crimea and the illegal annexation of the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.
As regards the territorial scope of the above Conventions, Romania therefore considers that the Conventions in principle continue to apply to the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.
Romania further notes the Declarations by Ukraine that the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea" and the city of Sevastopol are temporarily not under the control of Ukraine and that the application and implementation by Ukraine of its obligations under the Conventions is limited and not guaranteed in relation to this part of Ukraine's territory, and that only the central authorities of Ukraine in Kiev will determine the procedure for relevant communication.
As a consequence of the above, Romania declares that it will not engage in any direct communication or interaction with authorities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and will not accept any documents or requests emanating from such authorities or through the authorities of the Russian Federation, but will only engage with the central authorities of Ukraine in Kiev for the purposes of the application and implementation of the conventions.

Russian Federation

28-07-2011

The Russian Federation in accordance with Article 42 of the Convention shall not consider itself bound by the obligation to assume costs, as provided for in the second paragraph of Article 26 of the Convention, resulting from the participation of the legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except for those costs that may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

19-07-2016

Reaffirming its firm commitment to respect and fully comply with generally recognised principles and rules of international law, the Russian Federation, with reference to the declaration of Ukraine of 16 October 2015 regarding the Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, states the following.
The Russian Federation rejects to the above mentioned declaration of Ukraine and states that it cannot be taken into consideration as it is based on a bad faith and incorrect presentation and interpretation of facts and law.
The declaration of Ukraine regarding "certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine" cannot serve as a justification for non-compliance with its obligations, disregard for humanitarian considerations, refusal or failure to take necessary measures to find practical solutions for issues that have a very serious and direct impact on the ability of residents of those regions to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms provided for by international law.
The declaration of independence of the Republic of Crimea and its voluntary accession to the Russian Federation are the result of a direct and free expression of will by the people of Crimea in accordance with democratic principles, a legitimate form of exercising their right to self-determination given an aided from abroad violent coup d'état in Ukraine which caused rampant radical nationalist elements not hesitating to use terror, intimidation and harassment against both its political opponents and the population of entire regions of Ukraine.
The Russian Federation rejects any attempts to call into question an objective status of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the territories of which are an integral part of the territory of the Russian Federation under its full sovereignty. Thus, the Russian Federation reaffirms that it fully complies with its international obligations under the Convention in relation to this part of its territory.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

31-05-1994

Saint Kitts and Nevis is not bound to assume any costs resulting under the Convention from the participation of legal counsel or advisers [or] from court proceedings in terms of paragraph 3 of Article 26 of the Convention.

01-08-1994

The Government of Saint Christopher and Nevis has confirmed the date of 1 August 1994 as the date on which the Convention entered into force between Saint Christopher and Nevis and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

San Marino

14-12-2006

In conformity with Article 26, paragraph 3, of the Convention, the Republic of San Marino declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2, resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Serbia

04-02-2003

[...] that, following the adoption and promulgation of the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro by the Assembly of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on February 4, 2003, as previously adopted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia on 27 January 2003 and by the Assembly of the Republic of Montenegro on 29 January 2003, the name of the State of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has been changed to "Serbia and Montenegro".

09-06-2006

[...] following the declaration of the state independence of Montenegro, and under the Article 60 of the Constitutional Charter of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, the Republic of Serbia is continuing international personality of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, which was confirmed also by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia at its session held on 5 June 2006.

Singapore

28-12-2010

1. In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 and pursuant to the second paragraph of Article 24, the Republic of Singapore makes the reservation that:
All applications, communications and other documents sent to the Central Authority of Singapore shall, if it is in a language other than English, be accompanied by their translation into English.
2. In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 and pursuant to the third paragraph of Article 26, the Republic of Singapore makes the reservation that:
It shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of Article 26 resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Slovakia

07-11-2000

The Slovak Republic avails itself of the possibility to make a reservation under Article 42 of the Convention of 25 October 1980 on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and, in accordance with its Article 26, paragraph 3, declares that is shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2, resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.

Slovenia

01-06-1994

The Government of Slovenia has confirmed the date of 1 June 1994 as the date on which the Convention entered into force between the Republic of Slovenia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

South Africa

08-07-1997

That the use of French in any application, communication or other document sent to the Central Authority of the Republic of South Africa, as provided for in Article 24 of the Convention, is objected to, and that such documents shall not be accepted in French.
That the Republic of South Africa shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Convention resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except those costs which may be covered by the system of legal aid in terms of the Legal Aid Act, 1969 (Act. No. 22 of 1969).

Spain

29-05-2013

In accordance to the provisions of Article 38, paragraph 4 of the Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Spain declares to accept the accession of the Republic of Guinea to said Convention, notwithstanding the current status and future evolution of the European Union Law on the subject.

20-11-2013

In accordance with the provisions of Article 38, paragraph 4 of the Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Spain declares to accept the accession of the Kingdom of Lesotho to aforesaid Convention, notwithstanding the current status and future evolution of the European Union Law on the subject.

Sri Lanka

28-09-2001

Reservations as provided for in Article 42 of the Convention as regards Article 24 and 26.
Article 24: For purposes of Article 24, the documents should be in the English Language.
Article 26 (3): For purposes of Article 26 (3) Sri Lanka should not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the preceding paragraph resulting from the participation of Legal Counsel or advisers or from Court proceedings except in so far as those, costs may be covered by the legal aid and advice system of Sri Lanka.

Sweden

22-03-1989

In accordance with the provisions of Article 42 and pursuant to Article 42 and pursuant to Article 26, Sweden declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, paragraph 2, resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by the Swedish system of legal aid.

Thailand

14-08-2002

[...] subject to the reservation, made pursuant to Articles 24 and 42 thereof, that is it accepts only the use of the English language in any application, communication or other document sent to its Central Authority [...].

Tunisia

10-07-2017

Firstly, in accordance with the provisions of Article 24 of the Convention, applications, communications or other documents sent to the Tunisian Central Authority shall be accompanied, where applicable, by a translation into Arabic. When a translation into Arabic is not feasible, the documents shall be translated into French.
Secondly, in accordance with the provisions of Article 26 of the Convention, the Republic of Tunisia shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of this Article, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid.

Türkiye

31-05-2000

[...] that in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 26, the Republic of Turkey shall not be bound to assume any costs and expenses of the proceedings or, where applicable, those arising from the participation of legal counsel or advisers and those of returning the child.

Ukraine

16-10-2015

In February 2014 the Russian Federation launched armed aggression against Ukraine and occupied a part of the territory of Ukraine – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, and today exercises effective control over certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine. These actions are in gross violation of the Charter of the United Nations and constitute a threat to international peace and security. The Russian Federation, as the Aggressor State and Occupying Power, bears full responsibility for its actions and their consequences under international law.
The United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/262 of 27 March 2014 confirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The United Nations also called upon all States, international organizations and specialized agencies not to recognize any alteration of the status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
In this regard, Ukraine states that from 20 February 2014 and for the period of temporary occupation by the Russian Federation of a part of the territory of Ukraine - the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol – as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation committed against the Ukraine and until the complete restoration of the constitutional law and order and effective control by Ukraine over such occupied territory, as well as over certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, which are temporarily not under control of Ukraine as a result of the aggression of the Russian Federation, the application and implementation by Ukraine of the obligations under the above Conventions, as applied to the aforementioned occupied and uncontrolled territory of Ukraine, is limited and is not guaranteed.
Documents or requests made or issued by the occupying authorities of the Russian Federation, its officials at any level in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and by the illegal authorities in certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, which are temporarily not under control of Ukraine, are null and void and have no legal effect regardless of whether they are presented directly or indirectly through the authorities of the Russian Federation.
The provisions of the Conventions regarding the possibility of direct communication or interaction do not apply to the territorial organs of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as in certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, which are temporarily not under control of Ukraine. The procedure of the relevant communication is determined by the central authorities of Ukraine in Kyiv.

09-03-2022

In view of the ongoing aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, Ukraine hereby informs the Depositary […] of the inability to guarantee the fulfilment by the Ukrainian side of obligations [under the above Convention] to the full extent for the period of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation and the martial law in place in the territory of Ukraine until complete termination of the encroachment upon the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine.

01-12-2023

[The aforementioned treaty is] implemented on the territory of Ukraine in full, with the exception of the territories where hostilities are (were) conducted or temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation, on which it is impossible to fully guarantee the Ukrainian Party's fulfillment of its obligations under [this treaty] as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as the introduction of martial law on the territory of Ukraine until the complete cessation of encroachment on the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of Ukraine.
The regularly updated list of territories where hostilities are (were) conducted, or temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation is at the link below:
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/z1668-22#Text

United Kingdom

20-05-1986

[...], in accordance with the provisions of Article 42 of the Convention, the United Kingdom declares that it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the second paragraph of Article 26 of the Convention resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.
In accordance with Article 39 of the Convention, the United Kingdom will notify the depositary in due course of the territories for the international relations of which it is responsible, to which the Convention is to be extended.

02-11-1992

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and the Republic of Poland as of 1 November 1992 when the Convention enters into force for the Republic of Poland.

18-01-1993

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and Monaco as of 1 February 1993 when the Convention enters into force for Monaco.

18-01-1993

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and Romania as of 1 February 1993 when the Convention enters into force for Romania.

02-06-1993

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and the Republic of Mauritius as of 1 June 1993 when the Convention enters into force for the Republic of Mauritius.

28-12-1993

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and the Bahamas as of 1 January 1994 when the Convention enters into force for the Bahamas.

18-02-1994

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and Honduras as of 1 March 1994 when the Convention enters into force for Honduras.

22-04-1994

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and Panama as of 1 May 1994 when the Convention enters into force for Panama.

29-04-1994

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and Chile as of the 1 May 1994 when the Convention enters into force for Chile.

26-05-1994

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and Slovenia as of the 1 June 1994 when the Convention enters into force for Slovenia.

27-07-1994

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention between the acceding State and the State declaring its acceptance of the accession, amendments will have been made to the United Kingdom municipal law in order to give effect to the Convention between it and Saint Christopher and Nevis as of 1 August 1994 when the Convention enters into force for Saint Christopher and Nevis.

13-01-1995

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State that has declared its acceptance of the accession, the municipal law of the United Kingdom will be amended with effect from 1 February 1995 to give effect to the provisions of the Convention between it and Cyprus from the date the Convention enters into force for Cyprus.

03-07-1995

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State that has declared its acceptance of the accession, the municipal law of the United Kingdom will be amended with effect from 1 July 1995 to give effect to the provisions of the Convention between it and Zimbabwe from the date the Convention enters into force for Zimbabwe.

17-09-1996

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State that has declared its acceptance of the accession, the municipal law of the United Kingdom was amended with effect from 1 March 1996 to give effect to the provisions of the Convention between it and Colombia from the date the Convention enters into force for Colombia.

29-10-1996

Notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article 38 regarding entry into force of the Convention as between the acceding State and the State that has declared its acceptance of the accession, the municipal law of the United Kingdom was amended with effect from 1 November 1996 to give effect to the provisions of the Convention between it and Iceland from the date the Convention enters into force for Iceland.

16-06-1997

I am instructed by Her Britannic Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to refer to the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction done at the Hague on 25 October 1980 (hereinafter referred to as the Convention) which applies to Hong Kong at present.
I am also instructed to state that, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong signed on 19 December 1984. the Government of the United Kingdom will restore Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China with effect from 1 July 1997.
The Government of the United Kingdom will continue to have international responsibility for Hong Kong until that date. Therefore, from that date the Government of the United Kingdom will cease to be responsible for the international rights and obligations arising from the application of the Convention to Hong Kong.

18-09-1997

[...], notwithstanding the provisions of the said Article, the United Kingdom accepts the accession of South Africa and Georgia with effect from 1 October 1997.

25-03-1998

[Extension of the Convention to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.]

22-07-1998

With reference to the declaration made by the Republic of Argentina rejecting the extension of the Convention to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the position of the United Kingdom is well known and remains unchanged. The United Kingdom has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (which is the correct title for the territory recognised by the Administering Power), and over South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and its consequent right to extend treaties to them.

United States of America

29-04-1988

Pursuant to the second paragraph of Article 24, and Article 42, the United States makes the following reservation: All applications, communications and other documents sent to the U.S. Central Authority should be accompanied by their translation into English.
Pursuant to the third paragraph of Article 26, the United States declares that it will not be bound to assume any costs or expenses resulting from the participation of legal counsel or advisers or from court and legal proceedings in connection with efforts to return children from the United States pursuant to the Convention except insofar as those costs or expenses are covered by a legal aid program.

Uzbekistan

31-05-1999

The Republic of Uzbekistan shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the paragraph 2 of the article 26 and resulting from the participation of legal counsel or from court proceedings.

Venezuela

16-10-1996

All communications to the Central Authority should be drawn up in the Spanish language.
The Republic of Venezuela is not bound to assume any costs referred to in Article 26, pragraph 3.

Zimbabwe

04-04-1995

[...] subject to the reservation that the costs mentioned in the second paragraph of Article 26 of the Aforesaid Convention shall not be borne by the State.