Author(s): WAMI, NYEBUCHI KINIBUIRO | Special Edition JUNE 2024
Abstract
Diplomatic privileges and immunities are critical components of international relations, aimed at ensuring diplomats can perform their duties without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country. Diplomatic privileges, designed to facilitate international relations, sometimes face misuse by diplomats and their families, leading to legal and ethical dilemmas. This paper explores the misuse of diplomatic privileges in Nigeria and the United States, offering a comparative analysis grounded in recent instances and academic discourse. Through examining case studies, this paper highlights the complexities and repercussions of such abuses, and suggests potential reforms to mitigate misuse while maintaining the integrity of diplomatic immunity. However, the misuse of these privileges can lead to significant legal, ethical, and diplomatic challenges. It highlights the intended purpose of diplomatic immunity: to safeguard diplomatic agents and ensure smooth international relations by preventing host countries from exploiting their legal systems to coerce or intimidate foreign diplomats. Through a comparative analysis, the paper identifies both similarities and differences in how the United States and Nigeria handle the misuse of diplomatic immunity. The conclusion offers recommendations for policy changes and international cooperation to address the misuse of diplomatic immunities.
Keywords: Diplomacy, Privileges, Immunities, Abuse, Diplomatic Privileges, Diplomatic Immunities,