Jab ek parent custody dispute ke beech child ko ek country se dusre country le jata hai – ya to bina consent, ya against court orders – to situation international child abduction ke zone me aa sakti hai.
Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction ka aim simple hai: child ko quickly “habitual residence” wale country wapas bhejna, jahan final custody decide hogi. Focus kidnapping pe hota hai, custody merits pe nahi.
Convention countries ek dusre ke sath cooperate karte hain – central authorities, fast-track courts, and limited defences (grave risk of harm, child’s objections at certain age, etc.).
Jahan countries Hague members nahi, wahan diplomatic channels, local laws aur bilateral arrangements ka mix use hota hai. Process slow aur uncertain ho sakta hai.
Parents ke liye lesson: bina clear legal advice aur consent ke child ko border ke paar le jana later heavy legal blowback la sakta hai – including criminal proceedings.