Letter to The Hague Conference from UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem and colleagues

Thanks to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of Children Mama Fatima Singhateh, and UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Dr Alice Edwards for their eloquent support for mothers and children fleeing domestic violence and abuse.

Their letter points out the gendered nature of the Hague Abduction Convention and asks that courts ‘recognise that a child’s return order frequently compels an abuse survivor to return to life-threatening violence and harm or to be separated from her child. Neither option is acceptable. It is essential that the injustices wrought – albeit unintentionally – by the current implementation of the Hague Abduction Convention are recognised and acted upon.’

We very much hope that their recommendations will be adopted.