p. 1226. Immunities of States and State Officials
- Paola Gaeta, Paola GaetaProfessor of International Law, The Graduate Institute, Geneva
- Jorge E. ViñualesJorge E. ViñualesHarold Samuel Professor of Law and Environmental Policy, University of Cambridge
- , and Salvatore ZappalàSalvatore ZappalàProfessor of International Law, University of Catania
Abstract
A corollary of the obligation to respect the sovereignty of other States is the recognition of the immunities of States and State officials. This chapter examines the immunities enjoyed by States from the jurisdiction of foreign courts and from execution proceedings against their property and assets. The discussion addresses the issue in general terms and then specifically tackles two issues of significant practical importance, namely the operation of State immunity in employment disputes and in cases where violations of peremptory norms are at stake. It also analyses the functional and personal immunities of certain types of State official, namely diplomatic and consular agents, as well as high-ranking officials, such as Heads of State and Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
