2004-12-29 THE book on international child abduction

Child abduction is the one-sided breach of a custody arrangement and always a catasthrophic event for the children and their parents. In most cases the background is a divorce of the parents and the ongoing "warfare" between them. The children often become a tool in the dispute of the parents. If the abduction happens in one state is bad, but it is so much more complicated if the abduction takes place cross-border. As bi-national marriages increases the number of cross-border cases of child abduction increase.

In the UK you might be aware of the activities of PACT founded and chaired by Lady Catherine Meyer and very much supported by Cherie Blair and the Duchess of York. Lady Meyer, herself having to deal with the abduction of her children following a divorce, drew the public's eye to these cases and offers through PACT help and support to the victims.

The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction is the only worldwide instrument helping those who have to suffer from such an event. This excellent law books explains very well the core-concepts of the Convention and helps to operated the convention as it was intended. The style is clear, understandable and the cases given excellent. If you have to deal with these cases - as I do - this is THE book to have.