In 2009, ISS Australia undertook research into the Hague Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996).

The research report was part of a project funded by the Ian Potter Foundation, “Boosting Outcomes for Australian Children Using International Laws.”

The 1996 Hague Convention determines which country’s authorities have jurisdiction to take measures to protect children across international borders and enables recognition and enforcement of protection measures in all countries who have signed the Convention.

This project has enabled ISS Australia to deepen its own understanding of the 1996 Hague Convention, positioning us as the leading non-government organisation in Australia with expertise on the Convention.

We have also developed more effective service delivery systems for responding to inter-country cases involving children and have identified key aspects of the Convention that could be applied to improve outcomes for children.