The Vienna Conventions (1961-1963) represented a notable shift in the course of work of diplomatic and consular sectors especially on the grounds of organizing relations among countries. The conventions established clear principles for these relations thus exceeding those previously stated under the Vienna Convention of 1815. They set the ranks and status of political delegates and diplomatic agents and prevented competitiveness amongst them in the Order of Precedence. The 1961 Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations assured that its most important purpose is to ensure that diplomatic missions perform their best as representatives of their countries.
The Convention has 52 articles that regulate all aspects of diplomatic relations among countries worldwide. The first Article assigns certain meanings to expressions and terms used for the purpose of the Convention such as ‘head of the mission’, ‘members of the mission’, ‘members of the staff of the mission’, ‘members of the diplomatic staff’, ‘diplomatic agent’ and other expressions. The Third article states the functions of a diplomatic mission. Article (18) addresses the procedures to be observed at each State or country for the reception of heads of missions in respect of their class. Article (21) requires that the receiving State or country facilitate the necessary accommodation or acquisition of territory for the sending State to carry out its mission. Article (22) stipulates that the premises of the mission shall be inviolable. The agents of the receiving State may not enter them, except with the consent of the head of the mission.
Article (31) maintains that the diplomatic agent should enjoy judicial immunity except in special cases. Additionally, he/she cannot be forced to make his/her testimony. Article (34) mentions that diplomatic agents are exempted from all personal, public or private fees and taxes, with some exceptions in certain areas and districts. Article (41) of the Convention confirms that, without prejudice, the members of the mission should respect the laws and regulations applicable in the receiving State/ host country. They must also abstain from obligations and involvement with regard to the internal affairs of that State.
Concluded in 1963, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations represented a new step towards the enhancement of international relations in the consular field. This Convention consisted of 74 articles focusing on the different aspects of consular functions in detail. Article (1) includes the relevant definitions; Article (3) explains the exercise of consular functions; Article (5) shows the consular duties and responsibilities and Article (9) points to the classes of heads of consular posts.
One of the aspects also covered in Article (16) of this Convention, is the precedence among the heads of consular posts. Article (24) gives details regarding the notification of the receiving State/ host country for the appointment and termination of members of the consular post. Article (31) covers aspects regarding consular premises. Article (35) includes the freedom of communication requiring that the receiving State /host country permit and accept this type of freedom for official purposes of the delegations. Article (49) addresses the exemption of Consular Officers and employees from taxes. Article (50) discusses their exemption from customs duties and inspection. Article (70) elaborates on the consular functions exercised by diplomatic missions. Article (72) highlights that for the proper application of the Convention’s provisions, the receiving State should not discriminate among States/ countries.