11. Respect for the local laws and regulations

Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Article 55 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and equivalent provisions in host country agreements concerning international organisations, establish that it is the duty of all persons enjoying privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State. While mission staff may enjoy criminal immunity, the Protocol Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will not accept criminal acts committed by mission staff or their family members. It is in the interest of all concerned to avoid breaches of the law. The following outline of relevant Swedish criminal legislation may therefore be relevant.