The Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Center 

(202) 707-6462 (phone) • (866) 550-0442 (fax) • law@loc.gov • http://www.law.gov

Provisions on Child Abduction in 

Non-Hague Countries 

East Asia and the Pacific • Europe and Central Asia 

Latin America and the Caribbean • Middle East and North Africa 

South Asia • Sub-Saharan Africa

May 2015
This report is provided for reference purposes only. 

It does not constitute legal advice and does not represent the official 

opinion of the United States Government. The information provided 

reflects research undertaken as of the date of writing. 

It has not been updated.
Contents 

I. East Asia and the Pacific 

Burma (Myanmar) ...........................................................................................................................1 

China ................................................................................................................................................1 

Indonesia ..........................................................................................................................................2 

Laos ..................................................................................................................................................2 

Malaysia ...........................................................................................................................................3 

Mongolia ..........................................................................................................................................3 

Papua New Guinea ...........................................................................................................................4 

Philippines........................................................................................................................................4 

Vietnam ............................................................................................................................................4 

II. Europe and Central Asia

Azerbaijan ........................................................................................................................................5 

Kyrgyz Republic ..............................................................................................................................5 

Liechtenstein ....................................................................................................................................6 

Moldova ...........................................................................................................................................7 

III. Latin America and the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda .......................................................................................................................9 

Aruba..............................................................................................................................................10 

Bolivia ............................................................................................................................................11 

Cuba ...............................................................................................................................................12 

Guyana ...........................................................................................................................................12 

Haiti................................................................................................................................................12 

Jamaica ...........................................................................................................................................13 

Saint Lucia .....................................................................................................................................13 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ..................................................................................................13 
IV. Middle East and North Africa

Iran .................................................................................................................................................14 

Saudi Arabia...................................................................................................................................17 

Tunisia............................................................................................................................................17 

V. South Asia 

India ...............................................................................................................................................17 

Nepal .............................................................................................................................................17 

Pakistan .........................................................................................................................................18 

VI. Sub-Saharan Africa

Cameroon .......................................................................................................................................18 

Cape Verde .....................................................................................................................................19 

Equatorial Guinea ..........................................................................................................................19 

Kenya .............................................................................................................................................19 

Mozambique ..................................................................................................................................19 

Nigeria............................................................................................................................................19 

Rwanda ..........................................................................................................................................20 

São Tomé e Príncipe ......................................................................................................................20 

Sudan..............................................................................................................................................20 

Uganda ...........................................................................................................................................20 
The Law Library of Congress 1 

Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

Staff of the Global Legal Research Center 

SUMMARY This report covers laws on parental child abduction and the legal aid that may be available 

to parents of abducted children in thirty-eight countries that have not signed the Hague 

Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.1

 The responses 

are organized by region of the world: East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central

Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, 

and Sub-Saharan Africa. While in many countries no specific legislation or programs 

dealing with international abduction of children could be located, existing laws and 

general legal aid programs may be relevant.

I. East Asia and the Pacific 

Burma (Myanmar) 

Burma does not appear to provide legal representation for a parent in a foreign country whose 

child was abducted and lives in Burma. There is a legal aid system, but it is still 

being developed.2

Burma also does not appear to provide legal representation for a parent whose child was 

abducted from Burma to a foreign country. 

China 

Under Chinese law, there are no legal provisions specifically addressing international parental 

child abduction or legal assistance available for those involved. Free legal assistance is available 

to Chinese citizens in civil and criminal proceedings, with the scope of cases and eligibility for 

the aid provided in the nationally applicable Regulations of Legal Aid.3

 Parental child abduction 

is not a criminal offense. In addition to the requirement of economic difficulty in hiring a 

representative, the Regulations limit family law cases for which a party may apply for legal aid 

to disputes over alimony for parents or spouses, and child support payments.4

 Therefore, it is 

unlikely that individuals involved in international parental child abduction would be eligible for 

legal aid. 

1

 Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Oct. 25, 1980, 

http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=conventions.text&cid=24. 

2

 Liz Riegel, Assessment Trip to Myanmar – Thanks, 2014 Donors!, GLOBALGIVING (Mar. 4, 2015), 

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/legal-aid-in-post-conflict-countries/updates/. 

3

 Falü Yuanzhu Tiaoli [Regulations on Legal Aid] (promulgated by the State Council on July 21, 2003, effective 

Sept. 1, 2003), FAGUI HUIBIAN 102-107. 

4 Id. art. 10. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 2

Indonesia 

No specific provisions were located in Indonesian law regarding international parental child 

abduction or legal assistance for those involved. Under Law No. 16 of 2011 on Legal Aid5

 and 

Government Regulation No. 42 of 2013,6

 free legal assistance is available for civil proceedings, 

mediation, and nonlitigation matters. Eligibility is based on a provision in the Law that states 

that recipients of legal aid include “any person or group of poor people who cannot meet the 

basic right [sic] appropriately and independently.”7 In addition to a written application, people 

must provide a letter from the head of village or other official where they live certifying that they 

are poor. Government legal aid funding is administered by the Ministry of Law and Human 

Rights, with legal assistance delivered by more than three hundred accredited organizations 

throughout the country.8 Mediation services are available through the religious courts,9 which 

handle family law cases involving Muslims,10 as well as the civil courts.11 

Laos 

Laos does not appear to provide legal representation for a parent in a foreign country whose child 

was abducted and lives in Laos.12 There is a legal aid system, but it is still being developed. 

Laos also does not appear to provide legal representation for a parent whose child was abducted 

from Laos to a foreign country. 

5

 Law No. 16 of 2011 on Legal Aid, http://www.setneg.go.id/components/com_perundangan/docviewer.php? 

id=2824&filename=UU%2016%20Tahun%202011.pdf (in Indonesian). 

6

 Government Regulation No. 42 of 2013 on Terms and Procedure for Legal Aid and Legal Assistance Fund 

Distribution, http://www.ekon.go.id/hukum/download/325/83/pp-42-2013.pdf (in Indonesian). See Press Release, 

Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, President Signed the Government Regulation Regarding Free 

Legal Aid for the Poor (June 10, 203), http://old.setkab.go.id/en/news-8997-president-signed-the-governmentregulation-regarding-the-free-legal-aid-for-the-poor.html. 

7

 Erna Ratnaningsih, Legal Aid System in Indonesia (undated), http://www.unct.org.bt/legalaid/doc/presentations/ 

Legal%20Aid%20System%20in%20Indonesia_ER.ppt (last visited Apr. 22, 2015); Law No. 16 of 2011, art. 5. 

8

 Constantinus Kristomo, New Laws to Provide State-Funded Legal Aid in Indonesia, INNOVATING JUSTICE FORUM,

http://www.innovatingjustice.com/innovations/new-laws-to-provide-state-funded-legal-aid-in-indonesia (last visited 

Apr. 22, 2015). 

9 See The Asia Foundation, Religious Courts: Improving Women’s Access to Justice in Indonesia (undated), 

https://asiafoundation.org/resources/pdfs/V4IDReligiousCourtsWEP4pgWEB.pdf (last visited Apr. 22, 2015). 

10 Law No. 7 of 1989 on the Religious Judicature, art. 2, http://www.komisiyudisial.go.id/downlot.php?file= 

UU%20No%207%20Thn%201989%20PERADILAN%20AGAMA.pdf (in Indonesian). 

11 See Supreme Court Regulation No. 1 of 2008 on Court Mediation Procedure, https://www.mahkamahagung. 

go.id/images/uploaded/prosedur_ttg_mediasi0001.pdf (in Indonesian). 

12 Hiroshi Matsuo, ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN INDOCHINESE COUNTRIES IN INSTITUTIONAL COMPETITION BETWEEN 

COMMON LAW AND CIVIL LAW: THEORY AND POLICY, 249, 265 (Michèle Schmiegelow ed. 2014). 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 3

Malaysia 

No specific provisions were located in Malaysian law regarding international parental child 

abduction or legal assistance for those involved.13 The Legal Aid Act 1971 provides for legal aid 

to be granted to eligible applicants involved in civil proceedings,14 including in relation to 

“[r]ights and liabilities in respect of proceedings for divorce and custody.”15 It appears that 

eligibility for legal aid is restricted to persons with annual incomes of less than RM25,000 (about 

US$6,888), for whom such aid is free, and those with incomes between RM25,000 and 

RM30,000 (about US$8,265), who must contribute RM300 for their legal costs.16 Governmentfunded legal aid for civil cases is administered by the Legal Aid Department, which falls under 

the Prime Minister’s Department. The Legal Aid Department, through various branches, 

provides advice and representation to clients as well as mediation services.17 

Mongolia 

No provisions directly concerning international parental child abduction under Mongolian law 

could be found in the English-language sources consulted. Mongolia does have a Family Law, 

which came into effect on August 1, 1999;18 some provisions of that law, taken together, could 

be seen as a basis for requesting assistance from courts or other governmental institutions in 

cases of child abduction. The Law states that a child’s welfare must be respected,19 that the court 

must protect the rights of the family,20 and that state administrative and social welfare 

institutions must also protect the rights of the family.21 

The Law also states that divorced parents cannot limit each other in ways that result in there 

being difficulties in carrying out their duties to their children.22 It adds that parents have the 

right to demand the return of a kidnapped child.23 

 

13 For analysis of Malaysian laws relevant to international parental child abduction see Suzanna Muhammad Said & 

Shamsuddin Suhor, International Parental Child Abduction in Malaysia: Foreign Custody Orders and Related Laws 

for Incoming Abductions, 20(S) PERTANIKA J. SOC. SCI. & HUM. 101 (2012), http://www.myjurnal.my/filebank/ 

published_article/16009/9.pdf. 

14 Legal Aid Act 1971 (Act 26), pt 4, http://www.agc.gov.my/Akta/Vol.%201/Act%2026.pdf. 

15 Legal Aid (Amendment to Third Schedule) Order 2011, http://www.federalgazette.agc.gov.my/outputp/pua_2011 

1230_PERINTAH%20BANTUAN%20GUAMAN%20%28PINDAAN%20JADUAL%20KETIGA%29%202011.p

df [scroll down to locate text in English]. 

16 Eligibility of the Applicant, LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, http://www.jbg.gov.my/index.php?option=com_ 

content&view=article&id=131&Itemid=284&lang=en (last visited Apr. 22, 2015). 

17 Function, LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, http://www.jbg.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article 

&id=65&Itemid=216&lang=en (last visited Apr. 22, 2015). 

18 Family Law (June 11, 1999), available at http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/57595/105357/F139350413/MNG57595%20Eng.pdf. 

19 Id. art. 4.5. 

20 Id. art. 5.1. 

21 Id. art. 5.2. 

22 Id. art. 26.2. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 4

Mongolia has a government agency devoted to implementing rules on child welfare, the National 

Authority for Children, which is located in the capital city of Ulan Batar.24 

Mongolia has a legal aid system that is run by the Mongolian Association of Advocates, a 

nongovernmental organization. The Association’s efforts cover both criminal and civil matters. 

Assistance is dependent on need in other than the most serious criminal cases; for those serious 

cases, no means test is applied.25 

Papua New Guinea 

No specific provisions were located in the laws of Papua New Guinea regarding international 

parental child abduction or legal assistance for those involved. The Public Solicitor, established 

under the Constitution, is tasked with providing legal aid, advice, and assistance to eligible 

criminal defendants when directed by the Supreme Court or the National Court and at his or her 

own discretion in civil and criminal matters.26 This includes assistance in family law matters.27 

Mediation services are provided by the courts in relation to a range of civil matters.28

Philippines 

No information was located as to whether the Philippines provides legal assistance to a parent 

whose child was abducted to or from the country. Also, no information was located indicating 

whether there is an agency handling legal representation for such parents. 

Vietnam 

Vietnam has a general legal aid system for particular groups of people, including poor people,29

but does not appear to provide legal representation for a parent in a foreign country whose child 

was abducted and lives in Vietnam. Vietnam also does not appear to provide legal representation 

 23 Id. art. 33.1 

24 Regulatory and Implementing Agencies of the Government of Mongolia, INFOMONGOLIA.COM, http://www.info 

mongolia.com/ct/ci/1702/138/Regulatory%20and%20Implementing%20Agencies%20of%20Mongolian%20Govern

ment (last visited Apr. 22, 2015). 

25 Legal Aid in Mongolia, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, http://jpo.wrlc.org/bitstream/ 

handle/11204/3842/Mongolia.pdf?sequence=1 (last visited Apr. 22, 2015). 

26 Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea § 177(2), http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_ 

act/cotisopng534/. 

27 The Independent State of Papua New Guinea Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO), Public Solicitor’s Role in Providing 

Legal Assistance (2012), https://elo.legalaid.qld.gov.au/webdocs/dbtextdocs/internal/irregseries/cle/2012/ 

pngpso.pdf. 

28 About Civil Cases, THE SUPREME AND NATIONAL COURTS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA, http://www.pngjudiciary. 

gov.pg/home/index.php/national-court/civil-cases (last visited Apr. 22, 2015). 

29 Law No. 69/2006/QH11 (June 29, 2006) Law On Legal Aid art. 10. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 5

for a parent whose child was abducted from Vietnam to a foreign country. Embassies of 

Vietnam may provide general consular assistance in such cases.30

II. Europe and Central Asia 

Azerbaijan 

According to the Family Code of Azerbaijan, all family-related disputes must be adjudicated by 

the local district court where one of the spouses permanently resides.31

Azerbaijani law does not appear to include any specific provisions regarding international 

parental child abduction or legal assistance for those involved. The Criminal Code of the 

Republic of Azerbaijan does not recognize parental abduction as a crime. The only relevant 

provision of the Criminal Code is article 144.3, which punishes kidnapping of a minor by 

imprisonment for ten to fifteen years; however, it is not clear if abduction of a child by a parent 

in violation of custody rules is covered by this Law.32

Special procedures exist for minors to cross the national border. According to the Law on Exit 

from the Country, Entry into the Country, and Passports, a person under the age of eighteen may 

leave the country with the consent of his/her parents or legal representative, which is certified by 

a notary. In the absence of consent from one of the parents, the matter of exiting the country 

must be resolved by a court.33 For minors traveling abroad for permanent residence, exit from 

the country is allowed only with the consent of each parent or the child’s legal representative.34

Kyrgyz Republic 

The law of the Kyrgyz Republic does not appear to contain specific provisions regarding 

international parental child abduction or legal assistance for those involved. The Criminal Code 

of the Kyrgyz Republic35 does not recognize parental abduction as a crime. The only relevant 

provision of the Criminal Code is article 123.3, which punishes kidnapping of a minor by 

imprisonment for ten to twenty years.36 

 

30 Decree No. 15/2008/ND-CP (Feb. 4, 2008) Defining the Functions, Tasks, Powers and Organizational Structure 

of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs art. 2, item 13 a. 

31 FAMILY CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN, Law No. 781-IQ, art. 7, Dec. 28, 1999, http://www.taxes.gov. 

az/uploads/qanun/2011/mecelleler/aile_mecellesi_rus.pdf (in Russian). 

32 CRIMINAL CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN, No.787-IQ, art.144.3, Dec. 30, 1999, available at http://www. 

legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/1658/file/4b3ff87c005675cfd74058077132.htm/preview. 

33 Law on Exit from the Country, Entry into the Country, and Passports, No. 813, art. 2, June 14, 1994, http://www. 

migration.gov.az/images/pdf/aa536a87842307ede34f4b8fd59fa885.pdf. 

34 Id.

35 CRIMINAL CODE OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC, Law No. 69, Oct. 1, 1997, available at http://www.legislationline. 

org/ documents/section/criminal-codes. 

36 Id. art. 123.3. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 6

Special procedures must be followed when a minor is crossing the national border. According to 

the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on External Migration, a person under the age of eighteen may 

exit the country upon the request of his/her legal representatives. Such requests must be certified 

by a notary. The exit of a minor may also be authorized by a court decision in the absence of an 

agreement between the child’s legal representatives.37 The exit of a minor aged fourteen to 

eighteen years to a foreign country for permanent residence is allowed only with the written 

consent of the child’s legal representative, certified by a notary.38

Liechtenstein 

While Liechtenstein is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International 

Child Abduction, it is a party to a comparable regional convention, the European Convention on 

Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration 

of Custody of Children (European Convention),39 which entered into force for Liechtenstein on 

August 1, 1997.40 That Convention addresses the “improper removal” of a child, defined as “the 

removal of a child across an international frontier in breach of a decision relating to his custody 

which has been given in a Contracting State and which is enforceable in such a State.” 

Article 2 of the European Convention provides that each contracting state must appoint a central 

authority to carry out the functions provided for by the convention. The government of the 

Principality of Liechtenstein was designated as the central authority according to article 2.41 

Liechtenstein is also a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC),42 which 

contains provisions relevant to international child abduction. Article 11, paragraph 1 of the CRC 

postulates that State Parties must take measures to combat the illicit transfer and non-return of 

children abroad. In order to implement the CRC, Liechtenstein enacted the Act on Children and 

Adolescents (Kinder- und Jugendgesetz, KJG).43 The Office of Social Affairs (Amt für Soziale 

 

37 Law on External Migration, No. 61, art. 40, July 17, 2000, available at http://www.legislationline.org/ documents/ 

action/popup/id/4978. 

38 Id. 

39 Council of Europe, European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions Concerning Custody of 

Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children (European Convention), COUNCIL OF EUROPE TREATY SERIES 

[CETS] No. 105 (May 20, 1980). 

40 Europäisches Übereinkommen über die Anerkennung und Vollstreckung von Entscheidungen über das Sorgerecht 

für Kinder und die Wiederherstellung des Sorgerechts [European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of 

Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children] [European Convention], 

LGBL 1997, No. 110. 

41 Gesetz zur Durchführung des Europäischen Übereinkommens vom 20. Mai 1980 über die Anerkennung und 

Vollstreckung von Entscheidungen über das Sorgerecht für Kinder und die Wiederherstellung des Sorgerechts, [Act 

to Implement the European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of 

Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children] [Act to Implement the European Convention], art. 1, LGBL 

1997, No. 24. Contact information for the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein is available at 

http://www.regierung.li/contact. 

42 Convention on the Rights of the Child, opened for signature Nov. 20, 1989, entered into force Sept. 2, 1990, 1577 

U.N.T.S. 3. 

43 KINDER- UND JUGENDGESETZ [KJG] [ACT ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS], LGBL 2009, No. 29. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 7

Dienste) is designated as the central authority for children and adolescents and given a prominent 

role in discharging the duties of the KJG. 

As to legal aid, article 5, paragraph 1 of the Act to Implement the European Convention44

provides that the central authority (i.e. the government) forwards the application from a foreign 

applicant to the Regional Court (Landgericht). According to paragraph 2, the head of the 

Regional Court then appoints a law clerk that works at the Regional Court or an attorney 

according to section 67 of the Rules of Civil Procedure45 to represent the applicant. In general, 

legal aid and the appointment of an attorney are dependent on the financial circumstances of the 

applicant and the likelihood of success of the application.46 Whether the appointment of a law 

clerk is also dependent on these factors is not clear from the wording of the law. If the 

application for return of the child is denied, the court grants legal aid and appoints an attorney 

without regard to the general requirements (financial circumstances and likelihood of success) in 

order to file an appeal.47 In cases of an improper removal, the court is obligated to involve the 

Office of Social Affairs for the return of the child.48

According to the Office of Social Affairs, within the government, the Office for Foreign Affairs 

(Amt für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten),49 which forms part of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 

Education and Culture (Ministerium für Äusseres, Bildung und Kultur), would be the contact 

point for applicants from countries that are not parties to the European Convention.50

Moldova 

The Republic of Moldova became an independent state of the former Soviet Union on August 

27, 1991.51 The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova and the Family Code of the Republic 

of Moldova determine the basic principles regarding family relations and child protection. The 

Constitution declares that the state must protect the family52 and obligates parents to ensure their 

children’s upbringing, education, and training.53 According to the Family Code, all family-

 

44 Act to Implement the European Convention, LGBL1997, No. 24. 

45 Zivilprozessordnung [ZPO] [Rules of Civil Procedure], LGBL 1912, No. 9/1. 

46 ZPO, § 63, ¶ 1. 

47 Act to Implement the European Convention, art. 5, ¶ 3. 

48 Id. art. 5, ¶ 4. 

49 Amt für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten [Office for Foreign Affairs], LANDESVERWALTUNG FÜRSTENTUM 

LIECHTENSTEIN, http://www.llv.li/#/114773/english-version (last visited May 4, 2015). 

50 Email from Ludwig Frommelt, Head of the Office of Social Affairs, Liechtenstein National Administration, to 

Law Library of Congress Foreign Law Specialist (Apr. 24, 2015, 4:53 AM) (on file with Foreign Law Specialist). 

51 Moldova, in CIA WORLD FACTBOOK, https://www.cia.gov/llibrary/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/md.html

(last updated Apr. 21, 2015). 

52 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA art. 48, July 29, 1994, as amended, http://legislationline.org/ 

documents/action/popup/id/16261/preview. 

53 Id.
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 8

related disputes are to be adjudicated by the local district court where one of the spouses 

permanently resides.54 

It appears that parental abduction is treated by Moldova’s family legislation as a form of child 

abuse committed by a parent or a person replacing the parent. In such cases, a parent whose 

rights are violated or the child involved can independently apply for protection of his/her rights 

and legitimate interests to the Guardianship Authority, which is a part of Moldova’s Ministry of 

Labor, Family, and Social Protection, or to a court. A child can petition a court upon reaching 

the age of fourteen.55 

The Guardianship Authority is the government institution authorized to resolve disputes in cases 

of parental abduction.56 According to media reports, documents issued by the Ministry are 

accepted by foreign courts making decisions in cases where children have been illegally taken to 

Moldova by one of the parents.57 While no information was located about formal legal 

representation domestically and abroad in parental abduction cases, it appears that the national 

office of the People’s Advocate (Ombudsman) for Children Rights Protection provides legal 

assistance to parents whose custody rights have been violated.58 According to the Ombudsman, 

twenty-eight children have been removed illegally from Moldova in the last five years.59

The Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova, adopted on April 18, 2002, does not recognize 

parental abduction as a crime. However, the Code states that the abduction of a child by a close 

relative is a crime punishable by a fine, community service for a period of up to 240 days, or six 

months’ imprisonment.60 Removing a child from the country or retaining a child outside of 

Moldova without parental permission is punishable by two to six years’ imprisonment.61 

Special procedures were instituted in 1994 for minors to cross the national border. According to 

the Law on Exit from and Entry into the Republic of Moldova, minors have the right to leave and 

enter the Republic of Moldova only if accompanied by a legal representative or an 

accompanying person designated in a notarized declaration by the legal representative. The 

 

54 FAMILY CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, Law No. 1316-XIV, art. 53, Oct. 26, 2000, http://lex.justice.md/ru/ 

286119/ (in Russian). 

55 Id.

56 Statute on the Ministry of Social Protection, Family, and Child, Law No. 357-XVI, Nov. 24, 2006, MONITORUL 

OFICIAL (official gazette) Dec. 8, 2006, No. 186 (in Romanian). More information on Moldovan national activities 

in the field of children rights protection can be found in the annual Social Protection Reports published in English by 

the Ministry on its website, at http://mpsfc.gov.md/en/rapoarte/ (last visited Apr. 28, 2015). 

57 Ombudsman: Kidnapping Children in Moldova Becomes Alarming, TELERADIO MOLDOVA (Jan. 14, 2015), 

http://www.trm.md/en/social/ombudsman-rapirea-copiilor-din-republica-moldova-devine-un-fenomen-alarmant. 

58 Law No. 52 on the People’s Advocate (Ombudsman) art. 1.7, Apr. 3, 2014, http://ombudsman.md/sites/default/ 

files/legislatie/legea_ombudsman_52_engl.pdf. 

59 TELERADIO MOLDOVA, supra note 57. 

60 CRIMINAL CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, Law No. 985-XV, art. 164, Apr. 18, 2002, http://lex.justice.md/ 

ru/331268/ (in Russian). 

61 Id. art. 207. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 9

declaration must specify the purpose of the trip, its duration, and the country of destination.62 

For children between the ages of ten and eighteen traveling abroad to establish permanent 

residence, the Law requires their written consent expressed in a declaration containing the child’s 

notarized signature.63 If one of the parents of a child under eighteen years of age does not 

consent to the child’s departure, the parent’s denial may be appealed to a local court of 

general jurisdiction.64

III. Latin America and the Caribbean 

Antigua and Barbuda 

Antigua and Barbuda, while not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of 

International Child Abduction, is a party to a regional convention, the Inter-American 

Convention on the International Return of Children.65 That Convention provides a mechanism 

for cooperation between countries for the return of children who have been wrongfully removed 

from one State Party to another.66 Antigua and Barbuda has appointed the office of the Attorney 

General as its central authority under the Convention.67 

The Convention provides that “[c]osts of the return [of the child] shall be borne by the claimant; 

should the claimant lack the means, the authorities of a requesting State may defray the costs, 

which may be recovered from the person responsible for the wrongful removal or retention.”68 It 

is unclear what types of costs are included under this provision. 

At the domestic level, family disputes, such as divorce and child custody, are adjudicated in both 

the Magistrates Court and the High Court.69 The court may include in any custody order a term 

that requires the person with custody of the child to notify any person granted access to the child 

any intention of changing residence at least thirty days in advance.70 

The requirements of consent for a minor to obtain a passport in Antigua and Barbuda vary 

according to the marital status of the parents. If the parents are married, the father must provide 

 

62 Law on Exit and Entry into the Republic of Moldova, No. 269-XIII, art. 1.2, Nov. 9, 1994, http://lex.justice.md/ 

index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=2&id=311638 (in Russian). 

63 Id. art. 3.3. 

64 Id. art. 3.5. 

65 Inter-American Convention on the International Return of Children, July 15, 1989, 29 I.L.M. 63 (1990), 

http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/treaties/b-53.html. 

66 Id. art. 1. 

67 Organization of American States, Inter-American Convention on the International Return of Children, Signatories 

and Ratifications, http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/sigs/b-53.html (last visited May 5, 2015). 

68 Inter-American Convention, supra note 65, art. 13. 

69 Magistrate’s Code of Procedure Act 1892, cap. 255 § 121, http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/chapters/cap-255.pdf; 

Divorce Act 1997, No. 10 of 1997, § 14, http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/1997/a1997-10.pdf. 

70 Divorce Act 1997, No. 10 of 1997, § 14(7), http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/1997/a1997-10.pdf. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 10

written consent, and in cases where the parents are not married, only the consent of the mother 

is required.71 

The Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda does not specify that legal aid will be provided to any 

person in civil cases,72 nor is there any law that specifically provides for a system of legal aid or 

assistance. A project for legal aid was established in August 2003 following concern over the 

lack of legal aid in the country; however, no provision has yet been made for legal aid in 

civil matters.73

Aruba74

No provisions were found in Aruban law that specifically deal with the issue of international 

parental child abductions. However, the Civil Code of Aruba has certain provisions that might 

be relevant to the handling of such cases. For example, the Code provides that where the parents 

exercise joint parental authority, disputes between them in respect of that authority are to be 

submitted at the request of both or one of them to the court of first instance. Before deciding, the 

court must first attempt to reach an agreement between the parents, and in taking any decision, 

the court must act in the best interests of the child.75 In addition, there are Criminal Code 

provisions that address the crimes of cross-border kidnapping76 and intentional withdrawal of a 

minor from a lawful authority.77 

Legal aid for both criminal and civil matters is provided in conformity with the National 

Ordinance on Free Legal Assistance.78 In order to receive legal aid, a party to a legal dispute 

must apply for a card for legal assistance (CLA), by first obtaining a CLA appointment form 

from the Free Legal Assistance section of the Social Affairs Department (Directie Sociale 

 

71 Application for Antigua and Barbuda Passport for Applicants Under 16, GOV.AG, http://www.forms.gov.ag/ 

passport/application_form_teen.pdf (last visit April 28, 2015). 

72 Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981, cap. 23, 1 LAWS OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA (rev. ed. 1992). 

73 Cardiff’s Legal Skills Spread to Antigua, CARDIFF LAW SCHOOL, http://www.law.cf.ac.uk/alumni/newsletter/ 

2005/jul/july8.html (last visited Apr. 28, 2015). 

74 At present there are no Law Library of Congress research staff members versed in Dutch. This report has been 

prepared based on practiced legal research methods and on the basis of relevant legal resources, chiefly in English, 

currently available in the Law Library and online. 

75 LANDSVERORDENING bevattende de tekst van Boek 1 voor een nieuw Burgerlijk Wetboek van Aruba, AB 

2001 no. 89, last amended by AB 2012 no. 54 (implemented by AB 2013 no. 15), http://www.overheid. 

aw/document.php?m=7&fileid=8703&f=24ddda754d93d52e8e45c404459987f3&attachment=0&c=10951. 

76 LANDSVERORDENING van 27 april 2012 houdende vaststelling van een nieuw Wetboek van Strafrecht van 

Aruba [Wetboek van Strafrecht van Aruba], AB 2012 No. 24, last amended by AB 2014 No. 11 (in force by AB 

2014 No. 12), art. 2: 245, http://www.overheid.aw/document.php?m=7&fileid=17393&f=5b1491b6f8298bd06ec 

1090332c028d1&attachment=0&c=13435. 

77 Id. arts. 2:246 & 2:247. 

78 Landsverordening kosteloze rechtskundige bijstand [Landsverordening kosteloze rechtskundige bijstand] 

[National Ordinance on Free Legal Assistance], AB 1991 No. GT 45, last amended by AB [AFKONDIGINGSBLAD 

VAN ARUBA] 1997 No. 34, http://www.overheid.aw/document.php?m=7&fileid=8325&f=7430ed249729ba1 

f5384b0c6d9d7fc37&attachment=0&c=10457. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 11

Zaken).79 The CLA appointment form is used to obtain required documents from the Population 

Register to prove Aruban residency and one’s income statement, which are then submitted to the 

Social Affairs Department on the date of the appointment.80

The CLA application is assessed by the Free Legal Assistance section of the Social Affairs 

Department based on the following criteria: possession of Dutch nationality residence or resident 

alien status; the nature of the conflict, e.g., being between persons and being civil law cases, 

personal and/or family law cases, or criminal cases; the amount of income and/or property to 

determine if the person is someone with insufficient or limited means; and the substance of 

the case.81

According to the National Ordinance on Free Legal Assistance, foreign nonresidents who meet 

the Ordinance’s requirements may be eligible for legal aid in criminal cases. To the extent that 

an international agreement exists between Aruba and the relevant foreign jurisdiction, a foreigner 

may also be eligible for free legal assistance in civil matters.82 A National Decree adopted in 

connection with the Criminal Procedure Law contains additional legal aid provisions and 

establishes a commission to formulate relevant guidelines.83 

Bolivia 

Bolivia is a party to the Inter-American Convention on the International Return of Children.84 

The Convention applies to the return of children wrongfully removed from one State Party to the 

Convention to another.85 

According to the Convention, the Central Authority designated by each party member assists the 

applicant and competent authorities of the respective states in locating and returning children.86 

It is also in charge of assuring the prompt return and delivery of the child to the applicant and 

 

79 Legal System and Free Legal Assistance, ARUBA BAR ASSOCIATION, http://www.ova.aw/index.php?option= 

com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=7&lang=en (last visited Apr. 28, 2015). In Dutch, the card is referred to 

as kaart rechtgevende op kosteloze rechtsbijstand aanvragen (KRB). See also National Ordinance on Free Legal 

Assistance art. 2, ¶ 1. 

80 ARUBA BAR ASSOCIATION, supra note 79. 

81 Id. 

82 National Ordinance on Free Legal Assistance art. 2, ¶ 2. 

83 LANDSBESLUIT, houdende algemene maatregelen, ter uitvoering van enkele artikelen van het Wetboek van 

Strafvordering van Aruba (AB 1996 No. 75) inzake de verlening van toevoegingen in strafzaken [Landsbesluit 

toevoeging in strafzaken] [National Decree, Lay3ing Down General Measures for the Implementation of Some 

Articles of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Aruba on the Grant of Requests in Criminal Matters [National 

Decision on Requests in Criminal Matters], AB 1997 No. 50, http://www.gobierno.aw/document.php?m=15&fileid= 

13046&f=b66ae54bee9dee8befc16311cc280b6b&attachment=0&c=18370. 

84 Inter-American Convention, supra note 65. 

85 Id. art. 1; Signatories and Ratifications, Inter-American Convention on the International Return of Children, 

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS), http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/sigs/b-53.html (last visited 

May 5, 2015). 

86 Inter-American Convention, supra note 65, art. 7, ¶ 2. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 12

assisting the parties in obtaining the necessary documents for proceedings required under the 

Convention.87 Bolivia has designated the Deputy Minister of Youth, Children and the Elderly as 

its central authority under the Convention.88

The Convention provides that costs incurred for the return are borne by the claimant, but that if 

he or she cannot afford them, the authorities of a requesting State may defray the costs, which 

may be later recovered from the person responsible for the wrongful removal or retention of 

the child.89

The processing of letters rogatory or requests and measures related to the restitution proceedings 

under the Convention are free of charge and exempt from any type of tax, deposit, or bond.90

Cuba 

No information was located as to whether Cuba provides any form of legal assistance to a parent 

whose child was abducted to or from the country. Also, no information was located to indicate 

whether there is an agency that handles legal representation for such parents. 

Guyana 

The laws of Guyana do not require the provision of legal representation to a child abducted to or 

from the country. It also does not appear to have a designated agency for handling legal 

representation in cases involving parental abductions. 

No Guyanese laws providing for legal aid services were identified. 

Haiti 

No information was located as to whether Haiti provides any form of legal assistance to a parent 

whose child was abducted to or from the country. Also, no information was located indicating 

whether there is an agency that handles legal representation for such parents. 

Haiti has signed but not ratified the Inter-American Convention on the International Return 

of Children.91 

 

 

87 Id. art. 7. 

88 Signatories and Ratifications, OAS, supra note 85. 

89 Inter-American Convention, supra note 65, art. 13. 

90 Id. art. 23, ¶ 1. 

91 Organization of American States, Inter-American Convention on the International Return of Children, Signatories 

and Ratifications, http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/sigs/b-53.html (last visited May 5, 2015). 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 13

Jamaica 

The laws of Jamaica do not require the provision of legal representation to a child abducted to or 

from these countries. The country also does not seem to have a designated agency for the 

handling of legal representation in cases involving parental abductions. Under Jamaican law, 

however, affected parties may receive legal representation from legal aid authorities. According 

to Jamaica’s Legal Aid Act, “[s]ave in relation to an excepted matter or proceeding, legal aid 

may be granted to any person who (a) is in need of legal services in any civil cause or matter.” 92

Saint Lucia 

The laws of Saint Lucia do not require legal representation in the case of a child abducted to or 

from the country. It also does not appear to have a designated agency for handling legal 

representation in cases involving parental abduction. Under Saint Lucia’s laws, however, 

affected parties may receive legal representation from legal aid authorities. 

 

Saint Lucia’s Legal Aid Act 2007 provides that “[a] person who cannot afford to obtain legal 

services from a private attorney at law may apply to the Board [of the Authority appointed under 

section 3 of the Act] for legal aid.”93

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a Family Court that handles family law issues.94 Custody 

is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Law of Minors Act 1989.95 Some 

national laws restrict parents in removing their children from the country. Specifically, section 

22 of the Law of Minors Act provides that the court may include a provision in a custody order 

that restricts parents from removing their children out of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.96 

Legal aid is currently only provided to indigent defendants charged with a capital offense.97 

Legal assistance is provided to indigent victims in Saint Vincent through nongovernment 

organizations (NGOs). This assistance appears to be available primarily for victims of human 

rights violations—for example, through the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Human Rights 

Association.98 This Association has stated that no legal clinics exist in St. Vincent, but that the 

 

92 Legal Aid Act No. 36, 1997, as amended, §16, JAMAICA MINISTRY OF JUSTICE, http://moj.gov.jm/sites/ 

default/files/laws/Legal%20Aid%20Act_1.pdf. 

93 Legal Aid Act 2007, §§ 31 & 2, SAINT LUCIA ACTS AND STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS, Act No. 6 (2008). 

94 Family Court Act 1992, No. 53 of 1992. 

95 Law of Minors Act 1989 cap. 232, § 12. 

96 Id. § 22. 

97 CONSTITUTION OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (1979), available at http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/ 

en/text.jsp?file_id=234369. 

98 St. Vincent and the Grenadines, STETSON UNIVERSITY, http://www.stetson.edu/law/international/caribbean/ 

home/media/ACLI-st-vincent.pdf (last visited Apr. 21, 2015). 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 14

government provides funding and building space to local NGOs that provide services to 

indigent victims.99 

A 2004 news report stated that the government was considering the implementation of a more 

robust system of legal aid,100 and a proposed Constitution in 2009, which was later defeated, 

included a provision to grant legal aid to more individuals.101 The constitutional amendment 

would have provided legal assistance to “accused indigent persons . . . subjected to capital 

punishment, as well as in other cases where such persons face serious criminal charges if in such 

cases legal aid is recommended by the presiding judicial officer.”102 No legal aid appears to be 

available for civil cases.

IV. Middle East and North Africa 

Iran 

Iran substantially reverted to Sharia Laws after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Iranian Islamic 

Penal Code recognizes abduction as the equivalent of kidnapping, which requires a criminal 

mens rea that is not available in a case of illegal removal of a child by a parent.103 The 

terminology of “parental abduction” does not exist in Iranian laws; nevertheless, hampering 

custody orders by one of the parents or a third party has civil and criminal aspects punishable by 

punitive damages and imprisonment.104 

Private law matters, including family law, are governed by the Iranian Constitution,105 Civil 

Code,106 and various acts, laws, and regulations. If, due to separation, divorce, or other reasons, 

parents are not living in the same residence, the noncustodial parent should be granted visitation 

 

99 Id. 

100 Legal Aid to Be Implemented Soon in St Vincent, CARIBBEAN NEWS (Feb. 6, 2004), http://www.caribbean 

newsnow.com/topstory-Legal-aid-to-be-implemented-soon-in-St-Vincent-234.html. 

101 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Act 2009, art. 9, available at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ 

population/womenrights/stvincent.constitution.09.pdf. Note that, although passed by the House of Assembly, this 

proposed Constitution was defeated in a referendum and never entered into force. 

102 Id. 

103 QANUN-I MOJAZAAT ISLA’MAI [ISLAMIC PENAL CODE] Tehran 1370 [1991] art. 621, available at

http://iranhrdc.org/english/human-rights-documents/iranian-codes/1000000351-islamic-penal-code-of-the-islamicrepublic-of-iran-book-five.html (in English). 

104 QANUN-I MADANI [CIVIL CODE] Tehran 1376 [1997] arts. 1174, 1175, available at http://www.alaviand 

associates. com/documents/civilcode.pdf (in English); ISLAMIC PENAL CODE art. 632; Law of 13 July 1986 (Custody 

Right Law – Single Clause), available at http://www.sabteahval.ir/Upload/Modules/Contents/asset81/hag 

hehezanat.pdf (in Farsi). 

105 QANUN-I ASSASI JUMHURI ISLA’MAI IRAN [CONSTITUTION OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN] 1358 [1980] arts. 

10, 12, 13, 21, available at http://en.parliran.ir/index.aspx?fkeyid=&siteid=84&pageid=3054 (in English). 

106 CIVIL CODE arts. 956–1257. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 15

rights at least once per month.107 A parent cannot and should not be deprived of his/her custody 

or visitation rights, unless due to a legal necessity, and by a court order.108 The Family Court, 

also known as the Special Civil Court,109 has jurisdiction to resolve cases related to 

custody rights.110 

A parent who has been granted custody, or a qualified third party who has custody, cannot 

remove the child from the city/province and country where the child resides, unless the other 

parent gives written permission or there is a court order.111 The Iranian Custody Clause of 1986 

considers hindering a custody order by illegally removing or retaining the child a crime 

punishable by detention and punitive damages until the offending party fully complies with the 

order.112 The Iranian Islamic Penal Code establishes a separate penalty of three to six months of 

imprisonment or a fine of 500,000 to 3,000,000 Rials for a person who interferes with custody or 

visitation arrangements by retention of the child.113 

Criminal penalties related to custody matters can be enforced upon petition of one of the parties 

who has standing.114 The Family Court is the central authority to evaluate, verify, and enforce 

foreign custody awards issued by foreign courts or arbitrators.115 Family Courts also have 

jurisdiction to hear criminal matters arising from custody issues.116 Parties are able to designate 

arbitrators with the court’s permission, and/or if the court decides to proceed via arbitration.117 

In contrast with the foregoing criminal removal or retention of children by their parents, the 

Penal Code considers child abduction the equivalent of kidnapping of children by force, deceit, 

or other methods, which is punishable by fifteen years of imprisonment for victims younger than 

fifteen, and five to fifteen years of imprisonment for victims over fifteen. The Iranian Supreme 

 

107 Id. art. 1174; A’innameh Ijrai Qanun-i Hemayat Khanevadeh Shomareh 2654 [Family Protection Law Executive 

Regulations No. 2654] Tehran 1354 [1975] art. 12, in RUZNA’MEH-I RASMI JUMHURI ISLA’MAI IRAN [OFFICIAL 

GAZETTE OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN], Family Protection Law Executive Regulations, 21 May 1975–8846. 

108 CIVIL CODE art. 1175. 

109 Layeheh Qanuni-i Tashkil Daadgah Madani Khaas [Statutory Instrument for Establishment of Special Civil 

Court] Tehran 1358 [1979] arts. 1, 3, 8, 15, 17, in RUZNA’MEH-I RASMI JUMHURI ISLA’MAI IRAN, Statutory 

Instrument for Establishment of Special Civil Court, 11 Oct. 1979–10088. 

110 Qanun-i Hemayat Khanevadeh [Family Protection Law] Tehran 1353 [1975] arts. 1, 14 available at

https://tavaana.org/sites/default/files/family_protection_act.pdf (in Farsi). 

111 Id. art. 14, amend. 1. 

112 Law of 13 July 1986 (Custody Right Law – Single Clause), available at http://www.sabteahval.ir/Upload/ 

Modules/Contents/asset81/haghehezanat.pdf (in Farsi). 

113 ISLAMIC PENAL CODE art. 632. 

114 Family Protection Law art. 22. 

115 Qanun-i Ijrai Ahkam Madani [Executive Law for Civil Judgments] Tehran 1356 [1977] arts. 169, 170, 177, 178, 

in RUZNA’MEH-I RASMI JUMHURI ISLA’MAI IRAN, Executive Law for Civil Judgments, 20 Sept. 1977–9610; Family 

Protection Law art. 7, amend.; A’INI DADRASSI’I MADANI [CIVIL PROCEDURE CODE] Tehran 1379 [2000], ch. 2, art. 

31, 32, available at http://www.ghanoonbaz.com/anavin/Madani/Aeindadresi_Madani/aeinedadresi_madani1.htm. 

116 Statutory Instrument for Establishment of Special Civil Court art. 3, § 5. 

117 Family Protection Law arts. 5, 6, 8. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 16

Court Consultancy Committee has interpreted the elements of this law to include a criminal mens 

rea, such as demanding money, lucrative favors, and taking revenge, and excluding any other 

form of removal that does not carry the same criminal intent.118 If abduction or kidnapping leads 

to other crimes, such as assault, rape, physical injury, or death of the victim, the penalties can be 

elevated up to the death penalty, depending on the gravity of the harm and the age of 

the victim.119 

The permission of a child’s guardian—or, where necessary, a court order—is required to obtain a 

passport or to include the child in a qualified relative’s passport as a minor traveler.120 The 

removal of a child to a foreign country without a legitimate passport or by a passport that has 

been acquired through fraud is a punishable crime under the jurisdiction of the public courts, or 

the family courts if directly related to a family case or order. 

If a child is abducted to Iran in violation of a foreign custody order and that foreign order is 

already registered at the Iranian Consulate, the enforcement process and investigations can begin 

immediately. A petition to a family court or public court of first instance can be filed through 

the Iranian consulate in the foreign country of the main residence or directly at a court in the 

place of residence of the child or respondent in Iran; if the exact residence in Iran is unknown in 

Tehran, the petition may be filed in Tehran.121 This may be done in person or by proxy.122 If 

there is a foreign criminal order related to an abduction matter other than illegal removal or 

retention of a child due to a custody conflict, the parties can file a motion through the 

International Division of the Ministry of Justice to grant jurisdiction to Iranian authorities to 

investigate, evaluate, and enforce legal proceedings, and to cooperate with Interpol.123

Iran generally assists with accepting foreign judgments after verifying that another alternative 

judgment from an Iranian court does not exist, that the judgment is in compliance with the public 

order of the country, treaties, and bilateral agreements,124 and that it is final and valid. In 

criminal matters, Iran cooperates with Interpol if the written application to the International 

Division of the Ministry of Justice is approved. The level of assistance and cooperation with 

another country is governed by bilateral agreements with that country. Presently, Iran has 

bilateral agreements in matters of private law with Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria.125

 

118 Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran, [Case Name Unknown], 18 Mar. 1996, 74/2287, available at

http://www.ghavanin.ir/detail.asp?id=5125. 

119 Qanun-i Tashdid Mojazat Robayandegan-i Ashkhas [Aggravated Penalty Law for Kidnappers] Tehran 1353 

[1975], available at http://www.dastour.ir/brows/?lid=%20%20%20%20%2085928. 

120 Qanun-i Gozarnaameh [Passport Law] arts. 21, 22, 23, available at http://ravash.ir/pages/view/pageid/155/lang/fa

(last visited Apr. 30, 2015). 

121 Family Protection Law art. 7. 

122 Family Protection Law Executive Regulations No. 2654, art. 2, amend.; CIVIL PROCEDURE CODE ch. 2, arts. 

31 & 32. 

123 Forms available on the website of the International Division of the Ministry of Justice, at http://www.biajudiciary.ir/Default.aspx?tabid=3657 (last visited Apr. 28, 2015). 

124 Executive Law for Civil Judgments art. 171. 

125 List of Bilateral Agreements, INTERNATIONAL DIVISION OF THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE, http://www.biajudiciary.ir/Default.aspx?tabid=3670 (in Persian; last visited Apr. 28, 2015). 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 17

Saudi Arabia 

No information was located as to whether Saudi Arabia provides any form of legal assistance to 

a parent whose child was abducted to or from the country. Also, no information was located 

indicating whether there is an agency handling legal representation for such parents. 

Tunisia 

No information was located as to whether Tunisia provides any form of legal assistance to a 

parent whose child was abducted to or from the country. Also, no information was located 

indicating whether there is an agency handling legal representation for such parents. 

V. South Asia 

India 

India’s Legal Services Authorities Act126 establishes statutory bodies called legal services 

authorities “to give effect to the policies and directions”127 of India’s National Legal Services 

Authority (NALSA) in the states of India and “to provide free and competent legal services to 

the weaker sections of the society to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied 

to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities.”128 The criteria for granting legal aid 

is established by section 12 of the Act,129 which states that “[e]very person who has to file or 

defend a case shall be entitled to legal services under this Act if that person is . . . a woman or a 

child.”130 The Act provides support to persons in both civil and criminal matters.131 There do 

not appear to be any rules regarding legal representation for a parent whose child was abducted 

from or to India. 

Nepal 

Nepal’s Legal Aid Act132 authorizes legal aid and the Legal Aid Rules133 set forth the applicable 

procedures for legal aid cases. Aid dispensed through the Act is provided by Central and District 

 

126 Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, No. 39 of 1987, http://nalsa.gov.in/actrules.html. 

127 Introduction and History of NALSA, NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (2010), http://nalsa.gov.in/. 

128 Legal Services Authorities Act, preamble. 

129 Id. 

130 Id. § 12(c). 

131 Id. § 2(1)(a). 

132 Legal Aid Act, 2054 (1997), http://www.lawcommission.gov.np/site/sites/default/files/Documents/legal-aidact.pdf. 

133 Legal Aid Rules, 2055 (1998), http://www.lawcommission.gov.np/site/sites/default/files/Documents/Legal%2B 

Aid%2BRules%2C%2B2055.pdf. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 18

Legal Aid Committees (DLACs).134 The Act and the Rules authorize the provision of legal aid 

when the person has less than a “specified annual income,”135 which is currently NPR40,000 

(about US$390) and below.136 The Act does not appear to distinguish between civil and criminal 

matters. Provisions on legal aid are also found in the Supreme Court Rules, Appellate Court 

Rules, and District Court Rules.137 No information was located concerning specifically tailored 

rules regarding legal representation for a parent whose child was abducted from or to Nepal. 

Pakistan 

Rules promulgated under Pakistan’s Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973138 provide 

free legal assistance “to the poor, destitute, orphan, widows, indigent and other deserving 

litigants”139 in certain category of “specified civil matters,”140 which include public interest 

litigation and family law.141 The Pakistan Bar Council is responsible for providing legal aid 

under the Act. There do not appear to be any specifically tailored rules regarding legal 

representation of a parent whose child was abducted from or to Pakistan. According to a briefing 

by the Child Rights International Network, 

. . . child victims of crime have the right to free legal assistance at the expense of the 

Government. The Government has also established the Public Defender and Legal Aid 

Office to provide legal assistance to indigent persons involved in criminal proceedings, 

and any person interested in the welfare of a child may seek legal assistance from the 

Office on behalf of that child.142

VI. Sub-Saharan Africa

Cameroon 

No information was located as to whether Cameroon provides any form of legal assistance to a 

parent whose child was abducted to or from the country. Also, no information was located 

indicating whether there is an agency handling legal representation for such parents. 

 

134 USAID, STUDY OF THE CURRENT LEGAL AID SYSTEM IN NEPAL (Sept. 2, 2005), http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/ 

PNADJ826.pdf. 

135 Legal Aid Act § 3(1). 

136 Legal Aid Rules § 6(1). 

137 USAID, supra note 134, at 16.

138 Legal Practitioners & Bar Councils Act, 1973, No. 35, http://www.pbbarcouncil.com/downloads/barcouncil_ 

act_amended_2005.pdf. 

139 Pakistan Bar Council Free Legal Aid Rules, 1999, § 3(a), http://pakistanbarcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/ 

2012/07/1999.pdf. 

140 Child Rights International Network, Legal Briefing on Children’s Rights in Pakistan, https://www.crin.org/docs/ 

Pakistan_Legal_Status_Final.pdf (last visited Apr. 29, 2015). 

141 Pakistan Bar Council Free Legal Aid Rules § 3(a)(iii) & (viii). 

142 Child Rights International Network, supra note 140. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 19

Cape Verde 

Cape Verde does not appear to have a specific provision or government program designed to 

provide legal representation in cases involving the abduction of a child in the country or abroad, 

or a designated agency in charge of handling legal representation regarding parental abduction of 

children. It was not possible to determine whether the government of Cape Verde makes 

available to its citizens any type of legal assistance concerning parental abduction of children. 

Equatorial Guinea 

No information was located as to whether Equatorial Guinea provides any form of legal 

assistance to a parent whose child was abducted to or from the country. Also, no information 

was located indicating whether there is an agency handling legal representation for such parents. 

 

Kenya 

Kenya does not appear to have legislation or a government program that provides for legal aid in 

cases involving parental abduction of children. This is true both in situations where children are 

abducted from Kenya or abducted abroad and brought into Kenya. A search of the Law Library 

of Congress collection on Kenya and online searches yielded no results. 

Mozambique

Mozambique does not appear to have a dedicated agency or office that provides legal 

representation in cases involving the abduction of a child in the country or abroad, and there is 

no specific office responsible for providing legal representation in cases involving parental 

abduction of children. It was not possible to determine whether the government of Mozambique 

makes available to its citizens any type of legal assistance concerning parental abduction 

of children. 

Nigeria 

Nigeria does not appear to have a legal aid program aimed specifically at providing legal 

assistance in cases involving parental abduction of children. This is true both in situations where 

children are abducted from Nigeria or abducted abroad and brought into Nigeria. Child 

abduction is a federal offense in Nigeria.143 Nigeria’s Legal Aid Act does not appear to be 

directly applicable to matters relating to custody or parental abduction; however, it authorizes the 

country’s president to issue regulations for the provision of legal aid with regard to any type of 

case, which may include custody and abduction matters.144 No such regulation was 

located, however. 

 

143 Child Rights Act, 2003, §§ 27 & 47 (July 31, 2003), available on Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) 

website, at http://www.placng.org/new/laws/C50.pdf. This report does not include state laws on the provision of 

legal aid. 

144 Legal Aid Act, 1977, § 7, 8 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, Cap. L.9 (rev. ed. 2006), available at 

http://www.placng.org/new/laws_of_nigeria3.php?sn=232. 
Provisions on Child Abduction in Non-Hague Countries 

The Law Library of Congress 20

Rwanda 

The Rwandan Ministry of Justice has created legal aid offices, called Access to Justice Bureaus 

or Maisons d’Accès à la Justice (MAJ), in all thirty districts of Rwanda.145 These offices provide 

legal information as well as legal advice and mediation services.146 No information could be 

located specifically on international child abductions. 

São Tomé e Príncipe

São Tomé e Príncipe does not appear to have a program designed to provide legal representation 

in cases involving the abduction of a child in the country or abroad, or an agency or office in 

charge of handling legal representation related to parental abduction of children. It was not 

possible to determine whether the government of São Tomé e Príncipe makes available to its 

citizens any type of legal assistance concerning parental abduction of children. 

Sudan 

No information was located as to whether Sudan provides any form of legal assistance to a 

parent whose child was abducted to or from the country. Also, no information was located 

indicating whether there is an agency handling legal representation for such parents. 

Uganda 

Uganda does not appear to have a program specifically designed to provide legal aid in parental 

abduction cases. This is true both in situations where children are abducted from Uganda or 

abducted abroad and brought into Uganda. However, a person involved in this type of case may 

be eligible for assistance under a general law on legal aid. Under this law, a person is eligible for 

legal aid if, according the assessment of a legal aid provider, he or she is, among other things, 

indigent and has a reasonable ground for instituting an action and a good prospect of success.147 

This law makes disputes involving domestic violence as well as child maintenance and custody 

cases among the matters to be given priority when making a determination regarding the 

provision of legal aid.148 Legal aid determinations appear to involve a great deal of discretion on 

the part of the legal aid provider; legal aid does not appear to be available to anyone as a matter 

of right. 

 

145 Republic of Rwanda Ministry of Justice, National Legal Aid Policy (Sept. 2014), at 13, http://www.minijust. 

gov.rw/fileadmin/Documents/MoJ_Document/Legal_Aid_Policy_-_IMCC_Feedback.pdf. 

146 Id.

147 Advocates (Legal Aid to Indigent Persons) Regulations, 2007, S.I. 12, § 23 (Apr. 5, 2007), available on the 

Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII) website, at http://www.ulii.org/ug/legislation/statutory-instrument/12. 

148 Id. § 25.