Diplomatic Law and Responsibilities for Honorary Consuls – Spring 2021

Honorary consuls have an important part to play in the international relations of many states, particularly smaller states and those unable to afford the costs associated with establishing conventional diplomatic and consular missions. While honorary consuls cannot replace traditional diplomats, they can facilitate multiple and deep engagements with political bodies, commercial organizations, nationals located abroad and citizens of receiving states. Their engagements can take place on different levels, including political, commercial and cultural. However, to best perform their role they need not only an understanding of the underlying legal aspects governing their role, but also practical skills to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.

UNITAR has developed this course that focuses especially on the roles and responsibilities of honorary consuls in cooperation with Professor J. Craig Barker (Dean of the School of Law and Social Sciences at London South Bank University) and Richard H.Griffiths, Esq (Senior Advisor at Dentons Global Law Firm).

In the first week, participants will explore the key legal principles pertaining to honorary consuls with the help of self-paced online lessons via UNITAR’s e-learning platform. During the second week, participants will dive into practical matters of the work of honorary consul, including UN protocol. The last two-day workshop will focus on matters of UN protocol.

Download Syllabus

Target Audience

The course is designed for honorary consuls, as well as those who intend to serve as honorary consuls.

Learning Objectives

This short course is aimed at providing honorary consuls or those seeking to take up such an appointment with an understanding of the roles, responsibilities and underlying legal framework governing the work of honorary consul. At the end of the course participants will be able to:

Explain the legal framework governing honorary consuls;
Describe the normal activities of an honorary consul and assess their responsibilities;
Explain issues of practice and protocol.