Japan has become the 91st country to sign up the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
The 1980 Child Abduction Convention applies typically where one parent has moved a child abroad without the consent of the other parent and without the permission of a court.
In such a case, the “left behind” parent may apply through the Hague system for the prompt return of the child, and a “return order” will be issued unless the “taking parent” can establish that one of the exceptions found in the Convention should be applied.
In a statement issued about the signing of the Convention, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said:
“Since the number of people who move across borders has dramatically increased and international marriage and international divorce have increased in recent years, it is very important for the Government of Japan to conclude the Hague Convention, which is an international rule to deal with issues such as the wrongful removal of a child.”
The Convention will enter into force for Japan on 1st April 2014.
Source: Hague Conference on Private International Law
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