Diplomatic immunity

Diplomatic immunity is a rule of international law that protects diplomatic missions, agents and certain family or staff members from specified criminal, civil and administrative jurisdiction of the receiving state. Its purpose is functional: enabling effective diplomatic relations, not creating personal privilege. The sending state may waive immunity, and diplomats remain subject to the laws of the receiving state in practice. Switzerland applies these rules as a host state to many embassies and international missions, particularly in Bern and Geneva.