Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law that provides diplomats and their families with protection from legal proceedings in their host country. Diplomats are exempt from the legal jurisdiction of the host country. This means that they cannot be arrested, prosecuted, detained or harmed. Similarly, embassy or consulate buildings are also inviolable and host country officials cannot enter these buildings without permission. In short, diplomatic immunity is a type of legal protection that allows diplomats to carry out their duties without being subject to interference from the host country’s legal system, ensuring their ability and capability to represent their country and maintain international relations.

• Vaughan, C. (2016). Diplomatic immunity: A legal overview. Congressional Research Service. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R44947