Electronic Country Profiles

ended

The HCCH is responsible for an array of Conventions in the field of international civil procedure and legal cooperation, as well as international family law and child protection. An e-Country profile for the HCCH 2007 Child Support Convention was created in 2014. This e-Country profile can be completed online and therefore easily updated. It will, however, benefit from a modernised interface to allow for faster completion and improved accessibility (incl. from mobile devices). In addition, the backend of the software will be modified to allow the Permanent Bureau (PB, secretariat of the organisation) to compile responses for research purposes, which will greatly increase efficiency in using collected data. Furthermore, Central Authority contact details on the HCCH website could be automatically updated using the input from the e-Country Profile. The 1980 Child Abduction Convention, the 1993 Adoption Convention, the 1996 Child Protection Convention, the 2000 Protection of Adults Convention, as well as the 1965 Service Convention and the 1970 Evidence Convention will benefit from a similar approach. Information that is contained in the Country Profiles directly supports the operation of these Conventions. To collect this information, it is important that Central Authorities can enter their responses easily. If input of information is slow or difficult, then participants are less likely to keep their information up to date. Up-to-date information will mean that Central Authorities are more aware of their counterparts’ requirements. This means less back-and-forth to ask for additional information, which in turn saves time to concentrate on substance. The same applies for legal professionals, who have access to up-to-date information and can advise their clients accordingly.