Custody battles are always complex and require courts to balance the needs of the child with both parents’ wishes.  

When different legal jurisdictions are in play, that process becomes far more complicated.  

The Hague Convention is a powerful international treaty signed by over 100 countries, which assumes the courts in the country where the child usually lives are best placed to make decisions about their welfare.  

This treaty is supposed to make things easier, but as some recent cases have shown, it’s not the golden solution it should be. 

Today on The Front Page, University of Auckland law professor Mark Henaghan joins to explain how the Convention works and if after 40 years it's still fit for purpose.  

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Host: Katie Harris
Sound Engineer: Paddy Fox
Producer: Ethan Sills