Diplomats are often deemed important people by the host nation, as they help in sustaining healthy relationships with other nations. They are given diplomatic immunity within the host country which is quite a privilege since all it has are advantages. Amidst the limelight however, some diplomats tend to abuse this diplomatic immunity as they know that they would not get arrested within the host country. The privileges entailed within diplomatic immunity should have exceptions with regards to the abuse of these privileges by the diplomat, in any form especially towards people who work for them.
Since some diplomats tend to abuse their “untouchable” state, they tend to commit crimes that should be enough grounds for imprisonment. In an online article entitled “Servant Abuse: When Prosecutors’ Hands are Tied”, it is often mentioned that the servants are given compensation while letting the abusive diplomat go home, without prosecution (Lewis 2007). The abuse of helpers by diplomats is quite common United States, although their immunities make them untouchable to any prosecution.
Abusive actions like this one will continue for as long as they have immunity. Immigrants who work as servants for diplomats often receive the most damage from an abusive diplomat. In a New York Times article by Kirk Semple, it has been mentioned in a report by the Government Accountability Office that at least 42 immigrants brought in to work for diplomats have reported being abused (NYtimes. com 2008). Their abusive nature breaches the right of these immigrants, as well as international accords with the immigrants’ country.
Given these claims, the privileges given to a diplomat through diplomatic immunity should be reduced. As envoys, they should act as role-models of their nation rather than abuse people from other nations which may result in arguments between nations. The solution would have to involve the reduction of a diplomat’s rights, especially on the grounds of afflicting any sort of harm towards an individual (physical, emotional, psychological, etc. ).
