Ad Hoc Committee on Statelessness and Related Problems, Decisions of the Committee on Statelessness and Related Problems Taken on 25 January 1950

E/AC.32/L.8

Ad Hoc Committee on Statelessness and Related Problems
Decisions of the Committee on Statelessness and Related Problems taken on 25 January 1950

The numbering of articles in the Secretariat text (E/AC.32/2) has been retained.

Article 9 The right to sue and be sued

1. Refugees shall have, in the territories of the High Contracting Parties, free access to the courts of law.

2. In the countries in which they have their regular residence, refugees shall enjoy in this respect the same rights and privileges as nationals. They shall, on the same conditions as the latter, enjoy the benefit of legal assistance and be exempt from cautio judicatum solvi.

3. In the matters referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 above, refugees shall be treated, in the countries of the High Contracting Parties in which they do not reside, as nationals of the country where they have their regular residence.

Article 11 Fiscal charges

1. The High Contracting Parties undertake not to impose upon refugees residing in their territory duties, charges or taxes, under any denomination whatsoever, other or higher than which are or may be levied on their nationals in similar situations.

2. Nothing in the foregoing provisions shall prevent the application of the provisions of the laws and regulations concerning charges in respect of the issue to foreigners of administrative documents or the extension of the validity of such documents.

3. The High Contracting Parties reserve the right to impose upon refugees a special duty payable either on identity cards or residence permits or on travel documents. Revenue accruing from this duty shall be wholly applied to charities for the relief of refugees.