Half-Truths, Mistakes, and Embarrassments: The United States Goes to the Fifth Meeting of the Special Session to Review the Operation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction

The United States was not an admirable leader at the Fifth Meeting. When invited by the pre-meeting questionnaire to “make proposals concerning recommendations to be made by the Special Commission,” the United States was silent.493 The United States, however, was vocal in its indifference, or perhaps hostility, to the plight of domestic violence victims. While its position was condemnable, the transparency with which the United States presented it allows concerned individuals to address the merits of the U.S. position. In contrast, the U.S. position on a number of other issues was obscured with nationalistic legal language.

The use of this language was not necessary, nor even precise or accurate in certain instances, raising legitimate questions about the United States’ tactics. As a U.S. citizen, I was surprised and disappointed by my government’s performance. This Article may cause others, both here and abroad, to have a similar reaction to the United States’ participation. I hope it will prompt the United States to rethink its strategy and positions, and thereby redeem itself at the Sixth Meeting of the Special Commission.

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