Recommended for ratification by the Bill (Reg.No.0013), The Convention will enable moves to be taken towards a more wide-reaching recognition and enforcement of decisions concerning the custody of children, will guarantee parents´ rights of access to the child, will secure an appropriate resolution to problems arising from the illegal removal of children across an International frontier, and will adopt relevant provisions allowing the reinstatement of custody of children in cases of its voluntary termination. The Convention establishes a legal co-operation with the competent bodies in the Contracting States.
It was noted at the meeting that the Bill envisages the ratification of this Convention with certain reservations. These concern the possible requirement of a translation into Ukrainian of documents arising from those States that refuse documents in the official languages of the Council of Europe; and setting out additional grounds for the refusal of recognition and enforcement of a decision concerning custody, where applications are made within six months of the illegal removal of a child.
Committee members noted that the ratification of this Convention will lead to improvements in legal relationships in the field of custody of children, and adaptation of the National Legislation to International standards in the issue of Children´s Rights. It was also emphasized that admission of Ukraine to this Convention will prove a consequential step in the fulfilment by Ukraine of its commitments to the Council of Europe.