Legal Definitions - corps diplomatique

The term corps diplomatique (pronounced "kor dee-ploh-mah-TEEK") refers to the entire body of foreign diplomats accredited to a particular country or international organization. It encompasses all the ambassadors, high commissioners, chargés d'affaires, and other diplomatic staff from various nations who are officially recognized by the host state.

Members of the corps diplomatique collectively represent their respective countries and typically enjoy certain privileges and immunities under international law, such as diplomatic immunity, which protects them from the jurisdiction of the host country's laws.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of the corps diplomatique:

• Example 1: National Day Celebration
  When a country celebrates its National Day, the host government often invites all the foreign ambassadors and their senior staff stationed in the capital to a reception. This collective group of invited foreign representatives, attending as official guests, constitutes the corps diplomatique. Their presence signifies the diplomatic relations between their home countries and the host nation.

• Example 2: Collective Statement on a Global Issue
  Following a major natural disaster in a developing nation, the ambassadors from several donor countries might issue a joint statement expressing solidarity and pledging humanitarian aid. This coordinated action, undertaken by the collective body of foreign envoys, demonstrates the corps diplomatique working together to address a shared concern and exert diplomatic influence.

• Example 3: Protocol at an International Summit
  During a high-level international summit hosted in a particular city, the local authorities are responsible for ensuring the security and smooth movement of all visiting foreign dignitaries and their diplomatic entourages. The entire collection of these accredited foreign representatives and their staff, operating within the host country's borders for the summit, collectively forms the corps diplomatique for that specific event, requiring specialized protocol and security arrangements.