Private international law

Lesson 08. Protection / rights of minors and children

RELS 2023-2024

I. Introduction
II. Parental responsibility and other institutions
a. International judicial competence.
b. Applicable law: conflictual and substantive aspects
c. Recognition and declaration of enforceability.
III. Civil aspects of international child abduction.
a. Extra-EU abductions.
b. Intra-EU abductions

…..

I. Introduction
• Minors and children
• Protection and rights
• Paternal responsibility
• Right/Duty of custody and visit

II. Parental responsibility and other institutions

NOTE: It is advisable to read the Q&A of ejustice (European Judicial Network in civil and
commercial matters) website related to paternal responsibility

A. Jurisdiction of Spanish Courts

1. Jurisdiction of Spanish Courts for the attribution, exercise,
delegation, restriction or termination of parental responsibility,
when the child has his/her habitual residence in a Member State
(except Denmark: Recital 31)

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Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003 concerning jurisdiction
and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and the
matters of parental responsibility, repealing Regulation (EC) No 1347/2000
(Brussels II or BR2) – Not applicable from 1 August 2022

Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 of 25 June 2019 on jurisdiction, the recognition and
enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental
responsibility, and on international child abduction (recast) (Brussels IIbis or BR2bis),
here

Background and links, here

It applies from 1 August 2022 (art. 105)
See arts 7-16 BR2bis

A. NOTES

1. When does Brussels II Regulation (BR2) and BR2bis apply?

Art. 61 BR2:

a) for jurisdiction: when the child has his/her habitual residence in a Member State of the
EU (except Denmark), and
b) for the recognition and enforcement in a Member State of a judgment rendered in another
Member State

Art 61: Relation with the Hague Convention of 19 October 1996 on Jurisdiction, Applicable law,
Recognition, Enforcement and Cooperation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the
Protection of Children
“As concerns the relation with the Hague Convention of 19 October 1996 on Jurisdiction, Applicable law,
Recognition, Enforcement and Cooperation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the
Protection of Children, this Regulation shall apply:
(a) where the child concerned has his or her habitual residence on the territory of a Member State;
(b) as concerns the recognition and enforcement of a judgment given in a court of a Member State on the
territory of another Member State, even if the child concerned has his or her habitual residence on the
territory of a third State which is a contracting Party to the said Convention”.

BR2bis: see arts. 94-99

2. Concept of “parental responsibility” is autonomous and large

Art 2.7:
“The term ‘parental responsibility' shall mean all rights and duties relating to the person or the property of
a child which are given to a natural or legal person by judgment, by operation of law or by an agreement
having legal effect. The term shall include rights of custody and rights of access”

3. Issues included in the concept of “parental responsibility”

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Art 1.2:
“(a) rights of custody and rights of access;
(b) guardianship, curatorship and similar institutions;
(c) the designation and functions of any person or body having charge of the child's person or property,
representing or assisting the child;
(d) the placement of the child in a foster family or in institutional care;
(e) measures for the protection of the child relating to the administration, conservation or disposal of the child's
property”.

4. Judgments of the ECJ related to “paternal responsibility”

1)
2) 27 November 2007, C-435/06, “C”
3) 1 April 2009, C-523/07, “A”
4) 26 April 2012, C-92/12, “Health Service”
5) 6 October 2015, C-404/14, “Matouskova”
6) 21 October 2015, C-215/15, “Goyova”

5. Concept of “rights of custody”

Art 2.9
“The term ‘rights of custody' shall include rights and duties relating to the care of the person of a child, and
in particular the right to determine the child's place of residence”

6. Concept of “rights of access” (art 2.10): “the term ‘rights of access' shall include in particular
the right to take a child to a place other than his or her habitual residence for a limited period of time”;

7. Concept of “wrongful removal or retention” (art 2.11): “the term ‘wrongful removal or
retention' shall mean a child's removal or retention where: (a) it is in breach of rights of custody acquired
by judgment or by operation of law or by an agreement having legal effect under the law of the Member
State where the child was habitually resident immediately before the removal or retention; and (b)
provided that, at the time of removal or retention, the rights of custody were actually exercised, either
jointly or alone, or would have been so exercised but for the removal or retention. Custody shall be
considered to be exercised jointly when, pursuant to a judgment or by operation of law, one holder of
parental responsibility cannot decide on the child's place of residence without the consent of another
holder of parental responsibility”.

8. Concept of “children”. The Regulation does not define the term “children”
• Does the concept of “child” refer to a status (as “minor)?
• Should the concept be defined in accordance with the international instruments (ie.
Convention on the rights of the child)?

B. Jurisdiction criteria.

1. General rule: the courts of the State of the habitual residence of the child (art 7 BR2bis).

Concept of “habitual residence” has been defined by the ECJ in an autonomous way:
integration in a family and social environment.

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 See judgments of the ECJ:

- ECJ 2 April 2009, C-523/07, “A”

§ The habitual residence of children is not primarily a matter of intention on the part of
the parents.
§ The court must focus upon the place in which the child has his or her center of
interests making an overall assessment of all the relevant factual circumstances, in
particular the duration and stability of residence and familial and social integration.
§ It is possible for a child to have no habitual residence (notwithstanding that this would
deprive a child of the protection of the Hague Convention 1980)
§ Some time is needed before habitual residence is established in a new state
§ The definition when the point is considered in a non-EU state context is unresolved

- ECJ 22 December 2010, C-497/10, “Mecredi”

- ECJ 8 June 2017, C-111/17, “Ol”

2. Exceptions:

• Exception 1: Choice of law, under specific circumstances (art 10 BR2bis)

• Exception 2: the courts of the Member State where the child is present (art 11.1 BR2bis)
shall have jurisdiction if the habitual residence cannot be established and jurisdiction
cannot be determined on the basis of article 10 BR2bis (Prorrogation of jurisdiction)

• Exception 3: the courts of the Member State where the child is present shall have
jurisdiction (art 11.2) in cases related to refugee children or children internationally
displaced

• Exception 4: Child abduction: the courts of the Member State where the child was
habitually resident immediately before the abduction retain their jurisdiction under certain
conditions (art 9 BR2bis)

o Return of the child in cases where 1980 Hague Convention is applicable: art 11,
paragraphs 2 to 8, shall apply

• Exception 5: Transfer to a Court better placed to hear the case, under certain circumstances
(art 13 RB2bis)

3. Residual jurisdiction (art 14 RB2bis): “Where no court of a Member State has jurisdiction
pursuant to Articles 8 to 13, jurisdiction shall be determined, in each Member State, by the laws of that
State”.

o Residual application of SOLJ

4. Provisional measures in urgent cases (art 15 RB2bis): courts of the State where the child
is present
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2. Jurisdiction of Spanish Courts for the attribution, exercise,
delegation, restriction or termination of parental responsibility,
when the child has not his/her habitual residence in a Member State
(except Denmark)
The Hague Convention of 19 October 1996 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition,
enforcement and cooperation in respect of parental responsibility and measures for the
protección of children (HC 1996)

Fields covered: complete private international law system (art 1)

Art 1
(1) The objects of the present Convention are – a) to determine the State whose authorities have jurisdiction
to take measures directed to the protection of the person or property of the child; b) to determine which law
is to be applied by such authorities in exercising their jurisdiction; c) to determine the law applicable to
parental responsibility; d) to provide for the recognition and enforcement of such measures of protection in
all Contracting States; e) to establish such co-operation between the authorities of the Contracting States as
may be necessary in order to achieve the purposes of this Convention.

Concept of parental responsibility

Art 1
(2) For the purposes of this Convention, the term ‘parental responsibility’ includes parental authority, or any
analogous relationship of authority determining the rights, powers and responsibilities of parents, guardians
or other legal representatives in relation to the person or the property of the child.

Concept of children

Art 2
The Convention applies to children from the moment of their birth until they reach the age of 18 years.

Measures affected

Art 3
“The measures referred to in Article 1 may deal in particular with –
a) the attribution, exercise, termination or restriction of parental responsibility, as well as its delegation;
b) rights of custody, including rights relating to the care of the person of the child and, in particular, the right
to determine the child's place of residence, as well as rights of access including the right to take a child for a
limited period of time to a place other than the child's habitual residence;
c) guardianship, curatorship and analogous institutions;
d) the designation and functions of any person or body having charge of the child's person or property,
representing or assisting the child;
e) the placement of the child in a foster family or in institutional care, or the provision of care by kafala or
an analogous institution;
f) the supervision by a public authority of the care of a child by any person having charge of the child;
g) the administration, conservation or disposal of the child's property”.

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Matters to which the Convention does not apply

Art 4
“The Convention does not apply to –
a) the establishment or contesting of a parent-child relationship;
b) decisions on adoption, measures preparatory to adoption, or the annulment or revocation of adoption;
c) the name and forenames of the child;
d) emancipation;
e) maintenance obligations;
f) trusts or succession;
g) social security;
h) public measures of a general nature in matters of education or health;
i) measures taken as a result of penal offences committed by children;
j) decisions on the right of asylum and on immigration”.

Jurisdiction criteria

1. General criteria: courts of the State of habitual residence (HR) of the child (art 5.1)

2. Exceptions

• Exception 1: If HR cannot be established: Courts of the State where the child is present
(art 6.2)

• Exception 2: If the child is a refugee or has been internationally displaced: Courts of the
State where the child is present (art 6.1)

• Exception 3: In case of wrongful removal or retention of the child (child abduction) (art
7): the courts of the Member State where the child was habitually resident immediately
before the abduction retain their jurisdiction under certain conditions

Article 7
(1) In case of wrongful removal or retention of the child, the authorities of the Contracting State in which
the child was habitually resident immediately before the removal or retention keep their jurisdiction until the
child has acquired a habitual residence in another State, and a) each person, institution or other body having
rights of custody has acquiesced in the removal or retention; or b) the child has resided in that other State for
a period of at least one year after the person, institution or other body having rights of custody has or should
have had knowledge of the whereabouts of the child, no request for return lodged within that period is still
pending, and the child is settled in his or her new environment.
(2) The removal or the retention of a child is to be considered wrongful where – a) it is in breach of rights of
custody attributed to a person, an institution or any other body, either jointly or alone, under the law of the
State in which the child was habitually resident immediately before the removal or retention; and b) at the
time of removal or retention those rights were actually exercised, either jointly or alone, or would have been
so exercised but for the removal or retention. The rights of custody mentioned in sub-paragraph a above,
may arise in particular by operation of law or by reason of a judicial or administrative decision, or by reason
of an agreement having legal effect under the law of that State.

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(3) So long as the authorities first mentioned in paragraph 1 keep their jurisdiction, the authorities of the
Contracting State to which the child has been removed or in which he or she has been retained can take only
such urgent measures under Article 11 as are necessary for the protection of the person or property of the
child.

• Exception 4: Courts of the State better placed (arts 8 and 9)

Art 8
(1) By way of exception, the authority of a Contracting State having jurisdiction under Article 5 or 6, if it
considers that the authority of another Contracting State would be better placed in the particular case to
assess the best interests of the child, may either – request that other authority, directly or with the assistance
of the Central Authority of its State, to assume jurisdiction to take such measures of protection as it
considers to be necessary, or – suspend consideration of the case and invite the parties to introduce such a
request before the authority of that other State.
(2) The Contracting States whose authorities may be addressed as provided in the preceding paragraph are a)
a State of which the child is a national, b) a State in which property of the child is located, c) a State whose
authorities are seised of an application for divorce or legal separation of the child's parents, or for annulment
of their marriage, d) a State with which the child has a substantial connection.
(3) The authorities concerned may proceed to an exchange of views.
(4) The authority addressed as provided in paragraph 1 may assume jurisdiction, in place of the authority
having jurisdiction under Article 5 or 6, if it considers that this is in the child's best interests.

• Exception 5: Measures taken by Courts competent for divorce or legal separation or

annulment of marriage: art 10

3. Cases of urgency: art 11 (Courts of the State where the child is present)

4. Provisional measures: art 12 (Courts of the State where the child is present)

3. Jurisdiction in other cases

Art 22 ter and quáter 2015 Spanish Organic Law on the Judiciary (SOLJ) - Ley Orgánica del Poder Judicial,
entered into force on October 1st, 2015.

Art 22 ter
“… When the defendant has his/her domicile in Spain”

Art 22 quáter
“In the absence of the above criteria, the Spanish Courts shall have jurisdiction
d) In matters of filiation and parental relationship, protection of minors and parental responsibility, when the
son/daughter or minor has his habitual residence in Spain at the time of the lodging of the claim (where
proceedings were brought) or the plaintiff is Spanish or resides habitually in Spain or, in any case, at least
six months before the filing of the application”.

Please recall the comments on this article (Lesson Filiation)

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C. Applicable law
No EU sources

1. International sources:

The Hague Convention of 19 October 1996 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition,

enforcement and cooperation in respect of parental responsibility and measures for the
protección of children (HC 1996)

Arts 15 to 22 HC 1996: erga omnes character (art 20)

1. General rule (art 15): lex fori.

2. Exceptions:

• Exception 1: But in so far as the protection of the person or the property of the child
requires, they may exceptionally apply or take into consideration the law of another
State with which the situation has a substantial connection (art 15)

• Exception 2: Attribution or extinction of parental responsibility by operation of law:

law of the State of the habitual residence of the child (art 16.1)

• Exception 3: Attribution or extinction of parental responsibility by an agreement or

by an unilateral act: law of the State of the habitual residence of the child at the
time when the agreement of unilateral act takes effect (art 16.2)

• Exception 4: Exercise of parental responsibility: law of the State of the child’s

habitual residence. If the child's habitual residence changes, it is governed by the law
of the State of the new habitual residence (art 17)

3. Exception of national interest (art 19)

4. Renvoi is accepted, but limited to art 16 under certain conditions (art 21)

5. International public order (art 22): “The application of the law designated by the
provisions of this Chapter can be refused only if this application would be manifestly
contrary to public policy, taking into account the best interests of the child”.

2. Domestic sources

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 a) See art 9.4.II, and art 9.6.I Spanish Civil Code (SCC)

Art 9.4.II: The law applicable to the content of the filiation, by nature or by adoption, and to the exercise of
parental responsibility, will be determined in accordance with The Hague Convention of 19 October 1996

Art 9.6.I: The law applicable to the protection of minors will be determined in accordance with The Hague
Convention on 19 October 1996

b) See also Title III (arts 32 to 34) of Law 54/2007, of 28 December, of Intercountry adoption:
“Other measures for the protection of minors”

Art 33: The law applicable to other measures for the protection of minors will be determined in accordance with
international treaties and conventions and other rules of international origin in force for Spain, in particular The Hague
Convention of 19 October 1996

• Problem: the legislator refers the content of the filiation exclusively to the parents-
sons/daughters relationship when the sons/daughters are children/minors, because HC 1966
applies only to parental responsibility towards the children, and to measures for the
protection of children. But the content of filiation does not refer only to the stage where the
sons/daughters are children.

III. Civil aspects of international child abduction.

Please go to internet and study the cases of María José Carrascosa / Peter Innes and Juana
Rivas / Francesco Arcuri, and write a two pages assignment (Assignment 06) making a legal
evaluation.

A. Legal sources
1. Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International
Child Abduction (HC 1980 CAIChA)

Legal instruments: HC 1980 (action for the prompt return) and European Convention on
Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody if Children and Restoration
of Custody of Children (LC 1980) (action for the exequatur of the decision on custody).
Plaintiff chooses

1. Objectives (Article 1)

a) to secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed from or retained in any
Contracting State; and
b) to ensure that rights of custody and of access under the law of one Contracting State are
effectively respected in the other Contracting States.

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2. Concept of improper removal (Article 3)

The removal or the retention of a child is to be considered wrongful where –

a) it is in breach of rights of custody attributed to a person, an institution or any other body,
either jointly or alone, under the law of the State in which the child was habitually resident
immediately before the removal or retention (see also arts 14 and 15); and
b) at the time of removal or retention those rights were actually exercised, either jointly or
alone, or would have been so exercised but for the removal or retention.
The rights of custody mentioned in sub-paragraph a) above, may arise in particular by
operation of law or by reason of a judicial or administrative decision, or by reason of an
agreement having legal effect under the law of that State.

3. Scope (Article 4)

The Convention shall apply to any child who was habitually resident in a Contracting State
immediately before any breach of custody or access rights.
The Convention shall cease to apply when the child attains the age of 16 years.

4. Specifications (Article 5)

a) "rights of custody" shall include rights relating to the care of the person of the child and,
in particular, the right to determine the child's place of residence;
b) "rights of access" shall include the right to take a child for a limited period of time to a
place other than the child's habitual residence.

5. Right of access (Article 21)

An application to make arrangements for organising or securing the effective exercise of rights
of access may be presented to the Central Authorities of the Contracting States in the same
way as an application for the return of a child.

6. Procedure for the return of the child (Articles 8-15)

a. Request to any Central Authority (art 8)

b. Tranmission to the application to the Central Authority of the Contracting State
where the child is (art 9)
c. Central Authority of the Contracting State where the child is shall take all appropriate
measures in order to obtain the voluntary return of the child (art 10)
d. The judicial or administrative authorities of Contracting States shall act
expeditiously in proceedings for the return of children (arts 2 and 11)
i. For Spain, see procedures arts 778 quáter to 778 sexies LEC
e. The authority shall order the return of the child if it considers that he/she has been
wrongfully removed or retained (art 12). Reasons for declaring the non-returning
depends on whether the proceedings commenced before or after one year from the
wrongful removal or retention (arts 12-13)

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7. In what circumstances is the authority of the requested State not obliged to declare
the return if proceedings commenced before one year from the wrongful removal or
retention (art 13 and 20)?
a. The person, institution or other body having the care of the person of the child
i. was not actually exercising the custody rights at the time of removal or
retention,
ii. or had consented to or subsequently acquiesced in the removal or retention; or
b. There is a severe risk that his or her return would expose the child to physical or
psychological harm or otherwise place the child in an intolerable situation
c. The child objects to being returned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at
which it is appropriate to take account of its views
d. The return is not permitted by the fundamental principles of the requested State
relating to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms (art 20).

8. In what circumstances is the authority of the requested State not obliged to declare
the return if proceedings commenced after one year from the wrongful removal of
retention?
a. Previous reasons a-d
b. If it is demonstrated that the child is now settled in its new environment (art 12)

TEXT OF THE HC 1980

The States signatory to the present Convention, Firmly convinced that the interests of children are of
paramount importance in matters relating to their custody, Desiring to protect children internationally from
the harmful effects of their wrongful removal or retention and to establish procedures to ensure their prompt
return to the State of their habitual residence, as well as to secure protection for rights of access, Have resolved
to conclude a Convention to this effect, and have agreed upon the following provisions – CHAPTER I –
SCOPE OF THE CONVENTION Article 1 The objects of the present Convention are – a) to secure the
prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in any Contracting State; and b) to ensure that
rights of custody and of access under the law of one Contracting State are effectively respected in the other
Contracting States. Article 2 Contracting States shall take all appropriate measures to secure within their
territories the implementation of the objects of the Convention. For this purpose they shall use the most
expeditious procedures available. Article 3 The removal or the retention of a child is to be considered
wrongful where – a) it is in breach of rights of custody attributed to a person, an institution or any other body,
either jointly or alone, under the law of the State in which the child was habitually resident immediately before
the removal or retention; and b) at the time of removal or retention those rights were actually exercised, either
jointly or alone, or would have been so exercised but for the removal or retention. The rights of custody
mentioned in sub-paragraph a) above, may arise in particular by operation of law or by reason of a judicial or
administrative decision, or by reason of an agreement having legal effect under the law of that State. Article
4 The Convention shall apply to any child who was habitually resident in a Contracting State immediately
before any breach of custody or access rights. The Convention shall cease to apply when the child attains the
age of 16 years. Article 5 For the purposes of this Convention – a) "rights of custody" shall include rights
relating to the care of the person of the child and, in particular, the right to determine the child's place of
residence; b) "rights of access" shall include the right to take a child for a limited period of time to a place
other than the child's habitual residence.
CHAPTER II – CENTRAL AUTHORITIES Article 6 A Contracting State shall designate a Central
Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention upon such authorities. Federal States,
States with more than one system of law or States having autonomous territorial organisations shall be free to
appoint more than one Central Authority and to specify the territorial extent of their powers. Where a State
has appointed more than one Central Authority, it shall designate the Central Authority to which applications
may be addressed for transmission to the appropriate Central Authority within that State. Article 7 Central
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Authorities shall co-operate with each other and promote co-operation amongst the competent authorities in
their respective States to secure the prompt return of children and to achieve the other objects of this
Convention. In particular, either directly or through any intermediary, they shall take all appropriate measures
– a) to discover the whereabouts of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained; b) to prevent further
harm to the child or prejudice to interested parties by taking or causing to be taken provisional measures; c)
to secure the voluntary return of the child or to bring about an amicable resolution of the issues; d) to exchange,
where desirable, information relating to the social background of the child; e) to provide information of a
general character as to the law of their State in connection with the application of the Convention; f) to initiate
or facilitate the institution of judicial or administrative proceedings with a view to obtaining the return of the
child and, in a proper case, to make arrangements for organising or securing the effective exercise of rights of
access; g) where the circumstances so require, to provide or facilitate the provision of legal aid and advice,
including the participation of legal counsel and advisers; h) to provide such administrative arrangements as
may be necessary and appropriate to secure the safe return of the child; i) to keep each other informed with
respect to the operation of this Convention and, as far as possible, to eliminate any obstacles to its application.
CHAPTER III – RETURN OF CHILDREN Article 8 Any person, institution or other body claiming that
a child has been removed or retained in breach of custody rights may apply either to the Central Authority of
the child's habitual residence or to the Central Authority of any other Contracting State for assistance in
securing the return of the child. The application shall contain – a) information concerning the identity of the
applicant, of the child and of the person alleged to have removed or retained the child; b) where available, the
date of birth of the child; c) the grounds on which the applicant's claim for return of the child is based; d) all
available information relating to the whereabouts of the child and the identity of the person with whom the
child is presumed to be. The application may be accompanied or supplemented by – e) an authenticated copy
of any relevant decision or agreement; f) a certificate or an affidavit emanating from a Central Authority, or
other competent authority of the State of the child's habitual residence, or from a qualified person, concerning
the relevant law of that State; g) any other relevant document. Article 9 If the Central Authority which receives
an application referred to in Article 8 has reason to believe that the child is in another Contracting State, it
shall directly and without delay transmit the application to the Central Authority of that Contracting State and
inform the requesting Central Authority, or the applicant, as the case may be. Article 10 The Central Authority
of the State where the child is shall take or cause to be taken all appropriate measures in order to obtain the
voluntary return of the child. Article 11 The judicial or administrative authorities of Contracting States shall
act expeditiously in proceedings for the return of children. If the judicial or administrative authority concerned
has not reached a decision within six weeks from the date of commencement of the proceedings, the applicant
or the Central Authority of the requested State, on its own initiative or if asked by the Central Authority of the
requesting State, shall have the right to request a statement of the reasons for the delay. If a reply is received
by the Central Authority of the requested State, that Authority shall transmit the reply to the Central Authority
of the requesting State, or to the applicant, as the case may be. Article 12 Where a child has been wrongfully
removed or retained in terms of Article 3 and, at the date of the commencement of the proceedings before the
judicial or administrative authority of the Contracting State where the child is, a period of less than one year
has elapsed from the date of the wrongful removal or retention, the authority concerned shall order the return
of the child forthwith. The judicial or administrative authority, even where the proceedings have been
commenced after the expiration of the period of one year referred to in the preceding paragraph, shall also
order the return of the child, unless it is demonstrated that the child is now settled in its new environment.
Where the judicial or administrative authority in the requested State has reason to believe that the child has
been taken to another State, it may stay the proceedings or dismiss the application for the return of the child.
Article 13 Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Article, the judicial or administrative authority of
the requested State is not bound to order the return of the child if the person, institution or other body which
opposes its return establishes that – a) the person, institution or other body having the care of the person of
the child was not actually exercising the custody rights at the time of removal or retention, or had consented
to or subsequently acquiesced in the removal or retention; or b) there is a grave risk that his or her return
would expose the child to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the child in an intolerable
situation. The judicial or administrative authority may also refuse to order the return of the child if it finds that
the child objects to being returned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at which it is appropriate to
take account of its views. In considering the circumstances referred to in this Article, the judicial and
administrative authorities shall take into account the information relating to the social background of the child

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provided by the Central Authority or other competent authority of the child's habitual residence. Article 14 In
ascertaining whether there has been a wrongful removal or retention within the meaning of Article 3, the
judicial or administrative authorities of the requested State may take notice directly of the law of, and of
judicial or administrative decisions, formally recognised or not in the State of the habitual residence of the
child, without recourse to the specific procedures for the proof of that law or for the recognition of foreign
decisions which would otherwise be applicable. Article 15 The judicial or administrative authorities of a
Contracting State may, prior to the making of an order for the return of the child, request that the applicant
obtain from the authorities of the State of the habitual residence of the child a decision or other determination
that the removal or retention was wrongful within the meaning of Article 3 of the Convention, where such a
decision or determination may be obtained in that State. The Central Authorities of the Contracting States
shall so far as practicable assist applicants to obtain such a decision or determination. Article 16 After
receiving notice of a wrongful removal or retention of a child in the sense of Article 3, the judicial or
administrative authorities of the Contracting State to which the child has been removed or in which it has been
retained shall not decide on the merits of rights of custody until it has been determined that the child is not to
be returned under this Convention or unless an application under this Convention is not lodged within a
reasonable time following receipt of the notice. Article 17 The sole fact that a decision relating to custody has
been given in or is entitled to recognition in the requested State shall not be a ground for refusing to return a
child under this Convention, but the judicial or administrative authorities of the requested State may take
account of the reasons for that decision in applying this Convention. Article 18 The provisions of this Chapter
do not limit the power of a judicial or administrative authority to order the return of the child at any time.
Article 19 A decision under this Convention concerning the return of the child shall not be taken to be a
determination on the merits of any custody issue. Article 20 The return of the child under the provisions of
Article 12 may be refused if this would not be permitted by the fundamental principles of the requested State
relating to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
CHAPTER IV – RIGHTS OF ACCESS Article 21 An application to make arrangements for organising or
securing the effective exercise of rights of access may be presented to the Central Authorities of the
Contracting States in the same way as an application for the return of a child. The Central Authorities are
bound by the obligations of co-operation which are set forth in Article 7 to promote the peaceful enjoyment
of access rights and the fulfilment of any conditions to which the exercise of those rights may be subject. The
Central Authorities shall take steps to remove, as far as possible, all obstacles to the exercise of such rights.
The Central Authorities, either directly or through intermediaries, may initiate or assist in the institution of
proceedings with a view to organising or protecting these rights and securing respect for the conditions to
which the exercise of these rights may be subject.
CHAPTER V – GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 22 No security, bond or deposit, however described,
shall be required to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in the judicial or administrative proceedings
falling within the scope of this Convention. Article 23 No legalisation or similar formality may be required
in the context of this Convention. Article 24 Any application, communication or other document sent to the
Central Authority of the requested State shall be in the original language, and shall be accompanied by a
translation into the official language or one of the official languages of the requested State or, where that is
not feasible, a translation into French or English. However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation
in accordance with Article 42, object to the use of either French or English, but not both, in any application,
communication or other document sent to its Central Authority. Article 25 Nationals of the Contracting States
and persons who are habitually resident within those States shall be entitled in matters concerned with the
application of this Convention to legal aid and advice in any other Contracting State on the same conditions
as if they themselves were nationals of and habitually resident in that State. Article 26 Each Central Authority
shall bear its own costs in applying this Convention. Central Authorities and other public services of
Contracting States shall not impose any charges in relation to applications submitted under this Convention.
In particular, they may not require any payment from the applicant towards the costs and expenses of the
proceedings or, where applicable, those arising from the participation of legal counsel or advisers. However,
they may require the payment of the expenses incurred or to be incurred in implementing the return of the
child. However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation in accordance with Article 42, declare that
it shall not be bound to assume any costs referred to in the preceding paragraph resulting from the participation
of legal counsel or advisers or from court proceedings, except insofar as those costs may be covered by its
system of legal aid and advice. Upon ordering the return of a child or issuing an order concerning rights of

13
access under this Convention, the judicial or administrative authorities may, where appropriate, direct the
person who removed or retained the child, or who prevented the exercise of rights of access, to pay necessary
expenses incurred by or on behalf of the applicant, including travel expenses, any costs incurred or payments
made for locating the child, the costs of legal representation of the applicant, and those of returning the child.
Article 27 When it is manifest that the requirements of this Convention are not fulfilled or that the application
is otherwise not well founded, a Central Authority is not bound to accept the application. In that case, the
Central Authority shall forthwith inform the applicant or the Central Authority through which the application
was submitted, as the case may be, of its reasons. Article 28 A Central Authority may require that the
application be accompanied by a written authorisation empowering it to act on behalf of the applicant, or to
designate a representative so to act. Article 29 This Convention shall not preclude any person, institution or
body who claims that there has been a breach of custody or access rights within the meaning of Article 3 or
21 from applying directly to the judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State, whether or not
under the provisions of this Convention. Article 30 Any application submitted to the Central Authorities or
directly to the judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State in accordance with the terms of this
Convention, together with documents and any other information appended thereto or provided by a Central
Authority, shall be admissible in the courts or administrative authorities of the Contracting States. Article 31
In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has two or more systems of law applicable in
different territorial units – a) any reference to habitual residence in that State shall be construed as referring
to habitual residence in a territorial unit of that State; b) any reference to the law of the State of habitual
residence shall be construed as referring to the law of the territorial unit in that State where the child habitually
resides. Article 32 In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has two or more systems of
law applicable to different categories of persons, any reference to the law of that State shall be construed as
referring to the legal system specified by the law of that State. Article 33 A State within which different
territorial units have their own rules of law in respect of custody of children shall not be bound to apply this
Convention where a State with a unified system of law would not be bound to do so. Article 34 This
Convention shall take priority in matters within its scope over the Convention of 5 October 1961 concerning
the powers of authorities and the law applicable in respect of the protection of minors, as between Parties to
both Conventions. Otherwise the present Convention shall not restrict the application of an international
instrument in force between the State of origin and the State addressed or other law of the State addressed for
the purposes of obtaining the return of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained or of organising
access rights. Article 35 This Convention shall apply as between Contracting States only to wrongful removals
or retentions occurring after its entry into force in those States. Where a declaration has been made under
Article 39 or 40, the reference in the preceding paragraph to a Contracting State shall be taken to refer to the
territorial unit or units in relation to which this Convention applies. Article 36 Nothing in this Convention
shall prevent two or more Contracting States, in order to limit the restrictions to which the return of the child
may be subject, from agreeing among themselves to derogate from any provisions of this Convention which
may imply such a restriction.
CHAPTER VI – FINAL CLAUSES Article 37 The Convention shall be open for signature by the States
which were Members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the time of its Fourteenth
Session. It shall be ratified, accepted or approved and the instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval
shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Article 38 Any
other State may accede to the Convention. The instrument of accession shall be deposited with the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Convention shall enter into force for a State
acceding to it on the first day of the third calendar month after the deposit of its instrument of accession. The
accession will have effect only as regards the relations between the acceding State and such Contracting States
as will have declared their acceptance of the accession. Such a declaration will also have to be made by any
Member State ratifying, accepting or approving the Convention after an accession. Such declaration shall be
deposited at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; this Ministry shall forward,
through diplomatic channels, a certified copy to each of the Contracting States. The Convention will enter into
force as between the acceding State and the State that has declared its acceptance of the accession on the first
day of the third calendar month after the deposit of the declaration of acceptance. Article 39 Any State may,
at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, declare that the Convention shall
extend to all the territories for the international relations of which it is responsible, or to one or more of them.
Such a declaration shall take effect at the time the Convention enters into force for that State. Such declaration,

14
as well as any subsequent extension, shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands. Article 40 If a Contracting State has two or more territorial units in which different systems
of law are applicable in relation to matters dealt with in this Convention, it may at the time of signature,
ratification, acceptance, approval or accession declare that this Convention shall extend to all its territorial
units or only to one or more of them and may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any
time. Any such declaration shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands and shall state expressly the territorial units to which the Convention applies. Article 41 Where
a Contracting State has a system of government under which executive, judicial and legislative powers are
distributed between central and other authorities within that State, its signature or ratification, acceptance or
approval of, or accession to this Convention, or its making of any declaration in terms of Article 40 shall carry
no implication as to the internal distribution of powers within that State. Article 42 Any State may, not later
than the time of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or at the time of making a declaration in terms
of Article 39 or 40, make one or both of the reservations provided for in Article 24 and Article 26, third
paragraph. No other reservation shall be permitted. Any State may at any time withdraw a reservation it has
made. The withdrawal shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The reservation shall cease to have effect on the first day of the third calendar month after the notification
referred to in the preceding paragraph. Article 43 The Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the
third calendar month after the deposit of the third instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession
referred to in Articles 37 and 38. Thereafter the Convention shall enter into force – (1) for each State ratifying,
accepting, approving or acceding to it subsequently, on the first day of the third calendar month after the
deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession; (2) for any territory or territorial
unit to which the Convention has been extended in conformity with Article 39 or 40, on the first day of the
third calendar month after the notification referred to in that Article. Article 44 The Convention shall remain
in force for five years from the date of its entry into force in accordance with the first paragraph of Article 43
even for States which subsequently have ratified, accepted, approved it or acceded to it. If there has been no
denunciation, it shall be renewed tacitly every five years. Any denunciation shall be notified to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at least six months before the expiry of the five year
period. It may be limited to certain of the territories or territorial units to which the Convention applies. The
denunciation shall have effect only as regards the State which has notified it. The Convention shall remain in
force for the other Contracting States. Article 45 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands shall notify the States Members of the Conference, and the States which have acceded in
accordance with Article 38, of the following – (1) the signatures and ratifications, acceptances and approvals
referred to in Article 37; (2) the accessions referred to in Article 38; (3) the date on which the Convention
enters into force in accordance with Article 43; (4) the extensions referred to in Article 39; (5) the declarations
referred to in Articles 38 and 40; (6) the reservations referred to in Article 24 and Article 26, third paragraph,
and the withdrawals referred to in Article 42; (7) the denunciations referred to in Article 44.
In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Convention.
Done at The Hague, on the 25th day of October, 1980, in the English and French languages, both texts being
equally authentic, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands, and of which a certified copy shall be sent, through diplomatic channels, to each of the
States Members of The Hague Conference on Private International Law at the date of its Fourteenth Session

2. Spanish Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil (SLEC)– articles 778 quater to 778

sexies (introduced in 2015 by Disposición adicional Tercera of the Ley
15/2015, de 2 de julio, de Jurisdicción Voluntaria). See Corrección de
errores de la Ley 15/2015, de 2 de julio, de Jurisdicción Voluntaria (SLJV)
Diez. Se añade un Capítulo IV bis en el Título I del Libro IV, integrado por los nuevos artículos 778 bis a 778
quáter, con el siguiente título: «CAPÍTULO IV BIS Medidas relativas a la restitución o retorno de menores
en los supuestos de sustracción internacional»

15
Once. Se añade un artículo 778 quáter, con la siguiente redacción:

«Artículo 778 quáter. Ámbito de aplicación. Normas generales.

1. En los supuestos en que, siendo aplicables un convenio internacional o las disposiciones de la Unión
Europea, se pretenda la restitución de un menor o su retorno al lugar de procedencia por haber sido objeto de
un traslado o retención ilícito y se encuentre en España, se procederá de acuerdo con lo previsto en este
Capítulo. No será de aplicación a los supuestos en los que el menor procediera de un Estado que no forma
parte de la Unión Europea ni sea parte de algún convenio internacional.
2. En estos procesos, será competente el Juzgado de Primera Instancia de la capital de la provincia, de Ceuta
o Melilla, con competencias en materia de derecho de familia, en cuya circunscripción se halle el menor que
haya sido objeto de un traslado o retención ilícitos, si lo hubiere y, en su defecto, al que por turno de reparto
corresponda. El Tribunal examinará de oficio su competencia.
3. Podrán promover el procedimiento la persona, institución u organismo que tenga atribuida la guarda y
custodia o un régimen de estancia o visitas, relación o comunicación del menor, la Autoridad Central española
encargada del cumplimiento de las obligaciones impuestas por el correspondiente convenio, en su caso, y, en
representación de ésta, la persona que designe dicha autoridad.
4. Las partes deberán actuar con asistencia de Abogado y representadas por Procurador. La intervención de la
Abogacía del Estado, cuando proceda a instancia de la Autoridad Central española, cesará desde el momento
en que el solicitante de la restitución o del retorno comparezca en el proceso con su propio Abogado y
Procurador.
5. El procedimiento tendrá carácter urgente y preferente. Deberá realizarse, en ambas instancias, si las hubiere,
en el inexcusable plazo total de seis semanas desde la fecha de la presentación de la solicitud instando la
restitución o el retorno del menor, salvo que existan circunstancias excepcionales que lo hagan imposible.
6. En ningún caso se ordenará la suspensión de las actuaciones civiles por la existencia de prejudicialidad
penal que venga motivada por el ejercicio de acciones penales en materia de sustracción de menores.
7. En este tipo de procesos y con la finalidad de facilitar las comunicaciones judiciales directas entre órganos
jurisdiccionales de distintos países, si ello fuera posible y el Juez lo considerase necesario, podrá recurrirse al
auxilio de las Autoridades Centrales implicadas, de las Redes de Cooperación Judicial
Internacional existentes, de los miembros de la Red Internacional de Jueces de la Conferencia de La Haya y
de los Jueces de enlace.
8. El Juez podrá acordar a lo largo de todo el proceso, de oficio, a petición de quien promueva el procedimiento
o del Ministerio Fiscal, las medidas cautelares oportunas y de aseguramiento del menor que estime pertinentes
conforme al artículo 773, además de las previstas en el artículo 158 del Código Civil. Del mismo modo podrá
acordar que durante la tramitación del proceso se garanticen los derechos de estancia o visita, relación y
comunicación del menor con el demandante, incluso de forma supervisada, si ello fuera conveniente a los
intereses del menor.»

Doce. Se añade un artículo 778 quinquies, con la siguiente redacción:

«Artículo 778 quinquies. Procedimiento.

1. El procedimiento se iniciará mediante demanda en la que se instará la restitución del menor o su retorno al
lugar de procedencia e incluirá toda la información exigida por la normativa internacional aplicable y, en todo
caso, la relativa a la identidad del demandante, del menor y de la persona que se considere que ha sustraído o
retenido al menor, así como los motivos en que se basa para reclamar su restitución o retorno. Deberá
igualmente aportar toda la información que disponga relativa a la localización del menor y a la identidad de
la persona con la que se supone se encuentra. A la demanda deberá acompañarse la documentación requerida,
en su caso, por el correspondiente convenio o norma internacional y cualquier otra en la que el solicitante
funde su petición.
2. El Secretario judicial resolverá sobre la admisión de la demanda en el plazo de las 24 horas siguientes y, si
entendiera que ésta no resulta admisible, dará cuenta al Juez para que resuelva lo que proceda dentro de dicho
plazo. En la misma resolución en la que sea admitida la demanda, el Secretario judicial requerirá a la persona
a quien se impute la sustracción o retención ilícita del menor para que, en la fecha que se determine, que no
podrá exceder de los tres días siguientes, comparezca con el menor y manifieste si accede a su restitución o
retorno, o se opone a ello, alegando en tal caso alguna de las causas establecidas en el correspondiente
16
convenio o norma internacional aplicable. El requerimiento se practicará con los apercibimientos legales y
con entrega al requerido del texto del correspondiente convenio o norma internacional aplicable.
3. Cuando el menor no fuera hallado en el lugar indicado en la demanda, y si, tras la realización de las
correspondientes averiguaciones por el Secretario judicial sobre su domicilio o residencia, éstas son
infructuosas, se archivará provisionalmente el procedimiento hasta ser encontrado. Si el menor fuera hallado
en otra provincia, el Secretario judicial, previa audiencia del Ministerio Fiscal y de las partes personadas por
el plazo de un día, dará cuenta al Juez para que resuelva al día siguiente lo que proceda mediante auto,
remitiendo, en su caso, las actuaciones al Tribunal que considere territorialmente competente y emplazando a
las partes para que comparezcan ante el mismo dentro del plazo de los tres días siguientes.
4. Llegado el día, si el requerido compareciere y accediere a la restitución del menor o a su retorno al lugar de
procedencia, según corresponda, el Secretario judicial levantará acta y el Juez dictará auto el mismo día
acordando la conclusión del proceso y la restitución o el retorno del menor, pronunciándose en cuanto a los
gastos, incluidos los de viaje, y las costas del proceso. El demandado podrá comparecer en cualquier momento,
antes de la finalización del procedimiento, y acceder a la entrega del menor, o a su retorno al lugar de
procedencia, siendo de aplicación lo dispuesto en este apartado.
5. Si no compareciese o si comparecido no lo hiciera en forma, ni presentara oposición ni procediera, en este
caso, a la entrega o retorno del menor, el Secretario judicial en el mismo día le declarará en rebeldía y
dispondrá la continuación del procedimiento sin el mismo, citando únicamente al demandante y al Ministerio
Fiscal a una vista ante el Juez que tendrá lugar en un plazo no superior a los cinco días siguientes, a celebrar
conforme a lo dispuesto en el apartado sexto de este artículo. Dicha resolución, no obstante, deberá ser
notificada al demandado, tras lo cual no se llevará a cabo ninguna otra, excepto la de la resolución que ponga
fin al proceso. El Juez podrá decretar las medidas cautelares que estime pertinentes en relación con el menor,
caso de no haberse adoptado ya con anterioridad, conforme al artículo 773.
6. Si en la primera comparecencia el requerido formulase oposición a la restitución o retorno del menor al
amparo de las causas establecidas en el correspondiente convenio o norma internacional aplicable, lo que
deberá realizar por escrito, el Secretario judicial en el mismo día dará traslado de la oposición y citará a todos
los interesados y al Ministerio Fiscal a una vista que se celebrará dentro del improrrogable plazo de los cinco
días siguientes.
7. La celebración de la vista no se suspenderá por incomparecencia del demandante. Si fuera el demandado
que se hubiera opuesto quien no compareciere, el Juez le tendrá por desistido de la oposición y continuará la
vista. Durante la celebración de la misma se oirá a las partes que comparezcan para que expongan lo que
estimen procedente, en concreto, a la persona que solicitó la restitución o retorno, al Ministerio Fiscal y a la
parte demandada, incluso si compareciere en este trámite por vez primera. Se practicarán, en su caso, las
pruebas útiles y pertinentes que las partes o el Ministerio Fiscal propongan y las que el Juez acuerde de oficio
sobre los hechos que sean relevantes para la decisión sobre la ilicitud o no del traslado o retención y las
medidas a adoptar, dentro del plazo improrrogable de seis días. El Juez podrá también recabar, de oficio, a
instancia de parte o del Ministerio Fiscal, los informes que estime pertinentes cuya realización será urgente y
preferente a cualquier otro proceso.
8. Antes de adoptar cualquier decisión relativa a la procedencia o improcedencia de la restitución del menor
o su retorno al lugar de procedencia, el Juez, en cualquier momento del proceso y en presencia del Ministerio
Fiscal, oirá separadamente al menor, a menos que la audiencia del mismo no se considere conveniente
atendiendo a la edad o grado de madurez del mismo, lo que se hará constar en resolución motivada. En la
exploración del menor se garantizará que el mismo pueda ser oído en condiciones idóneas para la salvaguarda
de sus intereses, sin interferencias de otras personas, y recabando excepcionalmente el auxilio de especialistas
cuando ello fuera necesario. Esta actuación podrá realizarse a través de videoconferencia u otro sistema
similar.
9. Celebrada la vista y, en su caso, practicadas las pruebas pertinentes, dentro de los tres días siguientes a su
finalización, el Juez dictará sentencia en la que se pronunciará únicamente sobre si el traslado o la retención
son ilícitos y acordará si procede o no la restitución del menor a la persona, institución u organismo que tenga
atribuida la guarda y custodia o su retorno al lugar de procedencia para permitir al solicitante el ejercicio del
régimen de estancia, comunicación o relación con el menor, teniendo en cuenta el interés superior de éste y
los términos del correspondiente convenio o de las disposiciones de la Unión Europea en la materia, según el
caso. La resolución que acuerde la restitución del menor o su retorno establecerá detalladamente la forma ý el

17
plazo de ejecución, pudiendo adoptar las medidas necesarias para evitar un nuevo traslado o retención ilícito
del menor tras la notificación de la sentencia.
10. Si se acordare la restitución o retorno del menor, en la resolución se establecerá que la persona que hubiere
trasladado o retenido al menor abone las costas procesales, incluidas aquellas en que haya incurrido el
solicitante, los gastos de viaje y los que ocasione la restitución o retorno del menor al Estado donde estuviera
su residencia habitual con anterioridad a la sustracción. En los demás casos se declararán de oficio las costas
del proceso.
11. Contra la resolución que se dicte sólo cabrá recurso de apelación con efectos suspensivos, que tendrá
tramitación preferente, debiendo ser resuelto en el improrrogable plazo de veinte días. En la tramitación del
recurso de apelación se seguirán las siguientes especialidades: a) Se interpondrá en el plazo de tres días
contados desde el día siguiente a la notificación de la resolución, debiendo el órgano judicial acordar su
admisión o no dentro de las 24 horas siguientes a la presentación. b) Admitido el recurso, las demás partes
tendrán tres días para presentar escrito de oposición al recurso o, en su caso, de impugnación. En este último
supuesto, igualmente el apelante principal dispondrá del plazo de tres días para manifestar lo que tenga por
conveniente. c) Tras ello, el Secretario judicial ordenará la remisión de los autos en el mismo día al Tribunal
competente para resolver la apelación, ante el cual deberán comparecer las partes en el plazo de 24 horas. d)
Recibidos los autos, el Tribunal acordará lo que proceda sobre su admisión en el plazo de 24 horas. Si hubiere
de practicarse prueba o si se acordase la celebración de vista, el Secretario judicial señalará día para dentro de
los tres días siguientes. e) La resolución deberá ser dictada dentro de los tres días siguientes a la terminación
de la vista o, en defecto de ésta, a contar desde el día siguiente a aquel en que se hubieran recibido los autos
en el Tribunal competente para la apelación.
12. En cualquier momento del proceso, ambas partes podrán solicitar la suspensión del mismo de conformidad
con lo previsto en el artículo 19.4, para someterse a mediación. También el Juez podrá en cualquier momento,
de oficio o a petición de cualquiera de las partes, proponer una solución de mediación si, atendiendo a las
circunstancias concurrentes, estima posible que lleguen a un acuerdo, sin que ello deba suponer un retraso
injustificado del proceso. En tales casos, el Secretario judicial acordará la suspensión por el tiempo necesario
para tramitar la mediación. La Entidad Publica que tenga las funciones de protección del menor puede
intervenir como mediadora si así se solicitase de oficio, por las partes o por el Ministerio Fiscal. La duración
del procedimiento de mediación será lo más breve posible y sus actuaciones se concentrarán en el mínimo
número de sesiones, sin que en ningún caso pueda la suspensión del proceso para mediación exceder del plazo
legalmente previsto en este Capítulo. El procedimiento judicial se reanudará si lo solicita cualquiera de las
partes o, en caso de alcanzarse un acuerdo en la mediación, que deberá ser aprobado por el Juez teniendo en
cuenta la normativa vigente y el interés superior del niño.
13. En la ejecución de la sentencia en la que se acuerde la restitución del menor o su retorno al Estado de
procedencia, la Autoridad Central prestará la necesaria asistencia al Juzgado para garantizar que se realice sin
peligro, adoptando en cada caso las medidas administrativas precisas. Si el progenitor que hubiera sido
condenado a la restitución del menor o a su retorno se opusiere, impidiera u obstaculizara su cumplimiento,
el Juez deberá adoptar las medidas necesarias para la ejecución de la sentencia de forma inmediata, pudiendo
ayudarse de la asistencia de los servicios sociales y de las Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad.»

Trece. Se añade un artículo 778 sexies, con la siguiente redacción:

«Artículo 778 sexies. Declaración de ilicitud de un traslado o retención internacional.

Cuando un menor con residencia habitual en España sea objeto de un traslado o retención internacional,
conforme a lo establecido en el correspondiente convenio o norma internacional aplicable, cualquier persona
interesada, al margen del proceso que se inicie para pedir su restitución internacional, podrá dirigirse en
España a la autoridad judicial competente para conocer del fondo del asunto con la finalidad de obtener una
resolución que especifique que el traslado o la retención lo han sido ilícitos, a cuyo efecto podrán utilizarse
los cauces procesales disponibles en el Título I del Libro IV para la adopción de medidas definitivas o
provisionales en España, e incluso las medidas del artículo 158. La autoridad competente en España para
emitir una decisión o una certificación del artículo 15 del Convenio de la Haya de 25 de octubre de 1980 sobre
los aspectos civiles de la sustracción internacional de menores, que acredite que el traslado o retención del
menor era ilícito en el sentido previsto en el artículo 3 del Convenio, cuando ello sea posible, lo será la última

18
autoridad judicial que haya conocido en España de cualquier proceso sobre responsabilidad parental afectante
al menor. En defecto de ello, será competente el Juzgado de Primera Instancia del último domicilio del menor
en España. La Autoridad Central española hará todo lo posible por prestar asistencia al solicitante para que
obtenga una decisión o certificación de esa clase.»

………

LEGAL SOURCES

A. GENERAL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS

1. EU sources

Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (2000)

Article 14.1: Everyone has the right to education and to have access to vocational and continuing training

Article 24 - The rights of the child:

1. Children shall have the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being. They may
express their views freely. Such views shall be taken into consideration on matters which concern them in
accordance with their age and maturity.
2. In all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions, the child's best
interests must be a primary consideration.
3. Every child shall have the right to maintain on a regular basis a personal relationship and direct contact with
both his or her parents, unless that is contrary to his or her interests.

Article 33 - Family and professional life

1. The family shall enjoy legal, economic and social protection.
2. To reconcile family and professional life, everyone shall have the right to protection from dismissal for a
reason connected with maternity and the right to paid maternity leave and to parental leave following the birth
or adoption of a child.

2. International sources

a. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948), see and see

Article 16. 3. The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by
society and the State.

Article 25. 2. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether
born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26
1. Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental
stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made
generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
19
2. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of
respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship
among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the
maintenance of peace.
3. Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

b. Declaration of the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1959), see

c. Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1989) see

Article 1
For the purposes of the present Convention, a child means every human being below the age of eighteen
years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.

Article 3
1. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts
of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary
consideration.

Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict 2000

Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography 2000

Optional Protocol on a communications procedure 2011

d. Convention on the Right of Persons with disabilities (United Nations, 2006), see

Article 7 - Children with disabilities

1. States Parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure the full enjoyment by children with disabilities of
all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children.
2. In all actions concerning children with disabilities, the best interests of the child shall be a primary
consideration.
3. States Parties shall ensure that children with disabilities have the right to express their views freely on all
matters affecting them, their views being given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity, on an
equal basis with other children, and to be provided with disability and age-appropriate assistance to realize
that right.

Article 23 - Respect for home and the family

1. States Parties shall take effective and appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against persons with
disabilities in all matters relating to marriage, family, parenthood and relationships, on an equal basis with
others, so as to ensure that: The right of all persons with disabilities who are of marriageable age to marry and
to found a family on the basis of free and full consent of the intending spouses is recognized; The rights of
persons with disabilities to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children and to
have access to age-appropriate information, reproductive and family planning education are recognized, and
the means necessary to enable them to exercise these rights are provided; Persons with disabilities, including
children, retain their fertility on an equal basis with others.
2. States Parties shall ensure the rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities, with regard to
guardianship, wardship, trusteeship, adoption of children or similar institutions, where these concepts exist in
national legislation; in all cases the best interests of the child shall be paramount. States Parties shall render
appropriate assistance to persons with disabilities in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities.
3. States Parties shall ensure that children with disabilities have equal rights with respect to family life. With
a view to realizing these rights, and to prevent concealment, abandonment, neglect and segregation of children

20
with disabilities, States Parties shall undertake to provide early and comprehensive information, services and
support to children with disabilities and their families.
4. States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, except
when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accordance with applicable law and
procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. In no case shall a child be
separated from parents on the basis of a disability of either the child or one or both of the parents.
5. States Parties shall, where the immediate family is unable to care for a child with disabilities, undertake
every effort to provide alternative care within the wider family, and failing that, within the community in a
family setting.

Article 24 - Education
1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education. With a view to realizing this right
without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, States Parties shall ensure an inclusive education
system at all levels and life long learning directed to: a) The full development of human potential and sense
of dignity and self-worth, and the strengthening of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and human
diversity; b) The development by persons with disabilities of their personality, talents and creativity, as well
as their mental and physical abilities, to their fullest potential; c) Enabling persons with disabilities to
participate effectively in a free society.
2. In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure that: a) Persons with disabilities are not excluded from the
general education system on the basis of disability, and that children with disabilities are not excluded from
free and compulsory primary education, or from secondary education, on the basis of disability; b) Persons
with disabilities can access an inclusive, quality and free primary education and secondary education on an
equal basis with others in the communities in which they live; c) Reasonable accommodation of the
individual’s requirements is provided; d) Persons with disabilities receive the support required, within the
general education system, to facilitate their effective education; e) Effective individualized support measures
are provided in environments that maximize academic and social development, consistent with the goal of full
inclusion.
3. States Parties shall enable persons with disabilities to learn life and social development skills to facilitate
their full and equal participation in education and as members of the community. To this end, States Parties
shall take appropriate measures, including: a) Facilitating the learning of Braille, alternative script,
augmentative and alternative modes, means and formats of communication and orientation and mobility skills,
and facilitating peer support and mentoring; b) Facilitating the learning of sign language and the promotion
of the linguistic identity of the deaf community; c) Ensuring that the education of persons, and in particular
children, who are blind, deaf or deafblind, is delivered in the most appropriate languages and modes and means
of communication for the individual, and in environments which maximize academic and social development.

e. Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

(European Convention on Human Rights, Council of Europe, 1950), see

Article 1 Obligation to respect Human Rights - The High Contracting Parties shall secure to everyone
within their jurisdiction the rights and freedoms defined in Section I of this Convention.

Article 5 Right to liberty and security 1. Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one
shall be deprived of his liberty save in the following cases and in accordance with a procedure prescribed by
law: (d) the detention of a minor by lawful order for the purpose of educational supervision or his lawful
detention for the purpose of bringing him before the competent legal authority.

Article 6 Right to a fair trial 1. In the determination of his civil rights and obligations or of any criminal
charge against him, everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an
independent and impartial tribunal established by law. Judgment shall be pronounced publicly but the press
and public may be excluded from all or part of the trial in the interests of morals, public order or national
security in a democratic society, where the interests of juveniles or the protection of the private life of the

21
parties so require, or to the extent strictly necessary in the opinion of the court in special circumstances
where publicity would prejudice the interests of justice.

Article 8 Right to respect for private and family life 1. Everyone has the right to respect for his private
and family life, his home and his correspondence.

f. Protocol 1 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms 1984 (P7ECHR), see

Article 2: No person shall be denied the right to education. In the exercise of any functions which it assumes
in relation to education and to teaching, the State shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education
and teaching in conformity with their own religious and philosophical convictions.

g. Protocol 7 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms 1984 (P7ECHR), see

h. European Convention on the Exercise if Children’s Rights (Council of Europe, 1996),

see

Article 1 – Scope and object of the Convention

1. This Convention shall apply to children who have not reached the age of 18 years.
2. The object of the present Convention is, in the best interests of children, to promote their rights, to grant
them procedural rights and to facilitate the exercise of these rights by ensuring that children are, themselves
or through other persons or bodies, informed and allowed to participate in proceedings affecting them
before a judicial authority.

Article 5:
Spouses shall enjoy equality of rights and responsibilities of a private law character between them, and in their
relations with their children, as to marriage, during marriage and in the event of its dissolution. This Article
shall not prevent States from taking such measures as are necessary in the interests of the children.

3. Domestic Spanish sources

Spanish Constitution (SC)

Section 39
1. The public authorities ensure social, economic and legal protection of the family.
2. The public authorities likewise ensure full protection of children, who are equal before the law,
regardless of their parentage, and of mothers, whatever their marital status. The law shall provide for
the possibility of the investigation of paternity.
3. Parents must provide their children, whether born within or outside wedlock, with assistance of
every kind while they are still under age and in other circumstances in which the law so establishes.
4. Children shall enjoy the protection provided for in the international agreements safeguarding their
rights.

Ley Orgánica 1/1996, de 15 de enero, de protección jurídica del menor, de

modificación parcial del Código civil y de la Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil –
Texto en español (LO 1/1996)

22
Preámbulo (extracts)
Las transformaciones sociales y culturales operadas en nuestra sociedad han provocado un cambio en el status
social del niño y como consecuencia de ello se ha dado un nuevo enfoque a la construcción del edificio de los
derechos humanos de la infancia.
Este enfoque reformula la estructura del derecho a la protección de la infancia vigente en España y en la
mayoría de los países desarrollados desde finales del siglo XX, y consiste fundamentalmente en el
reconocimiento pleno de la titularidad de derechos en los menores de edad y de una capacidad progresiva para
ejercerlos.
El ordenamiento jurídico, y esta Ley en particular, va reflejando progresivamente una concepción de las
personas menores de edad como sujetos activos, participativos y creativos, con capacidad de modificar su
propio medio personal y social; de participar en la búsqueda y satisfacción de sus necesidades y en la
satisfacción de las necesidades de los demás.

Artículo 1. Ambito de aplicación.

La presente Ley y sus disposiciones de desarrollo son de aplicación a los menores de dieciocho años que se
encuentren en territorio español, salvo que en virtud de la ley que les sea aplicable hayan alcanzado
anteriormente la mayoría de edad.

Ley Orgánica 8/2015, de 22 de julio, de modificación del sistema de protección

de la infancia y de la adolescencia – Texto en español (LO 8/2015)
Preámbulo II - Los cambios introducidos en la Ley Orgánica de Protección Jurídica del Menor desarrollan y
refuerzan el derecho del menor a que su interés superior sea prioritario, principio fundamental en esta materia,
pero concepto jurídico indeterminado que ha sido objeto, a lo largo de estos años, de diversas interpretaciones.
Por ello, para dotar de contenido al concepto mencionado, se modifica el artículo 2 incorporando tanto la
jurisprudencia del Tribunal Supremo de los últimos años como los criterios de la Observación general n.º 14,
de 29 de mayo de 2013, del Comité de Naciones Unidas de Derechos del Niño, sobre el derecho del niño a
que su interés superior sea una consideración primordial. Este concepto se define desde un contenido triple.
Por una parte, es un derecho sustantivo en el sentido de que el menor tiene derecho a que, cuando se adopte
una medida que le concierna, sus mejores intereses hayan sido evaluados y, en el caso de que haya otros
intereses en presencia, se hayan ponderado a la hora de llegar a una solución. Por otra, es un principio general
de carácter interpretativo, de manera que si una disposición jurídica puede ser interpretada en más de una
forma se debe optar por la interpretación que mejor responda a los intereses del menor. Pero además, en último
lugar, este principio es una norma de procedimiento. En estas tres dimensiones, el interés superior del menor
tiene una misma finalidad: asegurar el respeto completo y efectivo de todos los derechos del menor, así como
su desarrollo integral. A la luz de estas consideraciones, es claro que la determinación del interés superior del
menor en cada caso debe basarse en una serie de criterios aceptados y valores universalmente reconocidos por
el legislador que deben ser tenidos en cuenta y ponderados en función de diversos elementos y de las
circunstancias del caso, y que deben explicitarse en la motivación de la decisión adoptada, a fin de conocer si
ha sido correcta o no la aplicación del principio

Dos. Se modifica el artículo 2 (de la Ley Orgánica 1/1996), que queda redactado como sigue:
«Artículo 2. Interés superior del menor.
1. Todo menor tiene derecho a que su interés superior sea valorado y considerado como primordial en todas
las acciones y decisiones que le conciernan, tanto en el ámbito público como privado. En la aplicación de la
presente ley y demás normas que le afecten, así como en las medidas concernientes a los menores que adopten
las instituciones, públicas o privadas, los Tribunales, o los órganos legislativos primará el interés superior de
los mismos sobre cualquier otro interés legítimo que pudiera concurrir. Las limitaciones a la capacidad de
obrar de los menores se interpretarán de forma restrictiva y, en todo caso, siempre en el interés superior del
menor.
2. A efectos de la interpretación y aplicación en cada caso del interés superior del menor, se tendrán en cuenta
los siguientes criterios generales, sin perjuicio de los establecidos en la legislación específica aplicable, así

23
como de aquellos otros que puedan estimarse adecuados atendiendo a las circunstancias concretas del
supuesto:
a) La protección del derecho a la vida, supervivencia y desarrollo del menor y la satisfacción de sus
necesidades básicas, tanto materiales, físicas y educativas como emocionales y afectivas.
b) La consideración de los deseos, sentimientos y opiniones del menor, así como su derecho a participar
progresivamente, en función de su edad, madurez, desarrollo y evolución personal, en el proceso de
determinación de su interés superior.
c) La conveniencia de que su vida y desarrollo tenga lugar en un entorno familiar adecuado y libre de violencia.
Se priorizará la permanencia en su familia de origen y se preservará el mantenimiento de sus relaciones
familiares, siempre que sea posible y positivo para el menor. En caso de acordarse una medida de protección,
se priorizará el acogimiento familiar frente al residencial. Cuando el menor hubiera sido separado de su núcleo
familiar, se valorarán las posibilidades y conveniencia de su retorno, teniendo en cuenta la evolución de la
familia desde que se adoptó la medida protectora y primando siempre el interés y las necesidades del menor
sobre las de la familia.
d) La preservación de la identidad, cultura, religión, convicciones, orientación e identidad sexual o idioma del
menor, así como la no discriminación del mismo por éstas o cualesquiera otras condiciones, incluida la
discapacidad, garantizando el desarrollo armónico de su personalidad.
3. Estos criterios se ponderarán teniendo en cuenta los siguientes elementos generales:
a) La edad y madurez del menor.
b) La necesidad de garantizar su igualdad y no discriminación por su especial vulnerabilidad, ya sea por la
carencia de entorno familiar, sufrir maltrato, su discapacidad, su orientación e identidad sexual, su condición
de refugiado, solicitante de asilo o protección subsidiaria, su pertenencia a una minoría étnica, o cualquier otra
característica o circunstancia relevante.
c) El irreversible efecto del transcurso del tiempo en su desarrollo.
d) La necesidad de estabilidad de las soluciones que se adopten para promover la efectiva integración y
desarrollo del menor en la sociedad, así como de minimizar los riesgos que cualquier cambio de situación
material o emocional pueda ocasionar en su personalidad y desarrollo futuro.
e) La preparación del tránsito a la edad adulta e independiente, de acuerdo con sus capacidades y
circunstancias personales.
f) Aquellos otros elementos de ponderación que, en el supuesto concreto, sean considerados pertinentes y
respeten los derechos de los menores. Los anteriores elementos deberán ser valorados conjuntamente,
conforme a los principios de necesidad y proporcionalidad, de forma que la medida que se adopte en el interés
superior del menor no restrinja o limite más derechos que los que ampara.
4. En caso de concurrir cualquier otro interés legítimo junto al interés superior del menor deberán priorizarse
las medidas que, respondiendo a este interés, respeten también los otros intereses legítimos presentes. En caso
de que no puedan respetarse todos los intereses legítimos concurrentes, deberá primar el interés superior del
menor sobre cualquier otro interés legítimo que pudiera concurrir. Las decisiones y medidas adoptadas en
interés superior del menor deberán valorar en todo caso los derechos fundamentales de otras personas que
pudieran verse afectados.
5. Toda medida en el interés superior del menor deberá ser adoptada respetando las debidas garantías del
proceso y, en particular:
a) Los derechos del menor a ser informado, oído y escuchado, y a participar en el proceso de acuerdo con la
normativa vigente.
b) La intervención en el proceso de profesionales cualificados o expertos. En caso necesario, estos
profesionales han de contar con la formación suficiente para determinar las específicas necesidades de los
niños con discapacidad. En las decisiones especialmente relevantes que afecten al menor se contará con el
informe colegiado de un grupo técnico y multidisciplinar especializado en los ámbitos adecuados.
c) La participación de progenitores, tutores o representantes legales del menor o de un defensor judicial si
hubiera conflicto o discrepancia con ellos y del Ministerio Fiscal en el proceso en defensa de sus intereses.
d) La adopción de una decisión que incluya en su motivación los criterios utilizados, los elementos aplicados
al ponderar los criterios entre sí y con otros intereses presentes y futuros, y las garantías procesales respetadas.
e) La existencia de recursos que permitan revisar la decisión adoptada que no haya considerado el interés
superior del menor como primordial o en el caso en que el propio desarrollo del menor o cambios significativos

24
en las circunstancias que motivaron dicha decisión hagan necesario revisarla. Los menores gozarán del
derecho a la asistencia jurídica gratuita en los casos legalmente previstos.»

Tres. Se modifica el artículo 3, que queda redactado como sigue:

«Artículo 3. Referencia a Instrumentos Internacionales. Los menores gozarán de los derechos que les
reconoce la Constitución y los Tratados Internacionales de los que España sea parte, especialmente la
Convención de Derechos del Niño de Naciones Unidas y la Convención de Derechos de las Personas con
Discapacidad, y de los demás derechos garantizados en el ordenamiento jurídico, sin discriminación alguna
por razón de nacimiento, nacionalidad, raza, sexo, discapacidad o enfermedad, religión, lengua, cultura,
opinión o cualquier otra circunstancia personal, familiar o social. La presente ley, sus normas de desarrollo y
demás disposiciones legales relativas a las personas menores de edad, se interpretarán de conformidad con los
Tratados Internacionales de los que España sea parte y, especialmente, de acuerdo con la Convención de los
Derechos del Niño de Naciones Unidas y la Convención de Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad. Los
poderes públicos garantizarán el respeto de los derechos de los menores y adecuarán sus actuaciones a la
presente ley y a la mencionada normativa internacional.»

Ley 26/2015, de 28 de julio, de modificación del sistema de protección a la

infancia y a la adolescencia – Texto en español (L26/2015)
Preámbulo - Sin embargo, transcurridos casi veinte años desde su publicación [de la Ley 1/1996], se han
producido cambios sociales importantes que inciden en la situación de los menores y que demandan una
mejora de los instrumentos de protección jurídica, en aras del cumplimiento efectivo del citado artículo 39 de
la Constitución y las normas de carácter internacional mencionadas.

Cinco. Se modifican los apartados … 3 y 4 … del artículo 10,

«3. Los menores extranjeros que se encuentren en España tienen derecho a la educación, asistencia sanitaria
y servicios y prestaciones sociales básicas, en las mismas condiciones que los menores españoles. Las
Administraciones Públicas velarán por los grupos especialmente vulnerables como los menores extranjeros
no acompañados, los que presenten necesidades de protección internacional, los menores con discapacidad y
los que sean víctimas de abusos sexuales, explotación sexual, pornografía infantil, de trata o de tráfico de seres
humanos, garantizando el cumplimiento de los derechos previstos en la ley. Los poderes públicos, en el diseño
y elaboración de las políticas públicas, tendrán como objetivo lograr la plena integración de los menores
extranjeros en la sociedad española, mientras permanezcan en el territorio del Estado español, en los términos
establecidos en la Ley Orgánica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en
España y su integración social.
4. Cuando la Entidad Pública asuma la tutela de un menor extranjero que se encuentre en España, la
Administración General del Estado le facilitará, si no la tuviere, a la mayor celeridad, y junto con la
presentación del certificado de tutela expedido por dicha Entidad Pública, la documentación acreditativa de
su situación y la autorización de residencia, una vez que haya quedado acreditada la imposibilidad de retorno
con su familia o al país de origen, y según lo dispuesto en la normativa vigente en materia de extranjería e
inmigración”.

Seis. Se modifica el artículo 11, que queda redactado como sigue:

«Artículo 11. Principios rectores de la acción administrativa.
1. Las Administraciones Públicas facilitarán a los menores la asistencia adecuada para el ejercicio de sus
derechos, incluyendo los recursos de apoyo que precisen.
Las Administraciones Públicas, en los ámbitos que les son propios, articularán políticas integrales
encaminadas al desarrollo de la infancia y la adolescencia y, de modo especial, las referidas a los derechos
enumerados en esta ley. Los menores tendrán derecho a acceder a tales servicios por sí mismos o a través de
sus progenitores, tutores, guardadores o acogedores, quienes a su vez tendrán el deber de utilizarlos en interés
de los menores.
Se impulsarán políticas compensatorias dirigidas a corregir las desigualdades sociales. En todo caso, el
contenido esencial de los derechos del menor no podrá quedar afectado por falta de recursos sociales básicos.

25
Se garantizará a los menores con discapacidad y a sus familias los servicios sociales especializados que su
discapacidad precise.
Las Administraciones Públicas deberán tener en cuenta las necesidades de los menores al ejercer sus
competencias, especialmente en materia de control sobre productos alimenticios, consumo, vivienda,
educación, sanidad, servicios sociales, cultura, deporte, espectáculos, medios de comunicación, transportes,
tiempo libre, juego, espacios libres y nuevas tecnologías (TICs). Las Administraciones Públicas tendrán
particularmente en consideración la adecuada regulación y supervisión de aquellos espacios, centros y
servicios en los que permanezcan habitualmente menores, en lo que se refiere a sus condiciones físico-
ambientales, higiénico-sanitarias, de accesibilidad y diseño universal y de recursos humanos, así como a sus
proyectos educativos inclusivos, a la participación de los menores y a las demás condiciones que contribuyan
a asegurar sus derechos.
2. Serán principios rectores de la actuación de los poderes públicos en relación con los menores:
a) La supremacía de su interés superior.
b) El mantenimiento en su familia de origen, salvo que no sea conveniente para su interés, en cuyo caso se
garantizará la adopción de medidas de protección familiares y estables priorizando, en estos supuestos, el
acogimiento familiar frente al institucional.
c) Su integración familiar y social.
d) La prevención y la detección precoz de todas aquellas situaciones que puedan perjudicar su desarrollo
personal.
e) La sensibilización de la población ante situaciones de desprotección.
f) El carácter educativo de todas las medidas que se adopten.
g) La promoción de la participación, voluntariado y solidaridad social.
h) La objetividad, imparcialidad y seguridad jurídica en la actuación protectora, garantizando el carácter
colegiado e interdisciplinar en la adopción de medidas que les afecten.
i) La protección contra toda forma de violencia, incluido el maltrato físico o psicológico, los castigos físicos
humillantes y denigrantes, el descuido o trato negligente, la explotación, la realizada a través de las nuevas
tecnologías, los abusos sexuales, la corrupción, la violencia de género o en el ámbito familiar, sanitario, social
o educativo, incluyendo el acoso escolar, así como la trata y el tráfico de seres humanos, la mutilación genital
femenina y cualquier otra forma de abuso.
j) La igualdad de oportunidades y no discriminación por cualquier circunstancia.
k) La accesibilidad universal de los menores con discapacidad y los ajustes razonables, así como su inclusión
y participación plenas y efectivas.
l) El libre desarrollo de su personalidad conforme a su orientación e identidad sexual.
m) El respeto y la valoración de la diversidad étnica y cultural.

Once. Se modifica el artículo 18, que queda redactado como sigue:

«Artículo 18. Actuaciones en situación de desamparo.
5. En los supuestos en los que se detecte una situación de posible desprotección de un menor de nacionalidad
española que se encuentre fuera del territorio nacional, para su protección en España será competente la
Entidad Pública correspondiente a la Comunidad Autónoma en la que residan los progenitores o tutores del
menor. En su defecto, será competente la Entidad Pública correspondiente a la Comunidad Autónoma con la
cual el menor o sus familiares tuvieren mayores vínculos. Cuando, conforme a tales criterios, no pudiere
determinarse la competencia, será competente la Entidad Pública de la Comunidad Autónoma en la que el
menor o sus familiares hubieran tenido su última residencia habitual.
En todo caso, cuando el menor que se encuentra fuera de España hubiera sido objeto de una medida de
protección previamente a su desplazamiento, será competente la Entidad Pública que ostente su guarda o
tutela.
Los posibles conflictos de competencia que pudieran originarse habrán de resolverse conforme a los principios
de celeridad y de interés superior del menor, evitando dilaciones en la toma de decisiones que pudieran
generar perjuicios al mismo.
La Administración General del Estado se encargará del traslado del menor a España. La Comunidad
Autónoma que corresponda asumirá la competencia desde el momento en que el menor se encuentre en
España.

26
6. En los supuestos en que las medidas de protección adoptadas en un Estado extranjero deban cumplirse en
España, se atenderá, en primer lugar, a lo previsto en el Reglamento (CE) n.º 2201/2003 del Consejo, de 27
de noviembre de 2003, relativo a la competencia, el reconocimiento y la ejecución de las resoluciones
judiciales en materia matrimonial y de responsabilidad parental, por el que se deroga el Reglamento (CE) n.º
1347/2000, o norma europea que lo sustituya. En los casos no regulados por la normativa europea, se estará a
los Tratados y Convenios internacionales en vigor para España y, en especial, al Convenio relativo a la
competencia, la ley aplicable, el reconocimiento, la ejecución y la cooperación en materia de responsabilidad
parental y de medidas de protección de los niños, hecho en La Haya el 19 de octubre de 1996, o Convenio que
lo sustituya. En defecto de toda normativa internacional, se estará a las normas españolas de producción
interna sobre eficacia en España de medidas de protección de menores».

B. SPECIFIC PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW LEGAL

INSTRUMENTS

1. Institutional sources

Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003 concerning

jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in
matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility, repealing
Regulation (EC) No 1347/2000 (Brussels II)
NOTE: Not applicable from 1 August 2022

Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 of 25 June 2019 on jurisdiction, the

recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and the
matters of parental responsibility, and on international child abduction
(recast) (Brussels IIbis), here

Background and links, here

It applies from 1 August 2022 (art. 105)

2. International sources
The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of
International Child Abduction (HC IChA 1980)

European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions

concerning the Custody of Children and on Restauration of Custody of
Children (Luxembourg 1980) (LC 1980)

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The Hague Convention of 19 October 1996 on jurisdiction, applicable law,
recognition, enforcement and cooperation in respect of parental
responsibility and measures for the protección of children (HC 1996)

Council of Europe Convention on Contact concerning Children 2003 (CCCh

2003)
o States Party (01.12.2016): Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia. Czech Republic, Malta,
Romania, San Marino, Turkey, Ukraine
o Spain signed on 9 October 2015

Convenio entre el Reino de Espana y el Reino de Marruecos sobre asistencia

judicial, reconocimiento y ejecución de resoluciones judiciales en materia de
derecho de custodia y derecho de visita y devolución de menores, firmado en
Madrid el 30 de mayo de 1997 (Cbilat E-Marruecos).

3. Spanish domestic sources

a) Artículo 22 ter and quáter 2015 Spanish Law on the Judiciary (SLJ) - Ley
Orgánica del Poder Judicial, entered into force on October 1st, 2015.
Art 22 ter
“… When the defendant has his/her domicile in Spain”

Art 22 quáter
“In the absence of the above criteria, the Spanish Courts shall have jurisdiction
d) In matters of filiation and parental relationship, protection of minors and parental responsibility, when the
son/daughter or minor has his habitual residence in Spain at the time of the lodging of the claim (where
proceedings were brought) or the plaintiff is Spanish or resides habitually in Spain or, in any case, at least six
months before the filing of the application”.

b) Spanish Law on Intercountry Adoption (SLIA) - Ley adopción

internacional – Art. 32
TÍTULO III Otras medidas de protección de menores

CAPÍTULO I Competencia y ley aplicable

Artículo 32. Competencia para la constitución de otras medidas de protección de menores.

La competencia para la constitución de las demás medidas de protección de menores se regirá por los criterios
recogidos en los Tratados y Convenios internacionales y otras normas de origen internacional en vigor para
España, en particular por el Reglamento (CE) n.º 2201/2003 del Consejo, de 27 de noviembre de 2003, relativo
a la competencia, el reconocimiento y la ejecución de resoluciones judiciales en materia matrimonial y de
responsabilidad parental, y por el Convenio de La Haya, de 19 de octubre de 1996, relativo a la competencia,
la ley aplicable, el reconocimiento, la ejecución y la cooperación en materia de responsabilidad parental y de
medidas de protección de los niños.

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Artículo 33. Ley aplicable a otras medidas de protección de menores.
La ley aplicable a las demás medidas de protección de los menores se determinará con arreglo a los Tratados
y Convenios internacionales y otras normas de origen internacional en vigor para España, en particular por el
Convenio de La Haya, de 19 de octubre de 1996, relativo a la competencia, la ley aplicable, el reconocimiento,
la ejecución y la cooperación en materia de responsabilidad parental y de medidas de protección de los niños.

CAPÍTULO II Efectos de las decisiones extranjeras en materia de protección de menores.

Artículo 34. Efectos legales en España de las decisiones relativas a instituciones de protección de
menores que no produzcan vínculos de filiación acordadas por autoridades extranjeras.
1. Las instituciones de protección de menores constituidas por autoridad extranjera y que, según la ley de su
constitución, no determinen ningún vínculo de filiación se equipararán al acogimiento familiar o, en su caso,
a una tutela, regulados en el derecho español, si concurren los requisitos siguientes: 1.º Que los efectos
sustanciales de la institución extranjera sean equivalentes a los del acogimiento familiar o, en su caso, a los
de una tutela, previstos por la ley española. 2.º Que las instituciones de protección hayan sido acordadas por
autoridad extranjera competente, sea judicial o administrativa. Se considerará que la autoridad extranjera que
constituyó la medida de protección era internacionalmente competente si el supuesto presenta vínculos
razonables con el Estado extranjero cuyas autoridades la han constituido. No obstante lo establecido en la
regla anterior, en el caso de que la institución de protección no presentare conexiones razonables de origen,
de antecedentes familiares o de otros órdenes similares con el país cuya autoridad ha constituido esa institución
se estimará que la autoridad extranjera carecía de competencia internacional. 3.º Que los efectos de la
institución de protección extranjera no vulneren el orden público español atendiendo al interés superior del
menor. 4.º Que el documento en el que consta la institución constituida ante autoridad extranjera reúna los
requisitos formales de autenticidad consistentes en la legalización o apostilla y en la traducción al idioma
español oficial. Se exceptúan los documentos eximidos de legalización o traducción en virtud de otras normas
vigentes.
2. La autoridad pública española ante la que se suscite la cuestión de la validez de una medida de protección
constituida por autoridad extranjera y, en especial, el Encargado del Registro Civil en el que se inste la
anotación de la medida de protección constituida en el extranjero para su reconocimiento en España,
controlará, incidentalmente, la validez de dicha medida en España con arreglo a este artículo”.

c) Spanish Civil Code - Article 9.6 (SCC)

“The law applicable to the protection of minors shall be determined in accordance with the Hague Convention
of 19 October 1996, referred to in paragraph 4 of this article”

……….

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