Under The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction 1980, a child is considered abducted if they are taken across international borders by one parent without the other parent’s consent. The Convention, originally aimed at abducting fathers, was designed to ensure the quick and safe return of the child. In that regard, the treaty is highly effective. Now, however, around 75% of the parents who are brought before the courts are mothers. And many of them are fleeing domestic violence, trying to get to safety in their home country with their child. The cases are brought by the perpetrators of that violence with support from the state.

In a majority of cases, even when there is clear evidence of violence or criminality by the father, the Convention insists that the child must be returned.

FHM is a global campaign which aims to end the injustices created by The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, specifically for mothers and children who are victims of domestic abuse.

Treebeard is providing restricted funding to support the work of the Campaign.