International Cocoa Organization Headquarters Agreement

The Agreement, concluded between the United Kingdom and the International Cocoa Organization on 26 March 1975, establishes the Headquarters of the organization and regulates its legal status in the United Kingdom.

It recognizes the legal personality of the organization and confers on it immunity from legal process, except: 1) to the extent that the organization has waived its immunity; 2) in respect of civil actions for damages arising from traffic accidents; 3) in respect of the enforcement of arbitration awards made under the Agreement.

The Agreement also provides that officials, staff members and experts on mission enjoys immunity from legal process with respect to the acts performed in official capacity. In addition, the Executive Director and the staff members acting in his place are entitled to the same immunities recognized to diplomatic envoys. The executive Director has the duty to waive the immunity of officials, staff members and experts when such immunity impede the course of justice and its waiver does not prejudice the interests of the organization.

The Agreement also provides that the Organization shall cooperate with national authorities to ensure the proper administration of justice and prevent any possible abuse of immunity.