ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces immunities in international law. It canvasses three main types of immunities: sovereign or ‘State-derived’ immunities, including immunities owed to the State as well as foreign heads of State and other officials; diplomatic and consular immunities; and the privileges and immunities owed to international organisations and individuals involved in the work of those organisations. While each of these subjects is large enough to merit its own focus, bringing these diverse types of immunities together enables comparisons across several key dimensions, including the sources of immunities, their nature and scope, and key issues and debates.
