{"id":770735,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/770735/?format=json","text_counter":210,"type":"other","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"(1) to secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed or retained in any contracting state; and, (2) to ensure that the rights of child custody and of access under the law of one contracting state are effectively respected in the other contracting states. The Convention prescribes a quick and efficient procedure of returning a child wrongfully abducted from one contracting state to another or wrongfully retained to their state of habitual residence. This prescription is effected by an appointed central authority of a contracting state, ordinarily a government ministry, department or agency of the member. The Convention provides a structure to support family relationships by providing a civil non-criminal procedure to return a child when abducted or taken away by a parent or custodian. The primary intention of the Convention is to preserve whatever status quo child custody arrangement existed immediately before an alleged wrongful removal or retention of a child, thereby deterring a parent or custodian from crossing international boundaries."}