The Aims of the Centre

The main aims of the Centre for International Family Law Studies are to gather together existing knowledge on the international aspects of family law and to promote further understanding of the field by research and analysis. The Centre's focus is not only upon comparative family law but also upon international solutions to family law problems and upon the consequential international influence on the shaping of domestic laws (the "internationalisation" of family law regimes).

The Centre aims to act as a "sounding-board" for Government departments and agencies, such as the Child Abduction Unit of the Official Solicitor's Department, dealing with international family law matters. It will also provide a platform for conferences and seminars aimed at promoting the study of international family law. In addition the Centre carries out major commissioned research projects, as well as providing post-graduate research opportunities in the area of international family law. The Centre has established a close working relationship with the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference and with the Council of Europe and there are potential opportunities to undertake some research work both at The Hague and Strasbourg. The Centre actively encourages scholars from overseas to come to Cardiff to study and research this area of law.