xpanding global reachThe 1996 Convention – formally the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children – now has 58 contracting parties. It establishes common rules on jurisdiction and applicable law, and ensures recognition and enforcement of child protection measures across borders. CeremonyArgentina was represented by Mr Diego Emilio Sadofschi, Chargé d’Affaires, and Ms María Soledad Bellavigna, Counsellor, both from the Embassy of Argentina to the Netherlands. The depositary was represented by officials from the Treaties Division, while the Permanent Bureau of the HCCH was represented by Secretary General Dr Christophe Bernasconi and Ms Laura Martínez-Mora, First Secretary and co-Head of the International Family and Child Protection Law Division. Argentina’s Hague commitmentsArgentina has been a member of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) since 1972 and is now a contracting party to eight HCCH conventions.