Safeguarding diplomacy

The recent attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt has reignited the debate over the balance between diplomatic security and accessibility. On July 20, 2024, a group of men allegedly dressed in Afghanistan flags stormed the consulate, ransacked the compound, and removed the Pakistan flag. Fortunately, there were no losses, but the situation revealed a number of critical threats and underscored the ongoing problem of safeguarding diplomatic premises and maintaining the mission’s activities.

Several similar attacks on diplomatic missions have highlighted the global nature of these security challenges. In 2012, the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was attacked, resulting in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador J Christopher Stevens. This incident underscored the vulnerabilities of diplomatic missions in conflict zones.

Diplomatic missions operate with a dual mandate: they must deliver services to the citizens and also perform diplomatic functions; at the same time they have to protect their facilities and people. Some of the measures that are used to enhance security of the diplomatic missions are fences and barricades, surveillance cameras, and cooperation with the local police. However, the Frankfurt attack showed that these measures were insufficient. As per the Overseas Security Advisory Council report of 2023, though 85% of the diplomatic missions have strengthened their security measures in the last few years, such incidents are still a reality. The fact is that the threats are constantly evolving and therefore, the security strategies have to be constantly reviewed and adjusted.

Security and accessibility are two factors that are not easily compromised since they are always on a delicate scale. Diplomatic missions must be open and accessible to be able to perform diplomatic and consular functions properly. Overemphasising security can lead to the restriction of people’s access, the obstruction of diplomacy, and the weakening of people’s interest. On the other hand, inadequate security can expose missions to attacks, thus posing serious risks to human lives of the personnel and other people who may be in the mission at any given time. It is a delicate balance that must be achieved through a proper security plan that will not hinder the functioning of the mission.

The flow of intelligence between the host countries and the diplomatic missions plays a critical role in threat identification and management. In the case of Frankfurt, the actions of the attackers imply that there could be a breakdown in intelligence or communication, calling for better cooperation between local and international intelligence services.

The protection of diplomatic missions is governed by international norms that include the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. However, the usefulness of these protocols is only as good as their implementation and modification over time due to emerging security threats. The attack in Frankfurt has forced Pakistan to appeal to Germany to honour these conventions. This event is a wakeup call for states to follow and enhance international security measures to safeguard diplomats across the globe.

The social aspect of such attacks is also severe because it demoralises consulate staff and scares away visitors. The consequences for international relations and diplomacy are also significant because attacks on diplomatic missions affect bilateral relations and diplomatic processes. Thus, increasing the level of security for diplomats is not only about the lives of people but also about the credibility of diplomatic processes.

The attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by diplomatic missions. By learning from this incident and implementing comprehensive security measures, the international community can work towards preventing future attacks and ensuring the safety of diplomats worldwide. Balancing security with accessibility remains a critical task, requiring continuous effort and cooperation at all levels.