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In its order dated 9 December 2019 (File No: 47 F 632/19), Jena Local Court ordered the return of the child, who was born in December 2017, to Australia. The child’s mother’s complaint (Beschwerde) appeal against this was rejected by way of a decision issued by Thuringia Higher Regional Court dated 3 March 2020 (File No: 1 UF 11/20). The child was due to fly back to Australia on 18 March 2020, with a short stopover in Dubai.

In its letter dated 16 March 2020, the Youth Welfare Office applied to have enforcement of the return order deferred for a limited period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court rejected the application for deferment of enforcement.

Grave Risk - Art. 13(1)(b)

The court was of the view that no impediments existed to the child entering Australia. The obligation to undertake self-isolation for 14 days upon arrival did not endanger the child’s wellbeing or pose a grave risk of harm. The short stopover in Dubai changed nothing about this as according to the information available to the court, the onward flight to Australia was guaranteed to take place.