An international child abduction process that took more than three and a half years to complete. Based on a real-life case involving the international return of a girl between Argentina and Finland, this article analyzes procedural delays, delaying tactics, and the difficulties in enforcing a final return order. It also examines the involvement of various judicial bodies, the limits of criminal jurisdiction in these proceedings, and the need to ensure the effective implementation of the Hague Conventions. The paper reflects on the impact that judicial delays have on children’s rights and highlights the importance of acting swiftly to protect their best interests and prevent the passage of time from entrenching situations contrary to international law. Microjuris Date: 7/13/2026 Citation: MJ-DOC-18661-AR
