This instrument sets out the rules applicable to transfer of the execution of sentences, firstly where sentenced persons have absconded from the sentencing State to their State of nationality, and secondly where they are subject to an expulsion or deportation order as a consequence of their sentence.

It supplements the 1983 Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (ETS no. 112), whose main aim is to further the social rehabilitation of sentenced foreign nationals by allowing the sentence to be served in the country of origin. This Convention is founded to a great extent on humanitarian principles, being based on the consideration that communication difficulties, language barriers and deprivation of contact with the family can have adverse effects on foreign prisoners.