Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 13
The limited data available indicates that state hostage taking is an increasing problem globally.
Conclusion
The limited data available indicates that state hostage taking is an increasing problem globally. Arbitrary detention is also a growing phenomenon, increasing the likelihood of citizens in this position becoming pawns in state-to-state relations. All arbitrary detentions are illegal and unacceptable. The UK Government should be working toward their immediate resolution. Given that states rarely make explicit their demands for release, or intended area of leverage, this zero-tolerance approach is all the more important.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the increasing international concern about arbitrary detention, but states that evidence of increasing risk to British nationals is less clear and that avoiding politicisation can be the best route to de-escalation.
Paragraph Reference:
13
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
7. The Government is clear that any detention for diplomatic leverage is unacceptable no matter how large or small the number of people involved. The Government also agrees that there is increasing international concern about, and condemnation of, this practice. In the case of British nationals detained overseas, the evidence of increasing risk is less clear. The number of cases where the Government judge British nationals are detained arbitrarily overseas for diplomatic leverage remains limited. Not all detentions even in countries of concern are intended to exert diplomatic leverage. The behaviour of the small number of States that have been accused of engaging in such practices can be unpredictable and volatile, and the motivations of detaining authorities are rarely clear or consistent. Even when arbitrary detention for diplomatic leverage is a suspected motivation, avoiding politicisation can be the best route to de-escalation and release.