Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 63
63
The framework within which action over arbitrarily detained nationals can be taken is severely limited.
Conclusion
The framework within which action over arbitrarily detained nationals can be taken is severely limited. The UK is not alone in not officially recognising the phenomenon of ‘State Hostage Taking’, but the FCDO should acknowledge that Iran’s transactional approach to diplomacy typifies a growing challenge democracies face when engaging with some autocracies. Calling ‘State Hostage Taking’ out for what it is and taking the lead in shaping a united international response would help yield additional tools to counter this behaviour. The FCDO should use the UK’s position at the UN to establish an ad hoc Committee to draft a complementary stand-alone addition to the 1979 Hostages Convention which defines ‘State Hostage Taking’ and prohibits its practice. Human rights sanctions
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We note the Committee’s recommendation. We do not accept dual British nationals being used as diplomatic leverage. In any individual case, the Government would look at all the circumstances concerned, including consideration of the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages 1979. Meanwhile, we continue to use UN and international fora to call out such behaviour. At the last Human Rights Council session, the UK joined other countries in a statement highlighting our shared concern about the arbitrary detention of foreign nationals and calling on all states to uphold their international human rights obligations. We will continue to discuss with likeminded countries how best we can raise cases of arbitrary detention, to reinforce our concerns and impact.