Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Paragraph: 63
The framework within which action over arbitrarily detained nationals can be taken is severely limited.
Recommendation
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.
Paragraph Reference:
63
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 26 February 2021. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗