Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Sixth Report - Stolen years: combatting state hostage diplomacy
Foreign Affairs Committee
HC 166
Published 4 April 2023
Recommendations
9
Not Addressed
Para 34
Starting immediately, we recommend a central repository be created for information on cases of arbitrary...
Recommendation
Starting immediately, we recommend a central repository be created for information on cases of arbitrary detention and hostage taking, both active and closed, detailing processes followed and learning gained. There should be a systematic approach applied to all cases, not …
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Government Response Summary
The government did not address the recommendation to create a central repository for information, and instead discussed international law and consular relations.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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18
Not Addressed
We recommend that the FCDO demonstrates meaningful engagement and provides the Committee with an annual...
Recommendation
We recommend that the FCDO demonstrates meaningful engagement and provides the Committee with an annual private report on the progress of UK nationals arbitrarily detained abroad, with follow-up briefing at the Foreign Office if required, to enable the work of …
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Government Response Summary
The Government agrees the importance of continuous improvement and proactive case management and has systems and practices in place to support this, including a central database for recording and managing consular casework globally, and thorough briefings for incoming staff or Ministers. This response does not address the recommendation to provide an annual private report to the Committee.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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28
Not Addressed
We recommend a plan be prepared by the FCDO for providing material support for long-term...
Recommendation
We recommend a plan be prepared by the FCDO for providing material support for long-term arbitrarily detained persons on their release as well as support during detention for families especially where the detainee is the primary earner. In this context …
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Government Response Summary
The government discusses the task force approach to complex consular cases, designed to ensure prompt identification of complex detentions.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Conclusions (1)
8
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 33
Learning from previous cases needs to be central to the formulation of a coherent and flexible approach to securing the release of detainees. Given the high turnover of ministers and civil servants, we have seen insufficient evidence to indicate that any arrangements for institutional learning by the FCDO have been …
Government Response Summary
The government did not address the conclusion on learning from previous cases. Instead, the response discussed international law and consular relations.