Hostages and Human Rights: Towards a Victim-Centred Approach

The international community has failed to protect hostages, and Sofia Galani examines why this is and what can be done to safeguard their human rights. This book fills a critical gap in the literature for human rights lawyers and researchers.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 08 July 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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Hostage-taking has surged in recent years, becoming a global concern. Terrorists and pirates have increasingly utilized hostages, resulting in alarming escalated violence. Sofia Galani delves into the perspective of victims, arguing that the international community has failed to adequately protect them. Through an evaluation of various international law concepts and frameworks, including jurisdiction in international law, state responsibility, and international human rights law, Galani elucidates why hostages are not yet recognized as victims of human rights violations. She then proposes solutions to safeguard the human rights of hostages, both in theory and practice. As the first comprehensive study on the human rights of hostages, this book fills a crucial gap in the literature for human rights lawyers and researchers.

The issue of hostage-taking has gained significant attention worldwide in recent years, with terrorists and pirates increasingly using hostages as bargaining chips in their conflicts. The use of violence in these situations has escalated alarmingly, raising concerns about the protection of human rights. In this essay, we will examine the issue of hostage-taking from a victim's perspective, focusing on the failures of the international community to safeguard the rights of hostages.

One of the primary concerns is the lack of recognition of hostages as victims of human rights violations. International law does not explicitly define hostages as such, and they are often treated as objects rather than individuals with rights. This lack of recognition hinders the ability of hostages to receive the protection and assistance they deserve.

Another issue is the lack of effective international cooperation in addressing hostage-taking. Despite the existence of various international conventions and agreements, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention against Torture, the response to hostage-taking has been fragmented and inconsistent. Different countries have different approaches to dealing with hostage-taking, and there is often a lack of coordination and information sharing among them.

Furthermore, the use of force in hostage situations is often justified by the need to protect national security. However, this justification can be abused, leading to the unnecessary use of violence and the violation of human rights. The use of force should only be used as a last resort and should be strictly regulated to ensure that it does not harm innocent people.

To address these issues, the international community must take a comprehensive and coordinated approach. This includes the recognition of hostages as victims of human rights violations, the establishment of effective international cooperation mechanisms, and the regulation of the use of force in hostage situations.

One potential solution is the establishment of a dedicated international body to oversee and coordinate the response to hostage-taking. This body could be responsible for developing best practices, providing training to law enforcement and military personnel, and monitoring the situation of hostages around the world.

In addition, the international community should prioritize the protection of human rights in all conflicts. This includes the use of diplomatic means to resolve conflicts and the provision of humanitarian assistance to those affected by violence.

Furthermore, the international community should strengthen the legal framework for the protection of human rights. This includes the development of new laws and regulations that explicitly address the rights of hostages and the protection of victims of human rights violations.

In conclusion, the issue of hostage-taking has become a global concern, with terrorists and pirates increasingly using hostages as bargaining chips in their conflicts. The lack of recognition of hostages as victims of human rights violations, the lack of effective international cooperation, and the use of force in hostage situations are all significant challenges that must be addressed. By taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach, the international community can work towards safeguarding the human rights of hostages and ensuring that they receive the protection and assistance they deserve.

\n Weight: 530g\n
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108497213\n \n