United Nations Security Council Resolution 638 – Hostage-taking
Resolution 638 (1989) of 31 July 1989
The Security Council,
Deeply disturbed by the prevalence of incidents of hostage-taking and abduction, and the continued protracted incarceration of many of those held hostage,
Considering that the taking of hostages and abductions are offences of grave concern to all States and serious violations of international humanitarian law, having severe adverse consequences for the human rights of the victims and their families and for the promotion of friendly relations and co-operation among States,
Recalling its resolutions 579 (1985) of 18 December 1985 and 618 (1988) of 29 July 1988 condemning all acts of hostage-taking and abduction,
Bearing in mind the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages, adopted on 17 December 1979,104 the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents, adopted on 14 December 1973, 105 the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, signed on 23 September 1971, 106 the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft, signed on 16 December 1970, 197 and other relevant conventions,
- Condemns unequivocally all acts of hostage-taking and abduction;
2. Demands the immediate safe release of all hostages and abducted persons, wherever and by whomever they are being held;
3. Calls upon all States to use their political influence in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law to secure the safe release of all hostages and abducted per- sons and to prevent the commission of acts of hostage-taking and abduction;
4. Expresses appreciation for the efforts of the Secretary-General in seeking the release of all hostages and abducted persons and invites him to continue such efforts whenever so requested by a State;
5. Appeals to all States that have not yet done so to consider becoming parties to the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft and other relevant conventions;
6. Urges the further development of international co-operation among States in devising and adopting effective measures which are in accordance with the rules of international law to facilitate the prevention, prosecution and punishment of all acts of hostage-taking and abduction as manifestations of terrorism.
Adopted unanimously at the 2872nd meeting.
