The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, condemned Iran for using hostage-taking as a diplomatic tool, citing at least 66 cases since 2010. Victims often face severe mistreatment, including physical abuse and psychological torture. Edwards calls for enhanced international accountability and legal measures to combat state-sponsored hostage-taking.
On March 6, 2025, in Geneva, Alice Jill Edwards, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, raised significant concerns regarding the alarming trend of hostage-taking by state actors, specifically naming Iran as a key perpetrator. In her report presented to the Human Rights Council, she highlighted that since 2010, at least 66 instances of state-sponsored hostage-taking have been documented in Iran, with foreign and dual nationals frequently targeted on dubious charges as a means of leveraging diplomatic negotiations.
Edwards pointed out that various individuals, including journalists, aid workers, academics, and human rights advocates, are particularly exposed to such unlawful detentions in Iran. “Hostage-taking is cruelty – plain and simple – and almost always involves torture,” she declared, underscoring the severe implications of this malicious practice.
Victims of Iran’s state hostage-taking suffer substantial physical and psychological harm. Edwards emphasized the prevalence of psychological coercion, physical abuse, and prolonged solitary confinement among detainees. Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences, such as starvation, mock executions, and sexual torture, which often result in enduring psychological trauma. She asserted, “Hostage-taking is an affront to human dignity,” emphasizing that the purpose of such mistreatment is to extract favorable concessions from foreign governments.
In her report, Edwards categorized Iran alongside several other nations, including China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, the UAE, and Venezuela, as countries known for politically motivated detentions. She called for rigorous enforcement measures, including stronger legal frameworks against such actions, alongside targeted sanctions and International Criminal Court investigations to hold violators accountable. “We cannot allow hostage-taking to become an accepted tool of diplomacy or warfare. The time to act is now,” she implored.
Furthermore, Edwards urged the UN Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative focused on hostage-taking and recommended that governments designate senior liaison officers to maintain communication with the families of detainees regarding efforts to secure their release.
In conclusion, Alice Jill Edwards’ report highlights the troubling phenomenon of state-sponsored hostage-taking, particularly by Iran, to exert diplomatic pressure. The suffering endured by victims and the urgent need for international accountability are clearly articulated. Edwards’ call for increased legal action and the appointment of specific representatives to address hostage-taking reaffirms the imperative for a unified global response to this issue.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
