UN Expert Condemns Iran’s Use of Hostage-Taking for Diplomatic Leverage
The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, condemned the Iranian regime’s use of hostage-taking for diplomatic leverage. Her report revealed 66 cases of hostage-taking in Iran since 2010, targeting vulnerable individuals. Edwards urged for stronger accountability and measures against such abuses, advocating for the appointment of a Special Representative on hostage-taking.
On March 6, 2025, in Geneva, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, expressed grave concern regarding the increasing phenomenon of state-sponsored hostage-taking. In her report to the Human Rights Council, she identified Iran as one of several governments employing this tactic to leverage diplomatic negotiations, detaining foreign and dual nationals under dubious circumstances.
The report highlights that Iran has recorded at least 66 instances of state hostage-taking since 2010, with particular risks faced by journalists, aid workers, academics, business travelers, and human rights defenders. Edwards stated, “Hostage-taking is cruelty – plain and simple – and almost always involves torture.”
Victims in Iran suffer from myriad abuses, including psychological coercion, physical maltreatment, and extended solitary confinement. Survivors have described harrowing experiences such as starvation and mock executions, which contribute to severe long-term trauma. Edwards remarked, “Hostage-taking is an affront to human dignity,” emphasizing the deliberate mistreatment to extract concessions from foreign entities.
Alongside Iran, Edwards cited other nations—China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, the UAE, and Venezuela—engaging in similar politically motivated detentions. She advocated for enhanced enforcement measures, criminalization, and accountability, urging governments to implement universal jurisdiction, targeted sanctions, and to engage with the International Criminal Court regarding such violations.
Furthermore, Edwards called for the appointment of a Special Representative on hostage-taking by the UN Secretary-General and recommended that authorities designate senior liaison officers dedicated to keeping families updated on efforts for their loved ones’ release. “We cannot allow hostage-taking to become an accepted tool of diplomacy or warfare. The time to act is now,” she declared.
In summary, Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, has condemned the practice of state hostage-taking, particularly highlighting Iran’s involvement. Her report suggests that strong international measures are necessary to combat this issue. The recommendations include establishing a dedicated UN position and improved communication for the families of hostages, illustrating an urgent call for global action to mitigate this human rights violation.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
