The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, condemned Iran’s use of hostage-taking for diplomatic leverage, reporting at least 66 cases since 2010. Victims face severe psychological and physical abuse, with Edwards advocating for stronger international accountability and urging immediate action to combat this violation of human rights.
On March 6, 2025, in Geneva, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, warned against the increasing practice of state-sponsored hostage-taking for diplomatic purposes. She specifically identified the regime in Iran alongside other governments that detain foreign nationals on fabricated or exaggerated charges to manipulate international relations. Edwards reported a staggering 66 instances of state hostage-taking in Iran since 2010, particularly affecting journalists, aid workers, academics, business travelers, and human rights defenders.
Victims of this practice in Iran endure severe psychological and physical abuse, including isolation and torture. Edwards emphasized that prisoners often face starvation, mock executions, and sexual torture, resulting in lasting trauma. She denounced hostage-taking as an egregious violation of human dignity and highlighted its use as a means to secure favorable diplomatic negotiations.
The report categorized Iran with countries like China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, the UAE, and Venezuela, all implicated in politically motivated detentions. Edwards advocated for heightened accountability, including the implementation of universal jurisdiction, targeted sanctions, and investigations by the International Criminal Court against those responsible for these actions.
Edwards strongly asserted the necessity of prohibiting hostage-taking as an acceptable diplomatic strategy, urging immediate action. She also called on the UN Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative to address hostage situations and recommended assigning senior officials to facilitate communication with families affected by these detentions.
Alice Jill Edwards’ alarming report sheds light on the unacceptable practice of state hostage-taking, particularly by Iran, emphasizing its detrimental effects on victims’ dignity and well-being. The call for international accountability and proactive measures underscores the urgency in addressing this threat to human rights. As Edwards articulated, now is the critical time for global action to prevent hostage-taking in the arena of international diplomacy.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
