Abstract
Resolution 638 (1989) of 3l 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… [read more] 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, the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including
Diplomatic Agents, adopted on 14 December 1973, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the
Safety of Civil Aviation, signed on 23 September 1971, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of
Aircraft, signed on 16 December 1970, and other relevant conventions,
1. 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 Charier of the United Nations
and the principles of international law to secure the safe release of all hostages and abducted persons 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 arc 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. [^]