United Nations Security Council Resolution 579

UN Security Council
Resolution 579
Date: 18 December 1985
Meeting no.: 2,637
Code: S/RES/579 (Document)

Vote: For: 15 Abs.: 0 Against: 0
Subject: Hostage taking
Result: Adopted

Security Council composition in 1985:
permanent members:

 CHN  FRA  UK  USA  USSR

non-permanent members:
 AUS  BUR  DEN  EGY  IND
 MAD  PER  THA  TRI  UKR

American hostages returning from Iran

United Nations Security Council Resolution 579, adopted unanimously on December 18, 1985, in a meeting called by the United States, the Council expressed its deep concern at the prevalence in incidents of hostage-taking having grave consequences for the international community and relations between states.

The Council recalled various General Assembly and other resolutions, condemning all incidences of hostage-taking and abductions and calling for the immediate safe release of hostages wherever they are. It also affirmed the responsibility of Member States in whose territory hostages are being held to take all appropriate measures to secure the safe release of hostages.

The resolution also asked Member States not party to the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages to become party to it and other treaties. Finally, the Council urged greater cooperation in devising and adopting effective measures in accordance with international law to facilitate the prosecution, prevention and punishment of all acts of hostage taking as "manifestations of international terrorism".

See also

References