United Nations Security Council Resolution 638

UN Security Council
Resolution 638
Date: 31 July 1989
Meeting no.: 2,872
Code: S/RES/638 (Document)

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

Security Council composition in 1989:
permanent members:

 CHN  FRA  UK  USA  USSR

non-permanent members:
 ALG  BRA  CAN  COL  ETH
 FIN  MAS  NEP  SEN  YUG

Dragon Rouge hostage incident in the Congo (1965)

United Nations Security Council Resolution 638, adopted unanimously on July 31, 1989, after reaffirming resolutions 579 (1985) and 618 (1988), 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 called on States to use their political influence, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, to secure the safe release of hostages and abducted persons.

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