What is the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages (ICAT)?

The International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages (ICAT) is an international agreement aimed at preventing individuals or groups from taking hostages. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, and Indiana became a party to the Convention in 1986. The Convention seeks to protect individuals from being taken hostage in a variety of situations, such as armed conflicts, diplomatic or political disputes, or other circumstances that may exist between countries. It also covers hostage taking by non-state actors such as terrorist or criminal organizations. The Convention includes a range of prohibitions and obligations related to hostage taking. It requires parties to criminalize hostage taking, to take appropriate measures to ensure that persons are protected from being taken hostage, and to cooperate in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of hostage taking crimes. It also prohibits parties from taking hostages in order to compel a third party or individual to do or refrain from doing something. Finally, the Convention encourages parties to provide assistance to victims of hostage taking, including legal, medical, psychological, and other forms of assistance. The Convention also provides that parties should provide compensation to victims or their families. In sum, the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages is an important international agreement that seeks to protect individuals from the threat of hostage taking, and to ensure that institutions and individuals cooperate in the prevention and prosecution of hostage taking crimes.

What is the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages (ICAT)?

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