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

The International Convention against the Taking of Hostages (ICAT) is an international agreement that prohibits any act of taking civilians hostage by governments, armed groups or any person. It is aimed to reduce the occurrence of hostage-taking in conflict and crisis situations around the world, particularly those in which civilians are held by terrorists. This convention was adopted on December 17, 1979, at the United Nations offices in Vienna, Austria. Under ICAT, states are expected to enact laws that criminalize hostage-taking and impose appropriate penalties on perpetrators. They are also required to cooperate with other countries in criminal investigations, extradition proceedings, and other measures related to the prevention and punishment of hostage-taking acts. For example, under the convention, member states are obligated to return any hostages they may have taken, or any ransom payments made. The convention also provides a forum for the exchange of information between countries and provides a framework for the negotiation of agreements between countries regarding the prevention and punishment of hostage-taking. Furthermore, ICAT encourages international organizations to work together to prevent and investigate cases of hostage-taking. Overall, the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages is an important international agreement that helps protect civilians from the potential dangers of hostage-taking by governments, armed groups and any persons. It provides a platform to improve cooperation and negotiation between countries, and provides a structure for criminal investigations and international extraditions related to hostage-taking acts.

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

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