Government assistance to their nationals and policies towards kidnapping groups

Information on the type of support governments can provide to their nationals in the wake of a kidnap incident can usually be found on the foreign affairs department website. For instance:

The UKā€™s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published Support for British Nationalā€™s Abroad: A Guide

Australiaā€™s Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade’s guidance is inĀ theirĀ Consular Services CharterĀ and in theirĀ Smart Traveller guide.

Global Affairs Canada’s guidance can be found on their Consular Service Charter

Policies on hostage-taking and resolution vary from government to government, and the information can be found in policy and position papers or statements made by elected officials. It is essential to know a government’s policy in order to understand the parameters within which any resolution can take place. For instance, in many countries, it is illegal for anyone (individual or organisation) to pay a ransom to a proscribed terrorist organisation.

Overview

Kidnapping has occurred for many centuries; it is the act of unlawfully abducting someone and holding them against their will, often in an undisclosed location.

What Can We Do to Help the Hostage?

If you are not a family member of the hostage: notify the family or next of kin immediately.

Looking after yourself and your family

Looking after yourself and your family can seem a low priority during a kidnap or arbitrary detention, but it is essential.

Research and advocacy: supporting families and former hostages

One of our key aims is to work discreetly to encourage governments and employers to adopt policies and practices in family and post-release which take into account the family and former hostage perspectives.