Hostages and Human Rights
Towards a Victim-Centred Approach

The first comprehensive study of the human rights of hostages.

Sofia Galani (Author)

9781108497213, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 July 2021

240 pages
23.5 x 16 x 2 cm, 0.51 kg

'The book adds a new critical perspective to the field. Its analysis of the jurisprudence is clear and informative, the discussion of the responsibilities and positive obligations of state and non-state actors is full of important insights and the analysis concerning preventive measures and safeguards is fascinating. This book is an outstanding piece of work.' Silvia Casale, CMG, Former President of the CPT / Former Chairperson of the SPT

Hostage-taking has increased in recent years and has become a problem of worldwide concern. Terrorists and pirates have used hostages in a rising number of incidents and the violence used has escalated alarmingly. Sofia Galani examines the taking of hostages from a victim's perspective, arguing that the international community has failed to protect them. By evaluating various international law concepts and frameworks, including jurisdiction in international law, state responsibility and international human rights law, Galani explains why we are still far from recognizing hostages as victims of human rights violations. She then addresses the question of what can be done to safeguard the human rights of hostages both in theory and practice. Being the first comprehensive study of the human rights of hostages, this book fills a critical gap in the literature for human rights lawyers and researchers in the field.

1. Introduction
2. Terrorist Hostage-Taking and the Anti-Terrorism Conventions: The Lack of a Victim's Perspective in the Fight against Terrorism
3. Pirate Hostage-Taking and Counter-Piracy Measures: The Lack of a Victim's Perspective in the Fight against Modern Piracy
4. Jurisdiction in International Law and State Responsibility: Why Accountability Cannot Protect the Human Rights of Hostages
5. International Human Rights Law and the Human Rights of Hostages
6. State Practice in Hostage Crises and Human Rights: Mapping Gaps and Best Practices
7 Concluding Remarks.

Subject Areas: Human rights & civil liberties law [LNDC], International human rights law [LBBR], Public international law [LBB], Human rights [JPVH]