A/RES/57/220 Appealing for the humanitarian action of humanitarian organizations, in particular the International Committee of the Red Cross and its delegates, to be respected, in accordance with the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 3 and the Additional Protocols thereto, of 1977, 4 Recognizing that hostage-taking calls for resolute, firm and concerted efforts on the part of the international community in order, in strict conformity with international human rights standards, to bring such abhorrent practices to an end, 1. Reaffirms that hostage-taking, wherever and by whomever committed, is a serious offence aimed at the destruction of human rights and is, under any circumstances, unjustifiable; 2. Condemns all acts of hostage-taking, anywhere in the world; 3. Demands that all hostages be released immediately and without any preconditions; 4. Calls upon States to take all necessary measures, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law and international human rights standards, to prevent, combat and punish acts of hostage-taking, including by strengthening international cooperation in this field; 5. Decides to remain seized of the matter. 77th plenary meeting 18 December 2002 _______________ 3 4 2 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, Nos. 970–973. Ibid., vol. 1125, Nos. 17512 and 17513.