E/2016/27 E/CN.6/2016/22 Noting with concern the serious threats posed by transnational organized crime in some regions and its increasing links, in some cases, with terrorism, and strongly condemning the incidents of kidnapping and hostage-taking committed for any purpose, including raising funds or gaining political concessions, Recognizing that addressing the problem of hostage-taking calls for resolute, firm and concerted efforts on the part of the interna tional community, in accordance with humanitarian law and international human rights law, in order to bring such abhorrent practices to an end and hold perpetrators accountable, Expressing its strong belief that the rapid and unconditional release of women and children taken hostage in areas of armed conflict will promote the implementation of the noble goals enshrined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the outcomes of the twenty -third special session of the General Assembly and the outcome of the special session of the General Assembly on children, including the provisions therein regarding violence against women and children, Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General, 16 1. Reaffirms that hostage-taking, wherever and by whomever committed, is an illegal act aimed at the destruction of human rights and is, under any circumstances, unjustifiable; 2. Condemns all violent acts committed against the civilian population as such, in violation of international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict, and calls for an effective response to such acts, in particular the immediate release of women and children taken hostage, including those subsequently imprisoned, in armed conflicts, including by strengthening international cooperation in the field; 3. Also condemns the acts committed in the context of hostage -taking, in particular torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, murder, rape, slavery and trafficking in women and children, a nd deplores their consequences; 4. Urges States that are parties to an armed conflict to take all measures necessary, in a timely manner, to determine the identity, fate and whereabouts of women and children taken hostage, including those subsequently imprisoned, in armed conflicts, and to the greatest possible extent, to provide their family members, through the appropriate channels, with all relevant information they have on their fate and whereabouts; 5. Invites States, in this regard, to adopt a comprehensive approach, including all appropriate legal and practical measures and coordination mechanisms; 6. Recognizes the need for the collection, protection and management of information on women and children taken hostage, including those subsequently imprisoned, in armed conflicts, according to international and national legal norms and standards, and urges States to cooperate with each __________________ 16 30/62 E/CN.6/2016/7. 16-05842