E/2004/27 E/CN.6/2004/14 Recalling Commission on Human Rights resolutions 2001/38 of 23 April 200141 and 2003/40 of 23 April 200342 on hostage-taking, as well as General Assembly resolution 57/220 of 18 December 2002, Recalling also Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000 on women, peace and security, Expressing grave concern at the continuation of armed conflicts in many regions throughout the world and the human suffering and humanitarian emergencies they have caused, Emphasizing that all forms of violence in areas of armed conflict committed against the civilian population as such, including taking women and children hostage, seriously contravene international humanitarian law, in particular as set out in the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949,43 Concerned that, despite the efforts of the international community, acts of hostage-taking in different forms and manifestations, inter alia, those committed by terrorists and armed groups, continue to take place and have even increased in many regions of the world, Recognizing that hostage-taking calls for resolute, firm and concerted efforts on the part of the international community, in conformity with international humanitarian law and in accordance with international human rights standards, in order to bring such abhorrent practices to an end, 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 and the outcome document of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, as well as the outcome document of the special session of the Assembly on children entitled “A world fit for children”, including the provisions therein regarding violence against women and children, 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, including as a means to promote and protect human rights; 2. Condemns violent acts in contravention of international humanitarian law against the civilian population, as such, in areas 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; 3. Also condemns the consequences of hostage-taking, in particular torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, murder, rape, slavery, and trafficking in women and children for the purpose of subjecting them to sexual exploitation or imposing forced labour or services; 4. Strongly urges all parties to armed conflicts to respect fully the norms of international humanitarian law in armed conflict and to take all necessary measures __________________ 41 42 43 22 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2001, Supplement No. 3 (E/2001/23), chap. II, sect. A. Ibid., 2003, Supplement No. 3 (E/2003/23), chap. II, sect. A. United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, Nos. 970-973.