UN Security Council
1989

Resolution 638 (1989) of 3f July 1989 The Security Council, Deeply disturbed by the prevalence of incidents of hostage-taking and abduction, and the continued protracted incarceration of many of those held hostage, Considering that the taking of hostages and abductions are offences of grave concern to all States and serious violations of international humanitarian law, having severe adverse consequences for the human rights of the victims and their families and for the promotion of friendly relations and co-operation among States, Recalling its resolutions 579 (1985) of 18 December 1985 and 618 (1988) of 29 July 1988 condemning all acts of hostage-taking and abduction, Bearing in mind the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages, adopted on 17 December 1979, 104 the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents, adopted on 14 December 1973, 105 the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, signed on 23 September 1971, 106 the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft, signed on