In its Resolution 2660 (2026) “Democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Iran”, the Parliamentary Assembly condemned the unjust detention of European and dual-national citizens, demanded the immediate release of those currently arbitrarily detained, and called for an immediate halt to the practice of hostage diplomacy.
This resolution rightly called for increased co-ordination and co-operation between member and observer States to improve and align responses to arbitrary detention and hostage taking. Such measures could include the development of relevant legal guidelines, and joint punitive measures in response to the continued arbitrary detention of European and dual-nationals, in order to respond to these grave violations of fundamental rights protected under international law.
Taking note of emerging State practice and recent developments in international law concerning arbitrary detention and hostage-taking of foreign nationals, including the use of sanctions regimes, consular protection, judicial co-operation, and mechanisms for documenting violations and securing accountability, a coherent European-level approach is urgently needed to guide member and observer States in their responses.
The Assembly should therefore examine what co-ordinated measures the Council of Europe can take to strategically address arbitrary detention and hostage-taking affecting European and dual national citizens, which may include: the development of a joint strategy among member and observer States to secure the release of citizens held as hostages; the development of common standards and guidelines; support for evidence preservation and victim protection; enhanced inter-parliamentary and intergovernmental co-operation; and the identification and/or development of legal, political and institutional tools available under the Council of Europe framework which could address this important human rights issue.