UN Expert Calls For Hostage-Taking To Be Included In Crimes Against Humanity TreatyGENEVA (29 January 2026) – The Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, today urged States negotiating the new Crimes Against Humanity Convention to explicitly include hostage-taking within its scope, warning that its omission represents a serious gap in international protection. Hostage-taking destroys trust in institutions, undermines social cohesion and leaves lasting psychological harm,” the expert said. “The Crimes Against Humanity Convention is intended to close accountability gaps,” the expert said. “Leaving hostage-taking out as a crime will haunt survivors, families and the international community as a glaring omission. A simple amendment is all that is required.”Note:Alice Jill Edwards is the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment© Scoop Media