1. Hostage Survival

2. Learning Objective
Gain an understanding of the principles and guidance in relation to surviving as a hostage
Session will be delivered in relation to the five stages of kidnapping or hostage taking

3. UN Policy Basis No ransom is to be paid
No substantial concessions will be made
No release of prisoners for hostages can be negotiated
Host Government primary responsibility for safety and security of UN personnel
Designated Official overall director of hostage incident, UN response and operations – will not be involved in negotiations

4. UN Response – Hostage Incident Management (HIM)
Initiate HIM procedure (convene CMG/COG/FST)
Media management
Family assistance
Liaison with Member States

5. Objectives of HIM Safe release Maintain security of other UN personnel
Hostages
Hostage takers
Minimize harm
Maintain security of other UN personnel

6. 1. CAPTURE (Most critical stage)
First minutes most dangerous
Captors “state of mind”:
Highly emotional
Fight reaction
Flight reaction
Follow instructions
Your objective – SURVIVE!

7. Control your Fear Fear of death/injury is normal reaction
Take a deep breath
Try to relax
Fear of death/injury is normal reaction
Recognize your reactions
Adapt to the situation – survive
The first few hours - greatest anxiety

8. Hero vs. Low Profile Don’t be a “hero” Don’t “act tough”
Accept your situation - cooperate with captors
Unforeseen reaction on your part could result in violent reaction by captor

9. Keep a Low Profile Keep a low profile Avoid appearing to study captors
Make mental notes about:
Mannerisms
Clothes
Rank structure
Names and faces
This will be useful after release

10. 2. Transportation Normally after quick and brutal capture
You may be drugged, bound, gagged, blindfolded and/or beaten
You may be forced into the back of vehicles or boots
Use this time – keep active – listen to voices and language – are they angry or calm?
Listen/feel for outside noises, direction of travel, stops and other familiar smells or sounds

11. 3. Holding You will experience isolation – expect it
No clock - day or night
Try to maintain a routine
Focus on pleasant scenes, memories, prayers
Keep mentally active - try to remember films, book plot

12. Dealing with Isolation
Try to maintain sense of humor
Ask for things you need:
Medicines
Books
Paper
They can say no - but you may get it
Think positive!

13. Your Behaviour Be cooperative Obey demands - no antagonism
Body language and speech
Don’t say or do anything to arouse violence
Don’t argue
Act neutral
Don’t speak unless spoken to

14. Your Behaviour Speak only when necessary Be a good listener Be patient
Don’t make suggestions - they could go wrong
Remind captors you are:
UN staff – here to help all
The UN is neutral
Not involved in politics

15. Your Behaviour Never make threats
Encourage captors to tell people on the outside your whereabouts and condition
Gain respect as well as sympathy
Never beg, cry or plead
Captor should view you as a human worthy of compassion & mercy

16. Establishing a Rapport with Captors
Find areas of mutual interest
Emphasize personal rather than political
Good topics - family/children
If you speak captors language - use it - it will enhance rapport
Be positive - Stockholm syndrome

17. Signing Notes or Confessions
You may be asked to:
Sign note verifying your alive
Confession saying your org involved in nefarious activities
Sign/don’t sign ?
individual decision – situation dependent
Request changes
Bolster morale
Increase captors respect

18. Asked to be Negotiator Volunteer if possible
Make sure messages conveyed accurately
Be prepared to speak on radio or telephone

19. Escape Only try if you are 100% certain you will succeed
If caught - your captors might use violence to teach you or others a lesson

20. Health Exercise daily Develop fitness programme and stick to it
Stay well groomed and clean
Expect appetite & weight loss
Try to drink & eat
Maintain your strength

21. 4. Termination – Rescue by Force
Do not stand up - drop quickly to the floor
Get under cover
Keep your hands over head
When appropriate - identify yourself
Talk first -- then move slowly

22. 5. Aftermath – Post Release
Often feel bitter about treatment received after release
Need to tell your story in detail
Critical incident stress debriefing
Emotional problems - months later
Readjustment takes time
Precondition for healing process - hostage realizes he/she is normal person, having a normal reaction to an abnormal situation