Arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations - Partnership Action Plan

Vision statement

This Action Plan advances the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations and its principles, endorsed by a cross-regional group of countries. The Partnership Action Plan establishes the following voluntary measures States may wish to support in order to deter and sustain momentum against the practice of arbitrary arrest, detention or sentencing in State-to-State relations.

Areas of cooperation and engagement

1. Advocate and raise awareness of the Declaration and its principles through existing regional and international mechanisms.
2. Advance research and analysis on the prevalence of cases and use of arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations (including cases pertaining to dual citizens) to track and monitor the issue systematically.
3. Voluntarily share information on cases of arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations, with a view to raise awareness of the circumstances of cases of this nature, and explore lessons learned in the management and resolution of cases with a view to enhance responses. 
4. Engage civil society, academics, think tanks and other organizations with relevant expertise, on the issues of arrest and detention, case management, international human rights law and international law more generally, to strengthen policy responses and collaboration, and to raise international awareness.
5. Support targeted and effective media and social media campaigns, where appropriate, to strengthen international awareness to stop arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations.
6. Meet periodically to consider issues pertaining to the Partnership Action Plan, assess its effectiveness and advance practical proposals.

Facilitating function

In the first instance, Canada offers to play a facilitating function to convene and exchange views on the Partnership Action Plan with countries that have endorsed the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations.