A/HRC/24/47 terrorism, as well as a number of United Nations resolutions, may be interpreted as proscribing any provision of funds to terrorists inasmuch as such funds are used to commit further terrorist acts. On the other hand, it should be noted that responses to terrorist hostage-taking situations have to take into account the conflicting demands of various stakeholders. Relatives of hostages are generally willing to do whatever it takes to gain the freedom of their beloved ones. Most States would rather avoid paying, but also wish to prevent terrorists from obtaining funds – including through ransoms – to be used in further terrorist activities. This is clearly a controversial issue among States. It is therefore recommended that States engage in an open and resultoriented discussion on how to tackle this challenging issue. 67. States should abide by their commitments to increase their cooperation in tackling terrorism, including terrorist hostage-taking in particular, as contained in the various instruments adopted by international and regional intergovernmental institutions. In the Algiers Memorandum on Good Practices on Preventing and Denying the Benefits of Kidnapping for Ransom by Terrorists, the Global Counterterrorism Forum identified some of the contemporary best practices in dealing with the scourge of kidnapping for ransom. 68. In their fight against terrorism in general and terrorist hostage-taking in particular, States should promote and protect all relevant human rights 108 and, in the context of an armed conflict, international humanitarian law. 69. States should bear in mind the necessity of addressing the phenomenon within the wider normative and institutional framework aimed at combating terrorism in general. A comprehensive strategy is necessary when addressing all causes, manifestations and consequences of terrorism. More specifically, in spite of spatial and contextual differences between situations of hostage-taking or kidnapping for ransom by terrorists, pirates or common criminals, the threats that such acts pose to the human rights of hostages and local communities may not differ substantially. Accordingly, legislative or policy initiatives may benefit from a more holistic treatment of these phenomena and further international exchanges between States and civil society about interesting and successful approaches. 108 For a comprehensive overview, see OHCHR, Human Rights, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism, Factsheet No. 32. Available from www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/Factsheet32EN.pdf. 21