Learning from previous cases needs to be central to the formulation of a coherent and flexible approach to securing the release of detainees. Given the high turnover of ministers and civil servants, we have seen insufficient evidence to indicate that any arrangements for institutional learning by the FCDO have been effective. This contributes to inconsistency of approach and increases the risks of missing opportunities, not least when dealing with autocratic states with greater ministerial se...

Learning from previous cases needs to be central to the formulation of a coherent and flexible approach to securing the release of detainees. Given the high turnover of ministers and civil servants, we have seen insufficient evidence to indicate that any arrangements for institutional learning by the FCDO have been effective. This contributes to inconsistency of approach and increases the risks of missing opportunities, not least when dealing with autocratic states with greater ministerial security of tenure. Type: conclusion | Number: 8 | Paragraph: 33 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: 9. International law prohibits unlawful interference in the domestic affairs of another state. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 (VCCR) provides the legal framework for consular functions between States. The VCCR sets out overarching rules on how states provide consular assistance to