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More and more Member States from all regions acknowledge that the death penalty undermines human dignity, and that its abolition, or at least a moratorium on its use, contributes to the enhancement and progressive development of human rights. More than 160 Members States of the United Nations with a variety of legal systems, traditions, cultures and religious backgrounds, have either abolished the death penalty or do not practice it. Yet, prisoners in a number of countries continue to face execution. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with its mandate to promote and protect all human rights, advocates for the universal abolition of the death penalty. The UN Human Rights Office argues this position for other reasons as well, including the fundamental nature of the right to life; the unacceptable risk of executing innocent people; and the absence of proof that the death penalty serves as a deterrent to crime. In line with General Assembly resolutions calling for a phasing out of capital punishment , the UN Human Rights Office supports Member States, civil society and other stakeholders campaigning for a moratorium on the death penalty and ultimately its abolition worldwide. __________________________________________________________________ The international framework From the early 1960s, although a majority of countries still used the death penalty, the draftees of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) had already begun moves for its abolition in international law. Although Article 6 of the ICCPR permits the use of the death penalty in limited circumstances, it also provides that “nothing in this article shall be invoked to delay or to prevent the abolition of capital punishment by any State Party to the present Covenant.” Safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty In 1984, the UN Economic and Social Council adopted Safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty. Second Optional Protocol to ICCPR, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty In 1989, 33 years after the adoption of the Covenant itself, the UN General Assembly adopted the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR that gave abolition decisive new momentum. Member States which became parties to the Protocol agreed not to execute anyone within their jurisdictions. UN General Assembly resolutions In a series of four resolutions adopted in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013, the General Assembly urged States to respect international standards that protect the rights of those facing the death penalty, to progressively restrict its use and reduce the number of offences whichare punishable by death. Latest press releases, statements and briefing notes Zeid hails end of death penalty in Mongolia 9 December 2015 States should do more to protect their citizens facing the death penalty abroad - UN expert 30 October 2015 More News... __________________________________________________________________ Videos 5 November 2015 Book launch event (1H) More Videos... __________________________________________________________________ Feature stories At event on moving away from the death penalty, Ban stresses need to respect rights of victims’ families At event on moving away from the death penalty, Ban stresses need to respect rights of victims’ families 30 September 2015 UN marks World Day against Death Penalty with strong calls to end UN marks World Day against Death Penalty with strong calls to end 'cruel practice' 10 October 2014 World must continue to strive for abolition of death penalty, says senior UN official World must continue to strive for abolition of death penalty, says senior UN official 9 October 2014 More stories... __________________________________________________________________ Meetings, events and workshops 5 November 2015, New York Book Launch event with the UN Secretary General: Moving away from the Death Penalty 12 November 2015 Meeting on “moratorium on the death penalty with a view to its future abolition in Malawi” - Agenda and Concept note Archive of meetings, events and Workshops... __________________________________________________________________ Studies, reports and papers Moving Away from the Death Penalty: Arguments, trends, and perspectives (2015) Capital punishment and the implementation of the safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty - Yearly supplement of the Secretary-General to his quinquennial report. This report discusses consequences of the imposition and application of the death penalty on the enjoyment of various human rights Summary report on the high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty, focusing on regional efforts aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and related challenges Capital punishment and implementation of the safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty - Report of the Secretary-General OHCHR publication: "Moving Away from the Death Penalty. Lessons in South-East Asia" A/69/288 - Report of the Secretary General on moratorium on the use of the death penalty A/HRC/27/23 - Question of the death penalty - Report of the Secretary-General A/HRC/27/26 - Summary of the high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Question of the death penalty - Report of the Secretary-General (2013) Question of the death penalty - Report of the Secretary-General (2011) Moratoriums on the use of the death penalty Report of the Secretary-General (2010) Moving Away from the Death Penalty: Lessons from National Experiences In this section Overview Feature stories Latest news Videos Related links More from UN.org Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Contact us * Home * Frequently Asked Questions * OHCHR on Social Media * OHCHR Memorial * Employment * Site Map * © OHCHR 1996-2016 Third section * Lorem ipsum * Dolor si amet * Consegur * Toussa man