The situation with the lifting of the moratorium on the execution of death sentences in the territory of the self-proclaimed entity “Donetsk People’s Republic” requires serious consideration and attention.
On the one hand, international law does not prohibit the death penalty.
On the other hand, this is a blatant violation of a person’s right to life, liberty, and security as per Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Coordinator-General considers that cannot reconcile the death penalty with full respect for the right to life. Abolition is necessary and desirable to enhance human dignity and the progressive development of human rights.
It was regrettable that the United Nations did not have the necessary mechanisms to take the necessary measures to resolve the question of the death penalty in accordance with the Foundation of International Human Rights Law in customary international law.
Despite the worldwide trend towards abolition, some countries have increased or resumed executions over the last few months. Frequently, these policies are justified by authorities invoking the rights of crime victims’ families. In reality, many murder victims’ families believe that responding to one killing with another does not honor the victim. Often, they conclude that the death penalty is profoundly harmful to their hopes of recovering from their loss.
In diverse countries around the world, victims of appalling crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and terrorism, have campaigned for an end to the practice of legal killings.
Belarus is the last remaining European country that still uses the death penalty.
The Coordinator-General urge all States and individuals to join the Global Citizens International Movement as we continue to advocate for an end to the imposition of the death penalty and prevent the enforcement of sentences already imposed as part of our International Civic Initiative “We’ll Bring Them Home Alive.”
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