IBA Human Rights Institute Council adopts resolution on the abolition of the death penalty

The International Bar Association (IBA) Human Rights Institute Council today called for an end to the death penalty worldwide.

The Council passed its resolution during the IBA’s mid-year meetings in Amsterdam , resolving that the IBA’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) will now actively promote the abolition of the death penalty.

The resolution recommends that all countries should take steps towards abolishing the death penalty and should impose a moratorium on executions.

The resolution further recommends that those countries currently retaining the death penalty should progressively restrict its imposition and the crimes to which it applies, and that the death penalty must only be imposed following strict adherence to international standards and in particular to the limits laid down by Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Ambassador Emilio Cardenas, Co-Chair, IBAHRI, stated ‘This resolution affirms the IBAHRI’s role at the forefront of international human rights development.’

Justice Richard Goldstone, Co-Chair, IBAHRI, stated: ‘While noting that the death penalty is not yet illegal under international law, the resolution identifies the rapid progress made towards this end by states over the past 60 years and the strong likelihood that the death penalty will become illegal under international law in the near future.’

The IBA’s Human Rights Institute will be contacting IBA member bars over the coming weeks to discuss this resolution further. The resolution, and an accompanying explanatory background paper, can be found at: International Bar Association

source: Malaysian Bar
30/05/08