Global Push to Stop Executions: UN Human Rights Council Takes Action

A mega session of the United Nations Human Rights Council took place in June and July 2024. The call for a global abolition of the death penalty dominated discussions. Here are some happenings: UN top human rights official Volker Türk called on Iran to immediately suspend the use of the death penalty. He was concerned because “the pace of killing has increased.

The European Union spoke too. They were angry since Iran and Saudi Arabia murdered more people, and they did not like the fact that Uganda passed a new law and could kill their gays.

Issues in Various Countries

Iran

– Iran has executed at least two juveniles who were below 18 years when the crime was committed. This is illegal.

– They also intended to execute some of the artists who made statements during protests.

Nigeria

– In 2023, courts in Nigeria sentenced 246 individuals to death.

– By year-end, at least 3,413 people were waiting for execution.

– Nigeria executes or sentences individuals to death for offenses not quite serious, such as blaspheming religion or practicing homosexuality.

Jordan

– Jordan executed a man last year, 2021, despite claims that they hadn’t executed anyone since 2017.

– Still, they want to retain it, believing it serves as a deterrent against crimes.

Malaysia

– Malaysia made a progressive move. They no longer made it mandatory for their judges to issue a death sentence when certain offenses are committed.

But they still cannot promise to completely abolish the execution by hanging on.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has executed at least 86 people in the first half of 2024.

They killed people because they were in possession of drugs and for other reasons, such as disagreeing with the government.

They said that they do not kill youths, yet at least 9 youths are reported to be facing execution.

What People Want to Change

Many groups campaigning against the death penalty spoke at the meeting. They called on countries to:

1. Immediately stop killing people

2. Change their laws to reduce numbers of crimes for which deaths can be sentenced

3. Never kill youngsters or women

4. Publish the numbers of people waiting to be killed

A Special Anniversary

The 35-year celebration of a special agreement that calls on countries to pledge not to kill people as punishment also took center stage in the meeting. Many countries have signed it, and more are being asked to join.

The meeting in the end showed that, even though many countries still exercise the death penalty, there is a growing number of people desiring to see its stop. They believe the killing of individuals, even in punishment, is wrong and it just serves no betterment to the world.