Abolition of the death penalty in Nauru

Asia

By Marion Gauer, on 3 June 2016

Even though Nauru retained the capital punishment in its legislation, it was in fact an abolitionist country in practice, since it hadn’t performed any execution since its independence in 1968.

In May 2016, Nauru passed a few amendments abolishing the death penalty in its Criminal Code and thus took a final step towards abolition.

This move undoubtedly demonstrates Nauru’s will to comply with its international commitments and to promote human rights’ values, which sends a strong signal to other countries of the Pacific region, still applying or retaining that cruel punishment.

Categories

Nauru

More articles