International law - Regional body

RESOLUTION ON THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY BIANNUAL VOTE CALLING FOR A MORATORIUM ON THE USE OF THE DEATH PENALTY – ACHPR/Res.614 (LXXXI) 2024

By The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, on 14 November 2024

Moratorium

Trend Towards Abolition


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The “Resolution on the United Nations General Assembly Biannual Vote Calling for a Moratorium on the Use of the Death Penalty” (ACHPR/Res.614 (LXXXI) 2024) was adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights during its 81st Ordinary Session in November 2024. The resolution emphasizes the importance of promoting human rights in Africa, particularly the right to life and dignity, as outlined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The resolution recalls past efforts to encourage African states to impose moratoriums on the death penalty, urging them to vote in favor of the UN General Assembly’s resolution calling for a universal moratorium. It highlights the significant support for these resolutions by African Union Member States, with increasing numbers of countries voting in favor over the years.

The Commission urges African countries that still have the death penalty to consider adopting moratoriums, reduce the number of crimes punishable by death, and ensure fair legal processes for those sentenced to death, including the right to seek pardon or commutation. It also calls for the possibility of abolishing the death penalty entirely in some states.

In summary, the resolution encourages African countries to align with global trends towards abolition, promote respect for human dignity, and consider the long-term benefits of a moratorium on the death penalty.




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