Death penalty in international law

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1948, recognizes each person’s right to life. It categorically states that “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”(Article 5). In Amnesty International’s view, the death penalty violates these rights.

The community of states has adopted four international treaties specifically providing for the abolition of the death penalty. Through the years, several UN bodies discussed and adopted measures to support the call for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty.

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International standards on the death penalty
Extracts from international instruments and other authoritative statements relevant to the abolition of the death penalty, arranged by subject.

Ratification of international treaties
The community of nations has adopted four international treaties providing for the abolition of the death penalty. One is of worldwide scope; the other three are regional. Learn about the treaties and the status of their ratifications.

Moratorium on executions now
The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/149 on 18 December 2007, endorsing the call for a worldwide moratorium on executions. In October 2008, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly will debate the death penalty and the implementation of the 2007 resolution.