U.N.: second resolution against the death penalty approved

December 18, 2008: the United Nations General Assembly approved the resolution for the moratorium on the death penalty for the second consecutive year, with 106 in favour, 46 against and 34 abstentions.

With respect to last year, votes in favour increased by two, votes against dropped by eight, and abstentions increased from 29 to 34.

"The new UN vote against the death penalty confirms the evolution taking place around the world. It also shows that the moratorium is the main vehicle to end this abhorrent anachronism whereby a state becomes Cain to defend Abel," Sergio D'Elia, Secretary of the Radical association Hands Off Cain, said. He was speaking after the approval of the pro moratorium resolution, and noted that it was approved for the second consecutive year and with an even higher margin than the year before.

"Now, we need to ensure that this success is not quickly weakened or wasted. This means we must double our efforts in order to give concrete application to the United Nations’ request," D'Elia said.

"It is therefore necessary that the UN Secretary General is equipped with a Special Envoy. This envoy would not only have the task of monitoring the situation in retentionist countries, ensuring above all that they abolish 'state secrecy' regarding the death penalty, which is the main cause of most executions around the world. The envoy would also continue to persuade those countries still retaining the death penalty to support, not immediate abolition, but a stable moratorium by the United Nations," D’Elia explained.

Sources: Hands Off Cain, ANSA, 18/12/2008

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