Geneva - The United Nations human rights body yesterday urged states to put a moratorium on executions and work towards abolishing the death penalty. The death penalty resolution was approved by a vote of 26 states in favour and 13 against, with 12 abstentions. Two delegations were absent.
The UN Commission on Human Rights also adopted by consensus a declaration, negotiated for 13 years, which affirms the duty of countries to protect individuals and groups who defend human rights.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Mary Robinson, welcomed passage of both texts and said she hoped the UN General Assembly would adopt the declaration on rights defenders. The former Irish President, who has denounced the death penalty, told reporters she looked forward to it being abolished globally.
She vowed to raise the issue of executions during her official visit to China planned for September.