The United Kingdom has joined 91 other United Nations member states in issuing a significant joint statement advocating for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. The declaration, made by members of the UN Inter-Regional Task Force on the Moratorium on the use of the Death Penalty, calls for an immediate halt to executions globally, with the ultimate aim of achieving the complete abolition of capital punishment.
The joint statement emphasises that the death penalty is incompatible with fundamental human rights and the principles of the rule of law. It highlights concerns over the irreversible nature of capital punishment, particularly the risk of executing innocent individuals, and its disproportionate application against vulnerable groups. The signatories stress that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that the death penalty deters crime more effectively than other forms of punishment.
Among the 92 signatory nations are a broad range of countries from across Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, alongside states from other regions such as Australia, Brazil, Chile, and Costa Rica. This extensive list of signatories underscores a growing international consensus against capital punishment and a commitment to advancing human rights globally. The initiative builds on previous efforts within the UN to encourage states to move away from the death penalty.
The UK Government's participation in this joint statement reaffirms its long-standing and principled opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances. The UK abolished capital punishment for murder in 1965, with the last executions taking place in 1964. Since then, successive governments have consistently advocated for its abolition worldwide, viewing it as a cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment. This stance is often reflected in the UK's foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.
While the statement does not impose immediate legal obligations on non-signatory states, it serves as a powerful diplomatic tool and an expression of international political will. It aims to encourage countries that still retain the death penalty to reconsider their stance, promote public debate, and ultimately move towards a moratorium as a first step towards full abolition. The UN Inter-Regional Task Force continues to work with member states and civil society organisations to achieve these objectives.