Geneva, 3 April 1997

A historic resolution on the abolition of the death penalty at the initiative of the Italian Government has been adopted today by the United Nations Commission on Human rights with 27 votes in favour, 11 against and 14 abstentions.

The iniative originated from the abolitionist Ngo Hands Off CainTransnational Radidal Party, the Italian Parliament and the Italian Government.

By this resolution the question of the death penalty is considered now a human rights concern. The Commission on Human Rights in fact committed itself to debating also next year the question of the death penalty, requested the United Nations Secretary General to compile a yearly report on the situation of the death penalty worldwide and, for the first time, Members States were asked to consider instituing a moratorium on executions. With this resolution a big step forward is taken towards the affirmation of a new human right: the right of every citizens not to be executed by the state. The abolitionists are now stronger in presenting a similar resolution in a future session of the UN General Assembly.