The General Assembly,

pp1 Recalling article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right of everyone to life, article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and articles 6 and 37 (a) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, (CHR1999/61 pp1)

pp2 Recalling also its resolutions 2857 (XXVI) of 20 December 1971 and 32/61 of 8 December 1977 on capital punishment, as well as resolution 44/128 of 15 December 1989, in which it adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, (CHR1999/61 pp2)

pp3 Welcoming Commission on Human Rights resolution 1999/61 of 28 April 1999, (NEW)

pp4 Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General contained in A/54/277; (NEW)

pp5 Deeply concerned that several countries impose the death penalty in disregard of the limitations provided for in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and concerned also that several countries do not take into account the Safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty, set out in the annex to Economic and Social Council resolution 1984/50 of 25 May 1984; (CHR1999/61 pp9, 10 & 8)

pp6 Convinced that abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and to the progressive development of human rights, (CHR1997/12 pp9)

pp7 Welcoming the fact that many countries are applying, whether de facto or de jure, a moratorium on executions, (CHR1999/61 pp7 modified)

pp8 Commending those countries which have recently abolished the death penalty, (CHR1999/61 pp6)

Calls upon all States parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that have not yet done so to consider acceding to or ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty; (CHR1999/61 op2)

Urges all States that still maintain the death penalty:

To comply fully with their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as with other international obligations such as those under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations;

To observe the Safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty, set out in the annex to Economic and Social Council resolution 1984/50;

To ensure that no reservations under article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights are contrary to the object and purpose of the Covenant; (CHR1999/61 OP3 shortened)

Calls upon all States that still maintain the death penalty:

Progressively to restrict the number of offences for which the death penalty may be imposed;

To establish a moratorium on executions, with a view to completely abolishing the death penalty;

To make available to the public information with regard to the imposition of the death penalty;

(CHR1999/61 OP4)

Decides to continue to consider this matter.