UN regrets Iraq's use of death penalty

UN regrets Iraq's use of death penalty

Reacting to the Iraqi Government's decision to execute by hanging three men accused of kidnapping, killing and rape, the United Nations Assistance Mission for the country (UNAMI) today urged that future death penalty sentences be commuted.

While recognizing the serious challenge posed to the rule of law by terrorism, the insurgency and criminal activity, the UN issued a statement voicing regret over Iraq's choice and pointing out that evidence around the world suggests that capital punishment is a poor deterrent to crime.

“The United Nations will continue to assist the Government in Iraq in its attempts to foster a culture based on the rule of law and respect of human rights,” the statement said. “In this spirit, the United Nations urges the Government of Iraq to commute all future sentences of capital punishment and to base its legitimate quest for security on the protection and promotion to the right to life.”

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