The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, welcomed...

The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights of a resolution against the death penalty.
"The successful adoption of the resolution, and the margin of victory, is a demonstration of the effectiveness of the EU's policy of opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances. It is also a sign of the growing trend towards the international abolition of the death penalty," Cowen said.
"Ireland along with our EU partners considers that the abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights. This position is rooted in our belief in the inherent dignity of all human beings and the inviolability of the human person. The European Union favours the universal abolition of capital punishment, and we work towards this goal in our relations with third countries. By tabling this Resolution before the Commission on Human Rights, we are bringing this issue to the attention of the widest possible audience," he added.