The UN Commission on Human Rights approved the resolution...

The UN Commission on Human Rights approved the resolution on the death penalty presented by Portugal, as President of the European Union. The text (2000/65) was similar to that adopted last year calling for a worldwide moratorium on executions and adherence to UN safeguards in capital cases. This year's resolution included an additional paragraph welcoming the Secretary-General's sixth five-yearly report on capital punishment. The resolution was co-sponsored by 68 countries and was adopted by 27 votes to 13 with 12 abstentions. After the resolution was adopted, 51 states dissociated themselves from the text, asserting that ''it is inappropriate to make a universal decision on this question or to propose such action in the forum of an international organisation''. (Sources: Hands off Cain, Press release, 26/04/2000) (dicint) Portugal cosponsored and voted in favour of the resolution on the death penalty approved by the UN Commission on Human Rights on April 26 (no. 2000/65).