The United Nations moratorium on the death penalty
Archive theme
Since 2007 the General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted at regular intervals a resolution calling on states for a moratorium on executions, with a view to abolishing the death penalty. The resolution is not binding, but every vote measures how many states are willing to support it, and the supporters have grown over time.
Hands Off Cain works on parliaments and governments so that this number grows and so that the vote is followed by decisions at home. This page collects the news on the votes, the co-sponsorships and the positions of individual countries.
Latest news
- JANUARY 1, 2012LiberiaDEATH PENALTY
On July 15, 2008, the Liberian Senate adopted...
On July 15, 2008, the Liberian Senate adopted a law introducing the death penalty for homicides committed during acts of armed robbery, terrorism or hijacking, confirming a May 7 vote of the Chamber of Representatives. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who
- JANUARY 1, 2012KenyaDEATH PENALTY
Murder, treason and armed robbery are capital crimes.
Murder, treason and armed robbery are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012GuineaDEATH PENALTY
Capital crimes include aggravated murder, spying and armed robbery.
Capital crimes include aggravated murder, spying and armed robbery.
- JANUARY 1, 2012GambiaDEATH PENALTY
In Gambia, the death penalty was abolished in 1993, but re-established in August 1995 by the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council.
In Gambia, the death penalty was abolished in 1993, but re-established in August 1995 by the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council.
- JANUARY 1, 2012MoroccoDEATH PENALTY
Morocco retains the death penalty for ordinary crimes and military crimes.
Morocco retains the death penalty for ordinary crimes and military crimes..
- JANUARY 1, 2012SurinameDEATH PENALTY
Aggravated murder premeditated murder and treason are capital crimes.
Aggravated murder premeditated murder and treason are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012SenegalDEATH PENALTY
On December 10, 2004 Senegal’s National Assembly, with a resounding majority, voted to abolish the death penalty for all crimes.
On December 10, 2004 Senegal’s National Assembly, with a resounding majority, voted to abolish the death penalty for all crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012ZambiaDEATH PENALTY
The Zambia Constitution of 1991, allows the death penalty in Part III
The Zambia Constitution of 1991, allows the death penalty in Part III
- JANUARY 1, 2012MauritaniaDEATH PENALTY
High treason, premeditated murder and torture are capital crimes.
High treason, premeditated murder and torture are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012Sierra LeoneDEATH PENALTY
In Sierra Leone murder, aggravated robbery and treason are capital crimes.
In Sierra Leone murder, aggravated robbery and treason are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012FijiDEATH PENALTY
Fiji abolished the death penalty for treason and piracy in February 2002
Fiji abolished the death penalty for treason and piracy in February 2002
- JANUARY 1, 2012TanzaniaDEATH PENALTY
Murder and treason are capital crimes. The last execution was in 1994.
Murder and treason are capital crimes. The last execution was in 1994.
- JANUARY 1, 2012CubaDEATH PENALTY
The Penal Code presently in force provides for the death penalty for 112 offences, 33 of which are common crimes.
The Penal Code presently in force provides for the death penalty for 112 offences, 33 of which are common crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012SamoaDEATH PENALTY
Samoa commenced formal measures to abolish the death penalty on January 16, 2004
Samoa commenced formal measures to abolish the death penalty on January 16, 2004
- JANUARY 1, 2012BhutanDEATH PENALTY
On March 20, 2004 the King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, issued a royal decree (“kasho”) abolishing the death penalty in the kingdom.
On March 20, 2004 the King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, issued a royal decree (“kasho”) abolishing the death penalty in the kingdom.
- JANUARY 1, 2012MaldivesDEATH PENALTY
Capital crimes are: premeditated murder, attempted assassination of the president, conspiracy against the sovereignty of the State, and acts of terrorism.
Capital crimes are: premeditated murder, attempted assassination of the president, conspiracy against the sovereignty of the State, and acts of terrorism.
- JANUARY 1, 2012GuatemalaDEATH PENALTY
The Guatemalan penal code (1973) provides for the death penalty for parricide...
The Guatemalan penal code (1973) provides for the death penalty for parricide, aggravated homicide and assassination of the President or Vice-President.
- JANUARY 1, 2012Equatorial GuineaDEATH PENALTY
Aggravated murder, spying and armed robbery are capital crimes.
Aggravated murder, spying and armed robbery are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012CambodiaDEATH PENALTY
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia (1993) at Art. 32 states:
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia (1993) at Art. 32 states:
- JANUARY 1, 2012ChadDEATH PENALTY
Capital crimes are aggravated murder, treason, spying and military offences.
Capital crimes are aggravated murder, treason, spying and military offences.
- JANUARY 1, 2012MauritiusDEATH PENALTY
Mauritius has been abolitionist since 1995 when the Death Penalty Act...
Mauritius has been abolitionist since 1995 when the Death Penalty Act...
- JANUARY 1, 2012DominicaDEATH PENALTY
Murder and treason are capital crimes.
Murder and treason are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012Papua New GuineaDEATH PENALTY
Murder, treason and piracy are capital crimes.
Murder, treason and piracy are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012ComorosDEATH PENALTY
Aggravated murder, treason and spying are capital crimes.
Aggravated murder, treason and spying are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2012Solomon IslandsDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty was abolished for all crimes in 1966.
The death penalty was abolished for all crimes in 1966.
- JANUARY 1, 2012Congo - KinshasaDEATH PENALTY
Capital crimes are: aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, treason...
Capital crimes are: aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, treason, spying, political and military offences and genocide.
- JANUARY 1, 2012TogoDEATH PENALTY
On June 23, 2009, Togo's parliament voted unanimously to abolish the death penalty.
On June 23, 2009, Togo's parliament voted unanimously to abolish the death penalty.
- JANUARY 1, 2012IllinoisDEATH PENALTY
On March 9, 2011, Gov. Pat Quinn abolished the death penalty
On March 9, 2011, Gov. Pat Quinn abolished the death penalty
- JANUARY 1, 2012ChinaDEATH PENALTY
A revised Criminal Procedure Law came into force in January 1997
A revised Criminal Procedure Law came into force in January 1997
- JANUARY 1, 2012MongoliaDEATH PENALTY
As reduced by an amendment of 1994 to the criminal code...
As reduced by an amendment of 1994 to the criminal code...