UN. BAN KI-MOON ENCOURAGES TO PHASE OUT DEATH PENALTY

"I believe that life is precious and must be protected and respected, and that all human beings have the right to live in dignity”, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated at a press conference in New York.
“International law affirms these values. I recognize the growing trend in international law and in national practice towards a phasing out of the death penalty. I encourage that trend”, Ban said.
“As Member States are taking their decisions, I expect they will comply with all aspects of international human rights law. As you know, I have also urged restraint by the Iraqi authorities in the execution of death sentences imposed by the Iraqi High Tribunal”.