UN: Third Committee Approves Resolution for a Universal Moratorium on Executions

A significant step forward for the campaign toward a universal moratorium on executions. The resolution, as amended, was approved by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly with 133 votes in favor, 33 against, 16 abstentions, and 10 absences, surpassing the 2024 plenary result, when there were 130 votes in favor (compared to 32 against, 22 abstentions, and 9 absences).

Hands Off Cain welcomes this outcome and the growing consensus with great satisfaction. Of particular interest is Syria’s abstention, which comes right after the organization's recent mission to the country. Although the shift from being absent to abstaining does not mathematically alter the tally between votes in favor and against, it is a far from neutral signal: it marks a clear break from the previous regime, which fell on December 8, 2024, and had never abstained. 

Equally positive is Jordan's confirmation of its vote in favor, despite the executions carried out in June.

The hope now is that this overall result will be confirmed and further strengthened in the upcoming vote at the General Assembly plenary session. At the same time, it is necessary to immediately engage with those countries whose positions have worsened compared to the past, starting with Israel, where efforts must be made to urge its return to active participation in the vote.