THE United Nations in PNG is deeply concerned by recent reports that PNG is considering carrying out the death penalty.
The UN Resident Co-ordinator for Papua New Guinea Hemansu-Roy Trivedy says the United Nations advocates for the abolition of death penalty across the world. There is a global trend towards abolition: some 150 countries world-wide, among them Papua New Guinea, have either abolished the death penalty or do not practice it. Since 2007, the UN General Assembly has adopted four resolutions which call on states to establish a memorandum on the use of the death penalty with a view to abolishing it. "Resuming the death penalty would be a major setback for human rights in Papua New Guinea," Mr Trivedy said in a statement. He said that the government’s commitment to addressing the high incidence of violent crime in PNG, including murder and rape, is commendable. Confidence that those who commit such crimes will be apprehended, have recourse to fair trials and punished when found guilty is vital. It is also essential that victims are provided with the support they need. The Resident Co-ordinator further said evidence globally shows that the death penalty has not proven to be more effective than other forms of punishment. Miscarriages of justice have occurred even in the most robust systems. The imposition of the death sentence is particularly troubling in the context of reports of weaknesses in law enforcement and the judicial systems in PNG. Once the death penalty is imposed, it is irreversible. "The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights. It lies at the very heart of international human rights law. The UN appreciates the steps taken by the government to strengthen the rule of law and human rights compliance. We stand ready to continue to support the government and the people of Papua New Guinea." PNG Facts/ Post Courier Comments are closed.
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