The Minister for Foreign Affairs has launched a new international campaign to abolish the death penalty around the world.
The Minister, Senator Marise Payne, reiterated the Government’s opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances for all people.
Senator Payne said Australia’s Strategy for Abolition of the Death Penalty outlined practical steps Australia’s network of embassies and missions could take, as well as Ministers and Parliamentarians, to advance the goal of global abolition.
“We consider the death penalty to be deeply flawed and an affront to human dignity,” Senator Payne said.
“There is no conclusive evidence that the death penalty deters crime. It is irrevocable and degrading.”
She said Australia was a global leader in the fight against the death penalty, including through our term on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
“As long as people face execution by a Government, we will pursue abolition of the death penalty,” the Minister said.
She said the launch of the strategy coincided with World Day Against the Death Penalty, which was commemorated by Australian overseas posts on 10 October.
“At the United Nations Leaders’ Week in New York, I also announced that Australia has joined more than 60 States in becoming a member of the Global Alliance for Torture-Free Trade,” Senator Payne said.
“The alliance’s objective is to end the trade in goods used for capital punishment and torture.”
Australia’s12-page Strategy for Abolition of the Death Penalty can be accessed at this PS News link.
