World Day against the Death Penalty 10 October
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
News story | Date: 10/10/2015 | Last updated: 12/10/2015
Today, 82 % of the world’s states have introduced a moratorium on the death penalty or have abolished it. ‘I’m pleased to see that the international trend is moving away from the use of the death penalty. However, there are some countries where this is not the case. It is crucial that we continue to work for the abolition of this inhumane practice, which undermines human dignity,’ said Foreign Minister Børge Brende.
This will be the 13th consecutive year that World Day against the Death Penalty is observed. The focus this year is on the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences.
The use of the death penalty for drug-related offences is contrary to international law. More than 30 states have domestic legislation allowing for the use of the death penalty for this type of offence. However, we know that the death penalty is no more of a deterrent than other penalties,’ said Mr Brende.
The fight against the death penalty is a high political priority for Norway. Norway plays a leading role in the international efforts to abolish this form of punishment. Norway will also host the sixth World Congress against the Death Penalty, which will be held in Oslo in June next year.
In connection with the World Day, Mr Brende has signed a Draft Joint Declaration on the death penalty together with foreign ministers from various regions, including countries that have not formally abolished the death penalty, but are not using it in practice.