Law Council endorses Australian Government's Strategy for Abolition of the Death Penalty
16 October 2018
The Law Council has thrown its support behind the Australian Government's Strategy for Abolition of the Death Penalty.
The Strategy, launched by Foreign Minister, Senator Marise Payne, outlines practical steps that ministers, parliamentarians and Australia’s network of embassies and missions can take to advance the goal of global abolition.
Law Council of Australia President-elect, Arthur Moses SC, said the Strategy was an important step in Australia's goal to end the death penalty globally.
“Australia’s Strategy for Abolition of the Death Penalty sends a powerful message that Australia is committed to advocating for the abolition of the death penalty beyond our borders,” Mr Moses said.
“Faced with the prospect of the execution of some of our own citizens abroad, it is important we step up our opposition to the death penalty.
“This is particularly pressing in our own region where some of our neighbours and allies continue to shoot and hang people convicted of crimes.
“Senator Payne is correct when she says the death penalty is an affront to human dignity. If you believe this, then it is your responsibility to advocate forcefully on a global level and this is exactly what Australia is doing.
“It is important to note that international progress can and is being made. Just last week Malaysia became the latest nation to announce that they will abolish the practice entirely.
“The Law Council will continue to strongly and consistently argue that no person, anywhere in the world, should ever be subjected to the death penalty.
“The death penalty is a breach of the most fundamental human right: the right to life.
“We are extremely pleased that the Australian Government is taking a strong position we can all be proud of,” Mr Moses said.
The Law Council has consistently advocated for the global abolition of the death penalty. You can access the Law Council’s long-standing policy statement on the death penalty here.
Media contacts:
Patrick Pantano: Public Affairs
P. 02 6246 3715 E. Patrick.Pantano@lawcouncil.au
Anil Lambert
P. 0416 426 722 E. Anil@hortonadvisory.com.au
Last Updated on 16/10/2018
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