Jerusalem, 24/05/2017 – 16:33 – UNIQUE ID: 170524_10
The European Union Representative, the EU Heads of Mission and the Head of Mission of Norway in Jerusalem and Ramallah issue the following statement:
The authorities in Gaza have announced that they, on 25 May 2017, intend to implement the three death sentences delivered on 21 May 2017. The Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recall their firm opposition under all circumstances to the use of capital punishment and call for the authorities in Gaza to refrain from taking such decisions.
The Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah urge the authorities in Gaza to uphold the obligations to respect the rights to life and to a fair trial – which are guaranteed by international human rights law under the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – and not carry out these executions, and join the appeal made by the UN Commissioner for Human Rights in this regard.
The EU and Norway consider that abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights. It considers capital punishment to be cruel and inhuman, that it fails to provide deterrence to criminal behaviour, and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.
The authorities in Gaza must refrain from carrying out these and any other executions of prisoners and comply with the moratorium on executions put in place by the Palestinian Authority, pending abolition of the death penalty in line with the global trend.
Contact:
EU Press Office on +972-2-541 5888
Document Sources: European Union (EU)
Country: Norway
Subject: Casualties, Gaza Strip, Governance, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Legal issues, Prisoners and detainees
Publication Date: 23/05/2017
URL source: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/palestine-occupied-palestinian-territory-west-bank-and-gaza-strip/26856/eu-and-norwegian-missions-jerusalem-and-ramallah-urge-authorities-gaza-not-carry-out-execution_en