World Against Death Penalty Day
Statement from British Ambassador, Iain Lindsay OBE, on the 11th World Against Death Penalty Day
Today is the 11th World Against the Death Penalty Day . The first, in 2003, was agreed by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, to help activists worldwide rally to oppose the death penalty.
The UK opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception, regardless of the nature of the crime, the characteristics of the offender, or the method used by the state to kill the prisoner. We believe it undermines human dignity. There is no evidence that it works as a deterrent and any error made in its application is irreversible.
Bahrain has made good progress on facing up to human rights issues, as is evidenced by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. Progress towards abolition of the death penalty would be a significant step forward along the path of reform.