Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty
Adopted andproclaimed by General Assembly resolution 44/128 of
15 December 1989 The States Parties to the present Protocol,
Believing that abolition of the death penalty contributes to
enhancement of human dignity and progressive development of
human rights,
Recalling article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
adopted on 10 December 1948, and article 6 of the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted on 16 December
1966,
Noting that article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights refers to abolition of the death penalty in terms that
strongly suggest that abolition is desirable,
Convinced that all measures of abolition of the death penalty should
be considered as progress in the enjoyment of the right to life,
Desirous to undertake hereby an international commitment to
abolish the death penalty,
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
1.
No one within the jurisdiction of a State Party to the present
Protocol shall be executed.
2.
Each State Party shall take all necessary measures to abolish
the death penalty within its jurisdiction.
Article 2
1.
No reservation is admissible to the present Protocol, except for
a reservation made at the time of ratification or accession that
provides for the application of the death penalty in time of war
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