2.3 Lobbying for the gradual phase-out of the death penalty 1. Reason for selection In Points 68–70, 72, and 73 of the concluding observations on Taiwan’s Third National Report on the Two Covenants, the IRC noted that Taiwan has yet to impose an official moratorium on the death penalty in accordance with previous concluding observations, and it strongly urged the government to do so or even take a step further to abolish the death penalty. The IRC has in its previous concluding observations pointed out that public opinion should not be a reason for failing to suspend the death penalty. 2. Significance Taiwan should view the abolishment of the death penalty as an ultimate goal and should amend its laws and regulations to make it a reality as soon as possible. For its part, the NHRC established a Death Penalty Abolition Task Force, organize internal training, and, to the best of its ability, urge the government to stop carrying out death sentences. The NHRC hopes to reduce death sentences, review amendments to the Amnesty Act, and work with international organizations in exchanges and collaborations. 3. Expected outcomes Development of a sound argument against the death penalty; garnering public support for abolishing the death penalty; reducing the number of criminal offenses that can trigger the death penalty; moving robustly towards a death penalty-free country; ensuring the implementation of national legislation pertaining to the ICCPR; providing effective policy recommendations. 37