The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed concern over a 31% increase in global executions, especially in Saudi Arabia, which remains among the highest executioners. He emphasizes that the death penalty contradicts human dignity, with many executions linked to drug offenses. Despite 113 countries abolishing it, challenges persist, raising issues of discrimination and the risks of wrongful convictions.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, voiced strong dismay regarding the notable rise in executions globally, particularly highlighting Saudi Arabia as one of the most prolific executioners. He reported a 31% uptick in executions in 2023 compared to the previous year, resulting in the highest figure documented in eight years.
In a discussion at the Human Rights Council on February 25, 2025, Türk articulated that the death penalty fundamentally opposes the right to life and human dignity. He noted that over 40% of global executions were linked to drug offenses, despite international standards limiting capital punishment to the most serious crimes, such as premeditated murder.
Türk acknowledged that 113 nations have abolished the death penalty entirely, indicating a worldwide movement towards its eradication. Yet, countries like Saudi Arabia persist in their high execution rates, which have adverse effects on the condemned and their families, as well as society at large.
The High Commissioner noted that the death penalty can be applied in a discriminatory fashion, predominantly impacting ethnic and religious minorities, along with marginalized groups. He cautioned that its continued use might facilitate the suppression of civil liberties and pose risks to activists and human rights defenders.
The European Saudi Organization for Human Rights corroborated that UN documentation often cites Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the worldwide escalation of executions. Since the start of 2025, the kingdom has executed 65 individuals, with 33 pertaining to drug charges which do not fulfill the criteria for the most serious crimes under international law.
Türk urged countries that retain the death penalty to cease its application immediately and explore more humane judicial alternatives. He asserted that the death penalty fails to deliver justice or deter crime and bears the peril of mistakenly executing innocent individuals due to irrevocable judicial errors.
In summary, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised urgent concerns regarding the global surge in executions, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Despite a growing trend toward abolishing the death penalty, significant challenges remain, especially with discriminatory practices disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. The call for an immediate halt to executions and the pursuit of more humane alternatives highlights the need for reform in judicial practices worldwide.
Original Source: shiawaves.com
