Swiss anti-death penalty resolution passed

The foreign ministry has welcomed approval by the United Nations Human Rights Council of a resolution on the abolition of the death penalty worldwide. “Switzerland believes that the use of the death penalty is incompatible with international law and always entails human rights violations, affecting both the individuals who have been convicted and those who are close to them,” a statement said on Friday. The resolution, which was tabled by eight countries including Switzerland, won approval from 26 member states on Thursday. A further 13 states rejected the proposal and eight abstained. The promotion of human rights, notably the abolition of capital punishment across the world by 2025, is a priority of Switzerland’s foreign policy. The Geneva-based council has agreed to hold panel discussions on the issue in March. Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter launched a joint declaration with counterparts from 11 other countries a year ago. Speaking at the UN General ...