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Amnesty International Conference on the Death Penalty - Report

NCJ Number
76738
Date Published
1977
Length
35 pages
Annotation
A report of the international conference focusing on abolition of the death penalty, which was convened by Amnesty International in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1977, is presented.
Abstract
The conference was attended by more than 200 people from 57 countries. Participants came from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. Lawyers, judges, politicians, political scientists, psychologists, police officials, penologists, theologians, journalists, and trade unionists were represented. Before the conference itself, four preparatory seminars were conducted in various countries. This report summarizes all conclusions reached at the conference in its full session as well as the decisions made by six working groups, each of which addressed one essential aspect of the death penalty. Conference participants concluded that the death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhumane, and degrading punishment. The death penalty is frequently used as an instrument of repression against racial, ethnic, and religious opposition and against underprivileged groups. It has never been shown to have a special deterrent effect. Participants believe that it is the duty of the State to protect the life of all persons within its jurisdiction without exception. Abolition of the death penalty is imperative for the achievement of declared international standards. Delegates call upon nongovernmental organizations to work collectively and individually to provide public information materials directed towards abolition of the death penalty. They ask the United Nations (U.N.) to declare that the death penalty is contrary to international law. Lists of conference participants and working officers, a U.N. resolution, and related matters are appended. (Author abstract modified)