UNITED NATIONS, New York. The Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to human rights by voting in favor of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution advocating a global moratorium on the death penalty. This resolution reflects the growing international consensus against capital punishment.
The resolution, adopted on December 17, received overwhelming support from UNGA member states, with 130 nations voting in favor, 32 opposing, and 22 abstaining. This marks the tenth time the global moratorium on the death penalty has been addressed since its introduction in 2007.
The resolution has gained significant traction, initiated by Argentina and Italy under the Inter-Regional Task Force and co-sponsored by 70 countries. Nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Kenya, Morocco, and Zambia voted in favor for the first time, signaling a shift toward greater global opposition to the death penalty.
Despite this progress, some countries continue to implement capital punishment, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. According to data from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), 59 Filipinos currently face death penalty sentences abroad, primarily in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
“This resolution serves as a call to action for all member states to take definitive steps toward abolishing capital punishment worldwide,” a UNGA representative stated during the session.
The Philippines’ stance underscores its commitment to safeguarding human rights and aligning with the global effort to end executions. By supporting this resolution, the country joins a growing movement to uphold the sanctity of life and promote more humane alternatives to justice.
This significant vote highlights the momentum toward a future free from the death penalty and reinforces the global dialogue on protecting fundamental human rights.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
