Amnesty International’s recent report has shed light on the alarming rise in global executions in 2023. With 1153 people killed in 16 countries, it marks the highest number of annual deaths by capital punishment in eight years.
In a world that continues to advance in technology and medicine, human rights seem to be lagging behind. Despite the ongoing wars, climate disasters, and general apathy, the use of capital punishment persists in many countries, disregarding the principles of rehabilitation, change, and forgiveness.
The Disturbing Trend in the Middle East
The majority of the executions in 2023 were concentrated in the Middle East, with Iran and Saudi Arabia taking the lead. Iran alone accounted for 74% of the executions, mainly for drug-related offenses, while Saudi Arabia contributed to 15%.
Secrecy and Execution in Asia
Amnesty International’s statistics do not include countries with strict state secrecy laws, such as North Korea and Vietnam, although there are concerns about high execution rates in these regions. North Korea recently introduced a law imposing the death penalty for not using the indigenous Korean language, while Myanmar continues to administer death sentences in military-controlled courts.
The Secretary General of Amnesty International, Agnès Callamard, has called out these countries for their blatant disregard for human life and urged all governments to heed the UN’s call to end the use of the death penalty.
Positive Developments and Setbacks
While some progress has been made in certain regions like Pakistan and Malaysia, where death penalties for specific offenses were repealed, the United States continues to rank among the top countries in executions. The use of new methods, like Nitrogen gas, has raised concerns about the cruelty of the practice.
The Catholic Church’s Stance
The Catholic Church has long been an advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Francis have both spoken out against this practice, highlighting the dignity of human life and the need for its preservation.
In line with these teachings, the Catechism of the Catholic Church was revised in 2018 to declare the death penalty as inadmissible, reflecting the Church’s commitment to its abolition worldwide.
Pope Francis has consistently championed the cause of ending capital punishment, emphasizing the importance of justice, forgiveness, and the inherent dignity of every individual.
It is crucial for governments worldwide to recognize the value of human life and take decisive action to end the use of the death penalty, thus showing their commitment to upholding human rights and promoting peace.
