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South Korea human rights commission urges death penalty abolition
On the 24th World Day Against the Death Penalty, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has called for the formal abolition of the death penalty. NHRCK Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho issued a statement urging the government and National Assembly to initiate legislative and institutional discussions to move toward abolition, specifically recommending that South Korea join the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
South Korea has not carried out an execution since December 30, 1997, leading Amnesty International to classify it as an 'abolitionist in practice' nation. As the country approaches 30 years without an execution, Ahn emphasized that the ability to maintain social safety and the criminal justice system without capital punishment is a significant asset. He also highlighted the irreversible risk of judicial error, citing historical cases like the Inhyukdang incident where innocence was proven only after execution.
Globally, the trend toward abolition continues, with 113 countries having fully abolished the death penalty for all crimes. Lebanon recently became the 114th country to achieve full abolition. However, Amnesty International reports that confirmed executions worldwide increased by approximately 78% last year, driven largely by spikes in countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Entities
Ahn Chang-ho · Amnesty International · Lebanon · National Human Rights Commission of Korea · South Korea
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] South Korea has not executed a death sentence since December 30, 1997. www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr
- [● 3 SOURCES] As of late last year, 145 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, with 113 countries having abolished it for all crimes. www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The risk of irreversible judicial error, such as the Inhyukdang case where innocence was proven after execution, is a critical factor in the debate. www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] While many countries are abolishing the death penalty, the number of confirmed executions rose by approximately 78% last year.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The NHRCK recommended that South Korea join the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to abolish the death penalty. www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lebanon became the 114th country to fully abolish the death penalty after its parliament passed a bill in August.