Death penalty:

Is it legally (or morally) acceptable? Current developments in the international arena

Thursday 27 August, 14:30-16:00

Commission: Human and Procedural Rights and Responsibilities

General Reporters : Jean-Louis Collart, Guiseppe Scotti
External Speakers : Marko Milanovic, Associate at Belgrade Center for Human Rights; Michael Vitiello, Professor at University of Pennsylvania; Massimo D’Alema, Former Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Richard Sedillot

Capital punishment today is the subject of strong controversy. Opponents of the death penalty argue that it violates the criminal’s right to life. Supporters, by contrast, believe that the extreme penalty is justified for very heinous crimes based on the principle of retribution. In the International Arena, however, the United Nations introduced a resolution during the General Assembly’s 62nd sessions in 2007 calling for a universal ban. Is this sufficient to affirm a right to life for criminals or does it belong to the sovereign states do decide whether or not a human being should be executed. Is this nowadays morally acceptable? Beside a contribution from Mr. On. Massimo D’Alema, Marko Milanovic Associate at Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, Distinguished Professor Michael Vitiello and Me Richard Sedillot will examine the history of capital punishment and its recent developments in the international context and the approach to the death penalty in the USA and share practical experiences.