PENALTY

the wider political community of their country. I am honoured that
all Italian political actors and institutions have shown full and unwavering
support for the campaign. This level of support is particularly
important in countries where capital punishment still exists. In these
circumstances, political leaders are called to engage constructively with
parliaments to facilitate the legal reforms required, so that changes to
establish a de jure moratorium or abolition can be enacted according
to a sustainable reform path and within an appropriate time frame.
Political leaders also play an important role in mobilising public opinion
in favour of the abolition of the death penalty, for instance through
awareness campaigns, public debates and specific educational programs
in schools. I am deeply touched by the experiences of those political
leaders that have directly witnessed the effects of the use of the death
penalty and are actively engaged in the campaign for the moratorium.
Such strong leadership is even more necessary when countries confront
significant threats to their security, including organized crime and
terrorism. Although there is increasing evidence that the death penalty
is not an effective deterrent to crime, statistics are not always enough
to sway public opinion. The sense of insecurity caused by extremism
and widespread violence may lead people to believe that the death
penalty could restore security. It is exactly in such cases, however, that
political leaders are called to play a guiding role and make the case
for the abolition of the death penalty, even if it may seem difficult to
justify. Political responsibility to stop crime and violence does not need
to lead to compromises in terms of human rights. On the contrary, it
makes the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental
freedoms even more necessary. For instance, enhanced efforts could be
made to ensure that terrorists and those responsible for violations of
international humanitarian or human rights law are held to account
through existing international criminal justice mechanisms.
The success of the campaign for a moratorium does not depend
only on the contribution of political leadership. All international and
national institutions and all sectors of civil society should play a leading
role. It is crucial, for example, to enhance cooperation between
political institutions and nongovernmental organizations that possess
specific expertise on the subject. In this regard, I would like to recall
Italy’s experience as a useful example of positive synergy between
national governments and civil society organisations. The Italian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has established
a special partnership with Comunità di Sant’Egidio, Hands
off Cain and the Italian branch of Amnesty International. These
organisations have been engaged for a long time in awareness-raising
projects. Their global outreach has significantly contributed to
the success of the campaign for a moratorium on the death penalty.
Their efforts have effectively complemented activities undertaken at
the institutional level.
In many countries, religious leaders can also play a role in the campaign
for the moratorium, in particular where religion and politics
are closely intertwined, or for instance the judicial power is held by a
religious authority. In some cases such a positive interaction could be
more complex, but constructive dialogue is always the best tool for
promoting human rights, even in the most difficult contexts.
Other examples of successful outreach include initiatives carried out
together with the academic or judiciary community of countries
where capital punishment is still practised. Although in such countries
the abolition of the death penalty may not be possible in the short
term, dialogue between human rights experts and legal practitioners
could produce significant results and pave the way for future changes.
In this regard, the support of the United Nations, mainly through the
activities of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,
can provide invaluable help.
In conclusion, the conditions of individual countries may differ, but
the campaign for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty with
a view to its eventual full abolition will only be successful if it can
count on strong leadership at all levels. Successful political leaders
are able to overcome setbacks and difficulties by reaching out to all
interested parties at the institutional level and within civil society.
This continuous dialogue is instrumental to building the consensus
we need to steadily progress towards a world where justice does not
require the loss of a human life.
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