In a groundbreaking move celebrated by human rights advocates worldwide, The United Nations human rights chief on Thursday praised Zimbabwe’s decision to abolish the death penalty, commuting the sentences of around 60 death row inmates to jail terms. This sets a powerful precedent for nations still upholding capital punishment to follow.
In a historic move, Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty, a decision hailed by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. The milestone was achieved when President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed a law on Tuesday to end capital punishment in the country, a step that has drawn international praise.
“I welcome the signing by the President of Zimbabwe of a law officially abolishing the death penalty in the country,” Türk stated on Thursday. “The death penalty is profoundly difficult to reconcile with human dignity and the fundamental right to life.”
The new law not only eliminates capital punishment but also commutes the sentences of approximately 60 prisoners who were on death row, offering them jail terms instead. This significant shift underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to human rights and aligns the nation with a growing global trend against executions.
Türk urged other countries that still impose capital punishment to take inspiration from Zimbabwe’s example. “All states that still maintain the death penalty should abolish it, or at the very least, impose a moratorium on its use,” he emphasized.
While commending Zimbabwe’s progress, Türk called for further reforms, encouraging the government to remove a provision that allows for the reinstatement of the death penalty during states of public emergency.
President Mnangagwa, himself a former death row inmate during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, has been a vocal opponent of capital punishment. This legislative victory adds to his administration’s efforts to promote human rights and justice in the country.
Zimbabwe’s decision places it among the growing list of nations that have abandoned capital punishment, signaling a hopeful shift towards upholding the sanctity of life and human dignity on the global stage.
