Mongolia Abolishes Capital Punishment
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Dec. 15, 2015
Mongolia became last Wednesday the 105th country in the world to abolish capital punishment, following the approval of a new Penal Code by the Mongolian Parliament that will come into force in September 2016.
This decision was undoubtedly facilitated by the positions taken by Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, known for his abolitionist measures, notably the suspension of executions since taking office in 2010.
Justice Minister Khishigdemberel Temuujin declared that this decision had long been anticipated, adding to his argument: "There is no significant increase in crime in countries that no longer have capital punishment".
This decision was warmly welcomed last Wednesday by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, who stated: "This development is very encouraging and represents concrete progress for human rights, including for persons convicted of heinous crimes".
"We must not allow acts, however atrocious, to strip us of our humanity", he added.
The European External Action Service, the institutional body of the European Union that constitutes its diplomatic service, also congratulated Mongolia on its decision, calling it an "excellent news" and took the opportunity to encourage regional countries to follow suit.
"Capital punishment represents a cruel and inhumane punishment that moreover fails to deter criminal behavior, and which constitutes a grave denial of human dignity", declared a spokesperson for the EEAS in a statement.
It should be noted that Mongolia has carried out no executions since 2008, according to the NGO Amnesty International.
It is worth recalling that in the 1950s, Mongolia had already abolished capital punishment for ordinary crimes such as murder, but reversed this decision just 10 months later due to public pressure.
In order to prevent such a reversal from recurring, the organization Amnesty International is committed to continuing its efforts in Mongolia, and will do everything in its power to raise awareness among other countries in Asia and around the world to once and for all end these summary executions.
It is worth recalling that in the 1950s, Mongolia had already abolished capital punishment for ordinary crimes such as murder, but reversed this decision just 10 months later due to public pressure.
In order to prevent such a reversal from recurring, the organization Amnesty International is committed to continuing its efforts in Mongolia, and will do everything in its power to raise awareness among other countries in Asia and around the world to once and for all end these summary executions.Charlène Nomadays
An English-speaking SEO writer from Nomadays' early days, who became content manager and head of the communication team, Charlène has accompanied the adventure from its inception with passion and loyalty. After seven years living in Asia – from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea – she has made travel a way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and human encounters, she is committed to conveying in her writing a sensitive, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. For her, each article is a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.
