NEW YORK, United States — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his call for the universal abolition of the death penalty, describing capital punishment as inhumane and incompatible with modern justice systems.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Guterres said the death penalty does not achieve justice and warned that it carries the irreversible risk of executing innocent people.
“The death penalty does not deliver justice,” Guterres said.
“It is an inhumane form of punishment, puts innocent lives at risk, and has no place in the 21st century.”
The UN chief reaffirmed his commitment to ending capital punishment worldwide.
“I remain fully committed to the universal abolition of the death penalty – firmly and without exception.”
UN Position on Capital Punishment
The United Nations has consistently advocated for the abolition of the death penalty, arguing that it violates the right to life and the inherent dignity of every person.
The organisation has also maintained that no conclusive evidence shows capital punishment is more effective than other forms of punishment in deterring crime.
Over the years, the UN General Assembly has adopted several resolutions calling on member states to establish a moratorium on executions as a step towards complete abolition.
Global Debate Continues
While a growing number of countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, others continue to retain and enforce capital punishment for offences including murder, terrorism and drug-related crimes.
Human rights organisations have long argued that the death penalty is irreversible and carries the risk of wrongful executions, particularly in justice systems where due process safeguards may be inadequate.
Supporters of capital punishment, however, maintain that it serves as a deterrent to serious crime and provides justice for victims of the most heinous offences.
Kenya’s Position
Kenya retains the death penalty in law for certain offences, including murder, robbery with violence and treason. However, no executions have been carried out in the country since 1987, effectively placing Kenya among states that observe a long-standing moratorium on executions.
In 2017, the Supreme Court declared the mandatory death sentence for murder unconstitutional, holding that courts must retain discretion in sentencing. Parliament has since been considering reforms to align sentencing laws with that decision.