Three Pacific nations still possess death penalty

PACIFIC – The United Nations has drawn attention to the three Pacific nations that still possess the death penalty in law.

Today is World Day Against the Death Penalty, but execution has yet to be abolished in the Pacific territories of Tonga, Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

The death penalty was revived in PNG in 2013, but was put under review in May without being implemented.

The United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in PNG, Roy Trivedy, says it’s not clear when the review will be completed or what might follow.

“It’s good that the prime minister has come out very clearly and stated that they have no intention of carrying out the death penalty at the moment. We are continuing to monitor the situation and continuing to talk to government as opportunities arise.”

Trivedy says there is strong evidence worldwide that the death penalty is not a deterrent to serious crime.