BRUSSELS, Belgium, January 13, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The Heads of Missions of the European Union and Member States strongly and unequivocally oppose the death penalty in any circumstances. It is a serious violation of human rights and human dignity and cannot be used as an instrument for justice.
In this context, we are deeply concerned by reports of at least 4 executions in Somaliland on 11 January and by the authorities renewed use of the death penalty. We are similarly concerned with reports of an execution in Mogadishu on 3 January.
The EU and Member States’ Heads of Missions call upon the respective authorities to halt executions and to apply a moratorium of the death penalty.
We are committed to support and work with the respective authorities in achieving a full abolition of the death penalty and in the strengthening of institutions to provide justice to all Somali people in a fair and transparent manner.
