Cambodia to lead ASEAN against capital punishment

[Opinion. If we can only convince the big execution countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Myanmar to abolish capital punishment. The only reason for the death penalty is blood-lust vengeance, an act which can never be undone. Far too often, we condemn the innocent to death.]

Cambodia to lead Southeast Asia’s abolition of death penalty

Taing Rinith

Khmer Times: July 16, 2026

SOURCE: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501943956/cambodia-to-lead-southeast-asias-abolition-of-death-penalty/

The Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network welcomes Cambodia's decision to accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Kingdom nears a permanent ban on capital punishment as regional advocates applaud its move to ratify a major United Nations treaty.

The Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) has praised Cambodia’s decision to accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), describing the move as a historic step that will permanently prevent the return of capital punishment in the Kingdom.

The announcement was made during the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris yesterday, where Cambodia declared its intention to ratify the international treaty aimed at abolishing the death penalty.

International Relations Institute of Cambodia Director-General Kin Phea said the move reflects Cambodia’s commitment to human rights, stressing that the right to life is fundamental and that executions are irreversible if wrongful convictions occur.

Documentation Centre of Cambodia director Youk Chhang also welcomed the decision, describing the right to life as an inherent and fundamental human right.

Edited July 20Jul 20 by unblocktheplanet
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