MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Death penalty in Japan

14.2.2012

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure

Véronique De Keyser, David Martin, Georgios Stavrakakis, Pino Arlacchi, Tanja Fajon, Liisa Jaakonsaarion behalf of the S&D Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0089/2012

B7‑0090/2012

European Parliament resolution on Death penalty in Japan

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on the abolition of the death penalty  

–having regard to the joint declaration by Catherine Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Thorbjorn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, on the European and World Day against the death penalty (10/10/2011)

–having regard to the EP President Jerzy Buzek's declaration of 19 October 2009, making a strong appeal for the abolition of capital punishment

- having regard to article 2 of the Charter of Fundamental rights of the EU

 

A. Considering the public statement of Ogawa Toshio, newly appointed Minister of Justice in Japan, on 15 January 2012 that he planned to resume executions, which he viewed as a responsibility of his job.

B. Whereas last year Japan did not carry out any execution, for the first time in 19 years

 

C. Whereas the European Union is strongly committed to working towards the abolition of the death penalty everywhere and is striving to achieve universal acceptance of this principle

 

 

1. Se félicite des relations EU avec le Japon qui sont basées sur un attachement commun à la liberté, la démocratie, l'état de droit et les droits de l'homme.

 

2. Réitère son opposition à la peine de mort dans toutes les circonstances et souligne que l'abolition de la peine de mort contribue au renforcement de la dignité humaine et au développement progressif des droits de l'homme.

 

3. Rappel le progrès significatif effectué vers l'abolition de la peine de mort dans le monde ainsi que le nombre croissant des pays qui ont supprimé la peine capitale.

 

 

4. Is concerned by the recent declaration of Justice Minister Ogawa that he intends to interrupt the Moratorium on death penalty and resume executions.

 

 

5. Espère que le Gouvernement Japonais revient sur le Moratorium concernant les exécutions, appliqué avant le 25 décembre 2006, et envisage l'abolition de la peine de mort.

 

 

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and to the Japanese authorities.