Objectives

The Second Optional Protocol recognizes that the Covenant strongly suggests that the abolition of the death penalty is desirable and should be considered as progress in the enjoyment of the right to life, notwithstanding the fact that later, the Covenant also allows the imposition of the death penalty under certain conditions.

The objective of this Protocol is to provide for the abolition of the death penalty.

Key Provisions

Important provisions of the Second Optional Protocol include the disallowance of reservations, except reservations concerning the application of the death penalty in time of war for most crimes of a military nature committed during wartime.

States parties are also requested to include in the reports to the Human Rights Committee information on the measures that they have adopted to give effect to the Second Optional Protocol.

Under the Second Optional Protocol, the Human Rights Committee is also conferred competence under the first Optional Protocol to receive and consider communications from individuals concerning the provisions of the Second Optional Protocol.

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Open for signature (indefinitely) by any State which has signed the Covenant and to ratification and accession by any State which has ratified or acceded to the Covenant

Entry into force: 11 July 1991

Status as at 15 June 2001: Signatories: 29    Contracting Parties: 45