Mongolia suspends executions

Every year more and more countries move towards abolishing the death penalty. Already this year the Mongolian Government has taken a step forward.

Every year the number of countries carrying out executions shrinks. Death penalty states are becoming increasingly isolated in the global community.

But 58 countries still retain this cruel punishment even if many of them do not use it and last year thousands of people were put to death by their own government.

In 2009 Mongolia did not carry out any executions for the first time in recent years. In January 2010 we saw further progress when the Mongolian Government announced a moratorium on executions.

Countries in Asia carry out more executions than the rest of the world combined. We are working to ensure other countries in the region follow Mongolia’s example.

The death penalty is discriminatory, used disproportionately against the poor, minorities and members of racial, ethnic and religious communities and it the ultimate act of state violence. There is no evidence that it is any more effective in reducing crime than other harsh punishments.

Help us stamp it out for good. Get involved in our Death Penalty Network by emailing deathpenaltynetwork@amnesty.ie

Find out more about our campaign against the death penalty