DESPITE a growing consensus across the globe that the death penalty breaches human rights, in particular the right to life and the right to live free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, there is yet to be a consensus among countries on the universal abolition of capital punishment.

There is also no international consensus on what constitutes the “most serious crimes” applicable to the death penalty.

In short, countries hold differing but legitimate views on the subject.

Two months ago, on February 28, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held its biennial high-level panel discussion on the death penalty.

The theme for the panel discussion was: “Human rights violations relating to the use of the death penalty, in particular with respect to limiting the death penalty to the most serious crimes”.

In the ensuing discussion, many speakers said that the right to life was inviolable, asserting that capital punishment was a human rights issue and not just a matter of criminal justice.

One speaker stood out, though, calling for respect of cultural particularities and religious beliefs of all, and asserting that all member states in the UN have the right to determine their own legislation as part of their sovereign nature.

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ahmad Faisal Muhamad, who gave an insightful remark.

He said despite the different views, it was encouraging that states had come together to learn from one another.

The UNHRC should therefore continue to facilitate dialogue on the subject, aimed at bridging differences.

This is what parties in a unity government, for example, should do while holding differing but legitimate views on a subject or matter.

Agree to disagree. Respect differing views. Learn from one another. Bridge differences. – April 30, 2023.

* Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.