The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty is an article to eradicate the death penalty. It stands for the total abolition of the death penalty but allows states parties to retain the death penalty in time of war. It's a petition for countries all over the world to sign. The idea is for all the countries to be on the same level of commitment to abolish the death penalty. It also puts the issue of the death penalty in the spotlight by the world. It was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly on December 15, 1989. .
State parties that have ratified the bill are Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Romania, Seychelles, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Every European country has acceded the Protocol. The United States of America has not signed it yet. The issue is still pending for the states. America isn't sure if it is ready to abolish the death penalty: especially Texas. .
The argument for the abolishment of the death penalty is whether or not it does any good to decrease crime. Studies from the University of Minnesota have showed that states that have the death penalty don't have a lower crime rate. Some states say it's cruel and inhuman way of punishment. Some states have already abolished the death penalty. America as a whole has not abolished it. .
Some people think the death penalty is fair. Ask some people whom have had loved ones taken away from them in some awful act of slaughter.
