| Popis: |
This chapter investigates the issue of death penalty in Africa. The application of the death penalty on the African continent continues to be an issue of debate and concern. Over the years, there has been a growing trend towards the abolition of the death penalty with emphasis on the need to enhance and protect human rights. Arguably, this trend emanates from the recognition of the death penalty’s inconsistency with international human rights law. Although there is no explicit general prohibition of the death penalty in international law, existing human rights instruments have become significant in orchestrating a continent-wide shift. The chapter then looks at the position of the death penalty in international human rights law with reference to key UN human rights treaties – which African states are parties to – and their subsequent interpretation. It considers the extent of compliance with these instruments in the prohibition of death penalty in Africa. |
