EU delegation issues joint statement calling on Lanka to uphold moratorium on death penalty

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) in agreement with the Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania,  UK High Commission, Embassies of Norway and Switzerland, as well as the High Commissions of Canada and Australia have issued a joint statement to maintain its moratorium on the death penalty in line with its vote at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in 2018.

The statement acknowledged that combatting the proliferation of drugs was a serious challenge for countries around the world, adding that while action to counter the illicit drug trade was necessary, the evidence however, did not support the argument that the death penalty is an effective deterrent.

Further the statement said the EU led delegation was ready to share  its experiences in addressing the threat posed by drugs. It added that the death penalty is an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.