Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Aiming at the Abolition of the Death Penalty

The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Aiming at the Abolition of the Death Penalty was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 15, 1989 and entered into force July 11, 1991. The objective of the Second Optional Protocol is to erradicate the death penalty in states that are party to the text. Where a state has also ratified the First Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, the jurisdiction of First Optional Protocol can be extended to the provisions of the Second Optional Protocol on abolishing the death penalty. This occurs unless the State Party concerned made a statement to the contrary at the moment of ratification or accession (Article 5). [Descriptors: Key Texts, International]