International Medical Experts Urge End to Child Executions

[seemslikeadream]

Sep 3, 2004 London
Amnesty International and medical experts from seven countries have sent an open letter to the heads of government in China, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Philippines, Iran, Sudan and the USA urging them to stop using the death penalty against children.

.........

"Although adolescents generally know the difference between right and wrong, they can suffer from diminished capacities to reason logically, to control their impulses, to think through the future consequences of their actions, and to resist the negative influences and persuasion of others," says the letter. "They should face punishment for criminal actions, but the sanctions which can be imposed on mentally competent adolescent offenders should not be the same as those faced by adults found guilty of the same offences."

Endorsing the call of the experts to abolish juvenile executions, Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International, said, "Child offenders should not be punished as if they were adults. Governments must amend their laws and practices to confirm with international human rights standards and end the death penalty for offenders under the age of 18."
more
http://www.politinfo.com/articles/article_2004_09_3_3011.html

[htuttle]

1. That's some mighty interesting company we're keeping

China, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Philippines, Iran, Sudan and the USA.

We're truly among the 'enlightened' nations of the Earth. :eyes:

[DulceDecorum]

2. Remember Somalia?

Poppy Bush acting on behalf of the US government,
destroyed what was left of the Somali government and they have not had any civic infrastructure since.
So when the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child came up,
Somalia's delegate to the UN (left over from olden times) signed it on behalf of Somalia.
But the government has to ratify it and Somalia has no government.
Therefore Somalia is one of only two nations in the entire WORLD who has not ratified this international treaty.

One guess who the other one is.
(Hint: it was mentioned in this post.)