Recent events have refocused international attention on the dignity of the Death Penalty in the modern era of democracy and human rights. The Non-violent Radical Party, in cooperation with Hands Off Cain, are at present engaged in a campaign to present to the United Nations General Assembly a resolution calling for a worldwide moratorium on all executions. The campaign thus far has been lead by Mr. Marco Pannella MEP, Leader of the Non-Violent Radical Party, who has now been on a hunger strike for over 20 days, following a thirst strike which lasted for 183 hours. Mr. Pannella’s non-violent campaign has prompted action by Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, who has confirmed that Italy intends to use its seat on the Security Council as a means of pursuing this aim. The campaign has also drawn written support from prominent human rights activists around the world, including his Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, both recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. At present almost 5000 individuals from around the world have signed a petition expressing support for the campaign, conveying to the United Nations Secretary General the sentiment that “after the abolition of slavery and the banning of torture, the right not to be killed following a legal sentence could be another common denominator, a new inalienable aspect of being human that makes us one family.” 900 individuals have also pledged support for Mr. Pannella’s hunger strike by committing to similar non-violent action of their own. Negations at the international level are ongoing, and the next major milestone is a meeting of European Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the 22 January 2007. At this crucial juncture in the campaign I would like to call upon all friends and Members of UNPO to show your support by signing the petition for a universal moratorium on the death penalty , and by encouraging the members of your communities to do the same. [Sign the Petition] I would like also to encourage all UNPO Members, and in particular their Representatives and Leaders, to show their solidarity with this cause by committing to a symbolic 24-hour hunger strike on the 21 January 2007, the day before the key meeting of foreign ministers. Many UNPO Members know first hand the extent to which state sanctioned executions hinder meaningful attempts at peace, reconciliation and justice, and recognize also the extent to which it is incompatible with the most basic respect for human worth and dignity. The time has come for change. Sincerely, Marino Busdachin General Secretary
