from the left: Tharcisse Karugarama, Rwandan Minister of Justice, Senator Marco Perduca, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, Elisabetta Zamparutti, Aldo Ajello, HOC's Honorary President, and Sergio D'Elia

RWANDA: AFRICAN CONFERENCE AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY CONCLUDES

October 14, 2011: this afternoon saw the conclusion of the intergovernmental conference in Kigali, Rwanda. The conference was organised by the Rwandan Government and Hands Off Cain, with the support of the European and African Unions, and the World Coalition against death Penalty, .
The conference adopted a resolution that was unanimously approved, asking African countries to sign and support treaties and international resolutions on the death penalty and the moratorium on executions, with a commitment by the governments to transpose the contents into the legislations of each country.
Particularly important and significant is the request to aspire to the principles of “rehabilitative justice.”
In conclusion, Elisabetta Zamparutti, Italian Parliamentarian and Hands Off Cain treasurer, showed how the abolition of the death penalty is “an act of political courage”, of which Rwanda was a clear and noble example. Rwanda managed to cure the region of victims, through trials of reconciliation based on African traditions. It was also able to give an important contribution to the affirmation of universal and fundamental human rights.
Positive news emerged in the two days of debate, in particular from countries that still use the death penalty such as Tanzania, Chad, Kenya, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic, and the work done by the African Commission for human rights and people. These were strong steps forward, and one can now say we are at the final mile that separates humanity from the total abolition of the death penalty around the world. (Sources: HOC, 14/10/2011)