15 January 2007 :

"I believe that life is precious and must be protected and respected, and that all human beings have the right to live in dignity”, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated at a press conference in New York.
“International law affirms these values. I recognize the growing trend in international law and in national practice towards a phasing out of the death penalty. I encourage that trend”, Ban said.
“As Member States are taking their decisions, I expect they will comply with all aspects of international human rights law. As you know, I have also urged restraint by the Iraqi authorities in the execution of death sentences imposed by the Iraqi High Tribunal”.