Commutation of 53 Death Sentences by President Rupiah Banda
[15 January 2009]
The Human Rights Commission wishes to commend His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Banda for commuting the death sentences of 53 death row inmates.
As a commission we have been consistent in our opposition to capital punishment and even in our most recent statement issued at the close of 2008, we did put on record our views on this matter. That the President has soon after followed our plea with a pardon for such a large number of persons convicted to die clearly indicates that we are of like mind in arguing for the sancrosanctity of life. Life is undoubtedly the very essence of human dignity. Indeed, the right to life, even for persons found guilty of heinous crimes, must be upheld.
We do realise that the subject of capital punishment remains highly emotive, but while allowing for as wide debate as possible regarding what our next Constitution must state on the subject, we hope that the pros for its abolition will be recognized and a new chapter in the history of our country will be opened where the State does not, at any cost, deprive people of the right to life.
It is equally gratifying that, elsewhere, other efforts are being initiated to safeguard human life. Currently, the maternal mortality rate resulting from various complications in pregnancy is still very high. Every effort towards reducing it is therefore worth our commendation. It is in this vein that we laud the Ministry of Health for launching a drug that reduces excessive bleeding in women after child delivery, as reported in the press recently.
Provision of quality health care in all circumstances, but even more so where life is threatened, is critical at all times for people to enjoy their inalienable right to health. We trust that people in the areas where the drug is being piloted will cooperate with health authorities so that the successes therein, if any, can thereafter be spread to the rest of the country.
Issued by:
Pixie K. Yangailo (Mrs)
Chairperson – Human Rights Commission