Commission calls for end of death penalty

The Australian Human Rights Commission is deeply saddened at the executions in Indonesia of Australian citizens Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

Commission President Professor Gillian Triggs expressed profound concern that the human rights of these two men have not been respected.

“This is a distressing time for the family and friends of the deceased, but many Australians are also feeling great sadness,” said Professor Triggs.

“My hope is that the deaths of Andrew and Myuran will stimulate a positive effort, both throughout Asia and globally, to end the death penalty.

“In recent times, we have been working with Komnas Ham, Indonesia’s human rights commission. I propose to collaborate closely with Komnas Ham to see if we can promote this objective in our region,” said Professor Triggs.

Professor Triggs says the right to life is a fundamental right in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Indonesia and Australia are both signatories.