Death penalty Protocol adopted, World conference on human rights considered.

• Position: Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The General Assembly has opened for signature, ratification and accession a new human rights instrument aimed at the abolition of the death penalty.

The 11-article Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, was adopted by the Assembly on 15 December by a vote of 59 to 26, with 48 abstentions. It calls for States Parties to commit themselves to take measures to abolish the death penalty within their jurisdictions.

Noting that article 6 of the Covenant refers to the death penalty "in terms that strongly suggest that its abolition is desirable", the Assembly favoured an international commitment to a ban on capital punishment.

Abolition of the death penalty contributes to "enhancement of human dignity and progressive development of human rights", the Assembly stated, adding that all measures with that aim should be considered as progress in the enjoyment of the right to life".

In another action, the Assembly also asked Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar to seek the views of Governments and international bodies on convening a world conference on human rights.

Such a meeting would deal at the highest level with the crucial questions facing the UN in connection with the promotion and protection of human rights, it stated.

Noting progress made by the UN towards achieving respect for human rights for all, the Assembly called appropriate a review of UN accomplishments through its human rights programme and what remained to be done. The first world conference on human rights was held in 1968.

The Assembly also welcomed Iran's invitation to the Commission on Human Rights Special Representative to make his first visit to that country. Iran said such a visit would result in a report "based on realities rather than allegations"'

As for other country reports, the Assembly urged a comprehensive political solution in Afghanistan; appealed for a resumption of dialogue to secure agreements on El Salvador; and expressed satisfaction at the progress of the Chilean electoral process as an important step towards the rapid return of democracy in that country.

During the...