United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the death penalty a cruel and inhumane practice – one that 65 countries globally retain for terrorism-related offenses – which is the focus of this year's World Day against the Death Penalty, UN News Center reports.
He urged everyone to continue working to abolish the death penalty in all circumstances and places.
"Let our actions always be guided by the moral compass of human rights – the most effective route to a safer, more just and secure world," concluded Mr. Ban.