International Instruments, Conventions and Status of Death Penalty in various Countries

This research paper explores the global landscape of the death penalty, examining the legal instruments, international conventions, and regional frameworks that shape its application. It analyzes the role of major international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Second Optional Protocol aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and regional conventions like the European Convention on Human Rights. The paper also categorizes countries based on their legal stance—abolitionist, retentionist, or de facto abolitionist—and investigates the socio-political, legal, and human rights factors influencing their positions. Case studies from various continents offer insight into current trends, including a global movement towards abolition, persistent use in some authoritarian regimes, and shifting public opinion. The paper critically evaluates the effectiveness of international instruments in influencing national policies and highlights the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment’s legality, morality, and deterrence value.