Statement of the UNODC executive director Yury Fedotov on the use of the death penalty in Indonesia

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as part of the UN Secretariat, opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and encourages every country to join a moratorium on its use and to eventually abolish this practice.

Under international law, if the death penalty is to be used at all, it should only be imposed for the most serious crimes, namely those involving intentional killing, and only with appropriate safeguards. Drug-related offences generally are not considered to fall under the category of 'most serious crimes.'

Based on its mandate, and the international drug control conventions, UNODC works with countries to build their capacity to interrupt drug trafficking. It also offers assistance for prevention and treatment services that benefits drug users and which is founded on scientific evidence, international best practices and the fundamental right to health.

In the case of Indonesia, UNODC is ready to support the country's efforts to confront its drug control challenges including its need to address drug abuse, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Our work includes legal, policy and technical advice for the development of national and regional programmes to counter drugs, crime and corruption. Such efforts are essential for protecting the health and welfare of all those who live in Indonesia and elsewhere.

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