Jakarta – The National Commission on Human Rights, known as Komnas HAM, on Wednesday called for the government to abolish the death sentence, saying it violated the right to life.

Speaking at a discussion at Komnas HAM's offices for World Day Against the Death Penalty, commission member Roichatul Aswidah said Komnas HAM had recommended the government remove the death penalty from Indonesia's criminal code.

"Article 6 [of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights] stipulates the right to life..." Roichatul Aswidah said."The right to life is the right automatically given by God."

Data from human rights organization Imparsial showed there are 132 inmates awaiting execution in Indonesia.

This year marked the 12th World Day against the Death Penalty, which aims to promote discussion about the sentence among governments and the public.

The event, which was started in 2003, recently drew support from United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who said the death penalty had "no place in the 21st century."

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/komnas-ham-calls-govt-abolish-death-sentence/