Topic:
Country: China
Delegate Name: Olivia Bryan
Olivia Bryan
Williamston High School
China
Human Rights Council
Use of the Death Penalty
The use of the death penalty has been officially employed in laws since the early eighteenth century, but has been around since the beginning of time. The controversy surrounding it has been a topic of debate for nearly as long. The UN, specifically human rights delegates, have condemned the penalty. However, China feels there is more to be taken into consideration. The Human Rights Council should debate on it but take into consideration views beyond that of condemnation.
China acknowledges that it has the highest death penalty rate known to the world. However, China also has one of the lowest crime rates in the world as well. Specifically in violent crime. As of 2021 only around 3.47 out of 10,000 people were convicted of a violent crime. Furthermore, China is selective over who receives the penalty. Articles 48-50 of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China state that unless immediate execution is necessary then said person may receive a two-year suspension during which if they commit no crimes their sentence is reduced to a life sentence. Only the worst crimes receive the death penalty and caveats include those under 18 years of age and pregnant women. China is constantly criminalized and protested against for the belief in capital punishment. China would like to see more open debate on the topic of the penalty, as well as more than just the negatives and absolute termination of it.
China would like to see debate on the topic of the death penalty. While there is no strong opposition to the penalty in itself, China would like to discuss and work with other countries that are invested in human rights in an effort to better the country and its policies. China would propose strong and open debate with focus on the benefits and well as detriments. China would also like to converse with countries such as Egypt, Iran, and the U.S. who share China’s more open outlook on capital punishment.
Sources:
Abolition of the Death Penalty: China in World Perspective, dpic-cdn.org/production/legacy/RHoodOnChina.pdf. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.
“China Justice Observer.” English, www.chinajusticeobserver.com/a/crime-rate-in-china-2021#:~:text=Based%20on%20this%20data%2C%20the,offenses%20to%20more%20severe%20felonies. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China.” Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China | Congressional-Executive Commission on China, www.cecc.gov/resources/legal-provisions/criminal-law-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“Early History of the Death Penalty.” Death Penalty Information Center, deathpenaltyinfo.org/facts-and-research/history-of-the-death-penalty/early-history-of-the-death-penalty. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“Executions around the World.” Death Penalty Information Center, deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/international/executions-around-the-world. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“U.N. Experts: ‘almost Impossible’ for Countries to Administer Death Penalty without Violating Defendants’ Human Rights.” Death Penalty Information Center, deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/u-n-experts-almost-impossible-for-countries-to-administer-death-penalty-without-violating-defendants-human-rights. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
