Human Rights Council – 62nd Session
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on summary executions
Statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
Delivered by Ambassador Heidi Schroderus-Fox,
Permanent Representative of Finland
18 June 2026
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report.
The report clearly shows that the death penalty inflicts severe physical and psychological suffering that may amount to torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. It also highlights the irreversible risk of wrongful convictions and the disproportionate impact on those in vulnerable situations, including ethnic minorities, persons from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and persons with disabilities.
Death penalty is incompatible with the absolute prohibition of torture and the obligation to uphold human dignity and right to life. It imposes severe psychological pressure not only on those condemned, but also on their families.
Universal abolition remains essential, and all States are strongly encouraged to maintain moratoria on executions.
Lastly, we would like to express our appreciation for the work of the Special Rapporteur, including his extensive country-level engagement. We further welcome the forthcoming guidelines on the investigation of femicides.
Special Rapporteur, is there an estimation of how many innocent people have been wrongfully convicted to death penalty worldwide?
Thank you.