UN General Assembly – Adoption of the “Moratorium on the use of the death penalty” resolution (Dec. 16, 2022)

France applauds the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the “Moratorium on the use of the death penalty” resolution yesterday, which we and our partners have brought forward every two years. The historic support for this resolution shown by 125 nations reflects growing momentum for the universal abolition of the death penalty.

France emphasizes its strong opposition to the death penalty everywhere and in all circumstances, and regrets that this cruel, inhumane, unjust punishment is still being applied in certain parts of the world. France commends and supports the human rights defenders who are continuing to oppose it, as we reiterated at the World Congress against the Death Penalty organized by Together Against the Death Penalty and held in Berlin from November 15 to 18.

France calls on all nations that apply this penalty to place it under a moratorium ahead of its ultimate abolition, and encourages all nations to sign and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aimed at abolishing it.

Bosnia-Herzegovina – European Council decision to grant candidate country status to Bosnia-Herzegovina (Dec. 15, 2022)

France welcomes the European Council’s December 15th decision to grant Bosnia-Herzegovina EU candidate country status. Through this unanimous decision by all 27 member states, the EU is sending a strong message to the Bosnian people, reminding them of the European continent’s common destiny.

This decision inaugurates a new phase with regard to Bosnia-Herzegovina’s future within the EU. There is a clear roadmap for moving forward and toward the opening of accession negotiations. It includes the 14 priority reforms enumerated by the European Commission in October. France hopes that the country’s new elected officials will resolutely engage in the implementation of these reforms, which are essential for bringing the country into the EU, and which will bring tangible improvements to the lives of all Bosnian citizens.