10/10: New Zealand stands tall against the death penalty

Today, October 10, is the world day against the death penalty. And today, Prime Minister Helen Clark committed New Zealand to joining the international campaign for a global moratorium on executions:

Prime Minister Helen Clark made the announcement while speaking to Amnesty International representatives at parliament.

Clark says the government is working with other countries to put a resolution to the United Nations, to abolish what she calls the ultimate form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

According to Amnesty International, New Zealand will be co-authoring the resolution. Good. This is exactly the sort of role New Zealand should be taking on human rights, and I'd like to see the government adopt a leadership role on other human rights issues as well.