The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) supports worldwide efforts to abolish the use of corporal punishment for the discipline of children.

Corporal punishment is defined as “the use of physical force with the intention of causing bodily pain or discomfort so as to change the subject’s behaviour or to punish them.”

IHEU's International Representative Babu Gogineni has written to President Musharraf asking him to review the case of British Muslim Mirza Taher Hussain. Mirza Hussain has been in detention for 18 years and on the death row for 16 years on murder charges which Pakistani courts too have rejected. Mirza Hussain is scheduled to be executed next month.

IHEU has also asked President Musharraf to revoke the Qisas and Diyat Ordinances, which allow justly-convicted murderers to escape punishment by payment of 'blood money' to the victim's families.

Please write to President Musharraf at http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMessage.aspx

Whereas, the International Humanist and Ethical Union affirms the worth and dignity of every human being and has, through past resolutions expressed its opposition to all cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and

Whereas, the continuation of the death penalty on the statute books is in dissonance with the right to life recognised by Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and

The International Humanist & Ethical Union:

Having regard for the right to life as recognised by article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Considering that the prohibition of the death sentence increasingly comes within the ambit of international human rights standards adopted by governments, the United Nations and within regional intergovernmental organisations,

Reiterating its total opposition to any form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment,

Noting that Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,

Aware that torture is practised in many countries of the world,

Cognisant that various reports of such violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms have been brought before various United Nations organs dealing with human rights, the International Humanist and Ethical Union:

To the Governor of Georgia, USA:

The International Humanist & Ethical Union, which has consultative status with UNESCO, shares the feelings of dismay of the US people in these days of horror, but feels nevertheless impelled to express grave concern over the death sentence pronounced on seventeen year old Preston Cobb, that is threatened to be executed.

It earnestly appeals to intercede on behalf of this victim of the circumstance, whose execution cannot be understood, irrespective of the issue of capital punishment in general.