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<p>We welcome the decision by Saudi Arabia to end the use of the death penalty as
a discretionary punishment for minors, including those under the age of 18 at the
time of the alleged crime. We will monitor the implementation of this decision.</p><p>The
Saudi authorities understand our position: we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances
and especially in cases that involve child defendants. This position is in line with
the minimum standards set out in the 2008 EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty; the
provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and, the Arab
Charter on Human Rights.</p><p>The former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa
raised our concerns about the death penalty with Deputy Justice Minister HE Abdullah
Al Sulaimi on 11 February. The Foreign Secretary also raised our human rights concerns
with Saudi Arabia during his visit in March this year.</p><p>We will continue to raise
our concerns with the Government of Saudi Arabia to promote the protection of all
child defendants against the death penalty regardless of the crime committed. We will
encourage the authorities to review death penalty judgements for all minors, or individuals
who were minors when the crime was committed.</p>
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