UN Says US Life Sentences Violate International Standards

As a result of organizing and advocacy by DROP LWOP and coalition members around the country, the United Nations issued a report calling on the United States to end "death by incarceration" sentences. the report, issued by the UN Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the Context of Law Enforcement, in particular states;

"disproportionate, excessive and discriminatory sentencing beyond life expectancy is a cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, in violation of international human rights standards protecting life, liberty and against torture. All prison sentences in the United States should include parole eligibility within a reasonable number of years, and always below life expectancy. Federal and state executive branches should keep exercising clemency powers in favour of persons already serving sentences beyond life expectancy, especially benefiting children and persons who committed crimes when they were children and older persons."

For the first time a United Nations body has now acknowledged that the United States' use of any life sentence, including LWOP sentences, is cruel, inhuman, and degrading in violation of international human rights standards, and that these sentences violate the right to life, liberty, and to be free from torture. Additionally, the body affirms that parole eligibility is required for any sentence under international standards.

Advocates for ending LWOP sentences also note that powerful that a UN body is adopting the language of "death by incarceration" -- a term coined and used by those who have been most impacted by these sentences.

You can read and download a copy of the report here ---->> International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the Context of Law Enforcement (opens as Word document)