UN rights chief alarmed by rise in Singapore drug-related executions, calls for moratorium
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has called for Singapore to halt executions for drug offences, citing rising numbers and human rights concerns. The appeal follows recent cases, including a cannabis trafficking execution, and highlights growing international scrutiny.
- Volker Türk urges Singapore to impose a moratorium on executions.
- Majority of executions in recent years involve drug-related offences.
- Authorities defend capital punishment as lawful deterrence against serious crimes.
GENEVA: United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on 22 April has expressed concern over a continued increase in executions for drug-related offences in Singapore, describing the practice as inconsistent with international human rights law.
He called on the Singapore government to impose an immediate moratorium on the death penalty as a step towards its eventual abolition.
Eight executions in Singapore in early 2026
In the first months of 2026, eight individuals have been executed for drug-related offences in Singapore.
The figures follow a pattern observed in recent years.
In 2025, 17 individuals were executed, with 15 linked to drug-related convictions.
Across 2023 and 2024, 25 executions were recorded, of which 24 were reportedly for drug offences.
Türk said the figures reflect a sustained reliance on capital punishment for offences that do not involve intentional killing.
Recent case draws attention
The most recent execution involved Omar bin Yacob Bamadhaj, who was put to death last week after being convicted of trafficking cannabis.
His family was given two weeks’ notice prior to the execution.
The execution proceeded despite appeals from several international and regional civil society organisations urging authorities to halt the sentence.
According to a statement issued by the Central Narcotic Bureau on 16 April, Omar was afforded full due process under Singapore law and had legal representation throughout his trial and appeal.
The bureau added that clemency petitions submitted to the President were unsuccessful.
Human rights concerns raised
“At every level, the taking of this man’s life is both cruel and inhuman,” Türk said.
“Quite simply, the death penalty is fundamentally incompatible with human dignity and the right to life.”
He reiterated that under international human rights law, drug-related offences that do not involve loss of life do not meet the “most serious crimes” threshold required for the use of capital punishment.
Türk added that such standards limit the death penalty to crimes involving intentional killing and require strict adherence to due process and fair trial guarantees.
Türk noted that while there has been a broader shift away from capital punishment in Asia, there is a concerning global increase in executions for drug-related offences.
Singapore remains among a small number of states that continue to impose the death penalty for such crimes.
“I repeat my plea to Singapore – and all other States still carrying out executions – to impose a moratorium,” he said, describing it as a critical step towards ending the practice.
Authorities defend policy
In its 16 April statement, the Central Narcotic Bureau maintained that capital punishment is imposed only for the most serious offences.
It stated that drug trafficking and the importation of significant quantities cause severe harm to individuals, families and society.
The bureau said the approach is intended to deter drug-related crimes and protect public safety, adding that the legal framework is applied with full due process.
