Context:  

In Alabama, USA a convict has been executed using nitrogen hypoxia for the first time as a method of capital punishment.

About Nitrogen Hypoxia

• In Nitrogen hypoxia, high concentration of nitrogen replaces oxygen which disables the respiratory system of a person causing ultimate death of a person. 

How Does Nitrogen HypoxiaIt Work?

• Nitrogen hypoxia forces the person to breathe only nitrogen, depriving him or her of the oxygen needed to maintain bodily functions.
• In this method of execution, a respirator mask is placed over the inmate’s face, and pure nitrogen is pumped into the person’s lungs instead of oxygen.

Concern

• Critics have called the method of execution a “human experimentation”.

Evolution of Anti-Death Penalty Initiatives

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): In the early 1960s, despite the prevalent use of the death penalty in a majority of countries, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) marked the beginning of global efforts for its abolition. 
• Safeguarding Rights (1984): In 1984, the UN Economic and Social Council took a significant step by adopting safeguards to protect the rights of individuals facing the death penalty. 
• Decisive Momentum: Second Optional Protocol to ICCPR (1989): This protocol urged Member States not to execute individuals within their jurisdictions. Thus, it provided decisive momentum toward the global death penalty abolition.
• UN General Assembly Resolutions: Progressive Restriction (2007-2018): These resolutions consistently urged states to adhere to international standards, progressively limit the use of the death penalty, and reduce the number of offences punishable by capital punishment.

News Source: The Hindu