United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour has hailed Rwanda's abolition of capital punishment.

"Abolition in Rwanda sends a very strong message," Ms Arbour said. "A country that has suffered the ultimate crime and whose people's thirst for justice is still far from quenched has decided to forego a sanction that should have no place in any society that claims to value human rights and the inviolability of the person. Rwanda is demonstrating leadership by action."

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