The Death Penalty in the OSCE Area–Background Paper 2017 Noting ongoing local and national debates and regional initiatives on the death penalty, as well as the readiness of an increasing number of Member States to make available to the public information on the use of the death penalty, and also, in this regard, the decision by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 26/2 of 26 June 20145 to convene biennial high-level panel discussions in order to further exchange views on the question of the death penalty, Recognizing the role of national human rights institutions in contributing to ongoing local and national debates and regional initiatives on the d eath penalty, Welcoming the considerable movement towards the abolition of the death penalty globally and the fact that many States are applying a moratorium, including long-standing moratoriums, either in law or in practice, on the use of the death penalty, Emphasizing the need to ensure that persons facing the death penalty are treated with humanity and with respect for their inherent dignity and in compliance with their rights under international human rights law, Noting the technical cooperation among Member States, as well as the role of relevant United Nations entities and human rights mechanisms, in supporting State efforts to establish moratoriums on the death penalty, Bearing in mind the work of special procedures mandate holders who have addressed human rights issues related to the death penalty within the framework of their respective mandates, 1. Reaffirms the sovereign right of all countries to develop their own legal systems, including determining appropriate legal penalties, in accord ance with their international law obligations; 2. Expresses its deep concern about the continued application of the death penalty; 3. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 69/1866 and the recommendations contained therein; 4. Also welcomes the steps taken by some States to reduce the number of offences for which the death penalty may be imposed, as well as steps taken to limit its application; 5 See Official Records of the General Assembly, Sixty-ninth Session, Supplement No. 53 (A/69/53), chap. V, sect. A. 6 A/71/332. 81