Statement by the Spokesperson on the implementation of the Penal Code Order in Brunei-Darussalam
Bruxelles, 03/04/2019 – 07:57, UNIQUE ID: 190403_2
The third stage of implementation of the 2013 Penal Code Order of Brunei-Darussalam entered into force on 3 April 2019. This is complemented by the 2018 Courts Criminal Procedure Code Order.Some of the punishments foreseen in the criminal code amount to torture, acts of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment which are prohibited by the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment which was signed by Brunei-Darussalam in 2015. They also go against the 2012 ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. These punishments may also breach Brunei’s obligations as a party to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
It is critical that the Government of Brunei-Darussalam ensures that the implementation of the Penal Code Order does not infringe on human rights and is fully consistent with all international and regional human rights commitments and obligations undertaken by Brunei-Darussalam.The European Union also expects Brunei-Darussalam to maintain its de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty.