US, Syria, Iran: 'axis of executions'?

The UN Human Rights Committee is calling for a global ban on the death penalty. The debate over a draft resolution has lumped the United States together with countries like Iran and Syria. They all object to the move.

Opponents argue the non-binding motion could interfere with the sovereignty of the member states.

The resolution will be put to the full 192-member body in December.

Russia's delegation to the UN supported the outcome of the vote.

The death penalty in Russia has been suspended since 1996.