UN votes for death penalty freeze

The UN General Assembly has passed a resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty, with the ultimate aim of abolishing capital punishment.

It voted 104 in favour and 54 against with 29 abstentions on a resolution which, while non-binding, reflects the view of most member states.

Unusually, the US sided with countries like China and Iran to oppose it.

It calls on countries with the death penalty to respect international standards and establish a moratorium.

The UN's humanitarian panel approved the resolution last month.