Access Quote by Pope Francis
“States kill when they apply the death penalty, when they send their people to war, or when they carry out extra-judicial or summary executions. They can also kill by omission, when they fail to guarantee to their people access to the bare essentials for life.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the United Nations General Assembly, 2015
State violence includes both direct killing and neglect that deprives people of basic necessities, reflecting a broader definition of state responsibility for life.
In simple terms: Governments can kill by action or by failing to provide essentials.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address both violent and neglectful state policies.
Themes
human rights
state violence
responsibility
ethics
Mood
concerned
urgent
reflective
Type
political
ethical
activist
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- humanitarian aid
- legal accountability
- public awareness campaigns
Key Concepts
political theory
social justice
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we hold governments accountable for neglect?
- What mechanisms can prevent both violent and neglectful state actions?
A Different Perspective
States may argue security or sovereignty to justify such actions, complicating reform.
![“A solemn day. Barring a stay by Sup Ct, & with my final nod, Utah will use most extreme power & execute a killer. Mourn his victims. Justice.[...] I just gave the go ahead to Corrections Director to proceed with Gardner's execution. May God grant him the mercy he denied his victims.[...] We will…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02a/anonymous-1_attorney-generals_a-solemn-day-barring-a-stay-by-sup-ct-wi_903233.jpg)
