in 1994 a resolution for a moratorium was presented for the first time at the united nations general assembly (unga) by the italian government. it lost by eight votes. since 1997, through italy's initiative, and since 1999 through the eu's endeavour, the united nations commission of human rights (unchr) has been approving a resolution calling for a moratorium on executions with a view to completely abolishing the death penalty, every year. the 2007 vote at the third committee of the united nations general assembly saw intense diplomatic activity in favour of the moratorium by eu countries, and by the nonviolent radical party itself; the catholic community of sant'egidio joined forces by submitting to the u.n. an appeal and 5,000,000 signatures asking for the moratorium to be passed..