threat of execution. In many ways this resembles the death row phenomenon criticised in other jurisdictions. Consular Assistance We support the call, from the Special Rapporteur on Arbitrary Executions, for all countries to improve the quality of consular assistance in death penalty cases. All countries face the risk that their citizens in China may be executed. Embassies should ensure that consular staff are properly informed about the criminal procedure and the necessity of ensuring prompt and effective assistance. Countries with sufficient resources should guarantee the provision of an adequate defence. Procurement of Organs for Transplant Operations There are too many unanswered questions about organ transplantation in China leading to serious concerns that death penalty cases might be expedited to meet the demand for organs. Governments should press China to end the use of prisoners’ organs, urge China to provide full information on transplant operations and ban travel to China for transplant operations. Treatment on Death Row The routine use of shackles for prisoners facing execution amounts to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and should be abolished. The time between SPC approval and execution is too short to allow for any meaningful reconsideration of the verdict. There is also a need to ensure better communication with the family and lawyers of prisoners facing execution in order to allow them to prepare for death. China should introduce clemency proceedings for all prisoners sentenced to death. 60