(CNN) The number of executions carried out across the world have reached a 10-year low, according to a new report from human rights organization Amnesty International.

At least 690 executions were carried out in 20 countries in 2018, which was a 31% decrease from 2017's total of 993 executions or more.

The report is a moment of cautious optimism for human rights advocates who believe the death penalty to be a cruel and inhumane practice. However, along with the general decrease of executions, there are also points of concern.

Executions in the US rose for the second year in a row

According to Amnesty International's report, 45 people were put to death in the United States in 2018. This is a slight increase from 2017, when 41 were executed. However, in general, the rise is actually small compared to the general downward trend.

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