"In a small but symbolic way, the writing by Indonesian students on the sanctity of life would be an ongoing contribution toward the eventual abolition of the death penalty in Indonesia," he said in a statement.

Before facing the firing squad, Chan and Myuran Sukumaran said they wanted their legacy to be a renewed push across the globe to abolish the death penalty.

However Indonesia has shown no sign of ending the practice, with plans already in place to kill five murderers. Up to 50 drug felons are also slated to be killed this year.

Professor Craven said that hope remained for a reprieve for other prisoners around the world on death row.

"The death penalty is a ­violent, cruel and immoral punishment that has no place in our ­society. And yet it persists," he said.