UN head deeply regrets Indon executions

The United Nation chief has expressed his deep regret that Indonesia went ahead with the executions of eight people on death row, including two Australians.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said the death penalty had no place in the 21st century and this view was supported by a growing number of UN member countries.

"The Secretary-General urges all countries where the death penalty is still in place to join this movement and declare a moratorium on capital punishment, with a view toward abolition," his office said in a statement.

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were executed by firing squad on Wednesday despite the federal government's pleas for clemency.