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Philipines flag

Article(s)

Adoption of Bill Allowing the Imposition of the Death Penalty for a New Crime.

By Grace Keane O'Connor , on 30 April 2021

Philippine House Bill No. 7814 provides the death penalty for a new crime under the 2002 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

2021

Drug Offenses

Philippines

China Death Penalty 2022

Article(s)

The Status Quo of China’s Death Penalty and the Civil Society Abolitionist Movement

By China Against the Death Penalty, on 15 February 2022

Translation of an article on the death penalty in China for the Beijing Olympics 2022, initially published by Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty in October 2021 for World Day.

2022

China

Legal Representation

Mid-terms 2023

Article(s)

Mid-terms: A first half of 2023 marked by multiple abolitions

By Nellia Halimi, on 9 October 2023

The first seven months of 2023 have been rich for the abolitionist community with a new abolitionist country, a new abolitionist state in the United States, as well as progress for abolition within multiple countries. However, some countries continue to use the death penalty and there have been alarming increases in executions.

2023

Ghana

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Kenya

Malaysia

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

Trend Towards Abolition

United States

Uzbekistan

Article(s)

High-Level Remote Panel on the Moratorium Resolution

By Louis Linel, on 6 November 2020

On 5 November, a webinar gathering high-level panelists was held by Ensemble contre la peine de mort / Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) as one of their initiatives for the moratorium campaign. Usually organized in New York, USA on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the event had to be facilitated […]

2020

Algeria

Belgium

Democratic Republic of the Congo

France

Italy

Moratorium

Morocco

Switzerland

Live Facebook

Article(s)

UPR 36th Session Debriefed on Facebook Live

By Louis Linel, on 17 November 2020

As the 36th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was being held under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Council from 02 to 13 November, the Advocates for Human Rights, a member organization of the World Coalition, facilitated Facebook live debriefings to cover the review of States that have not yet abolished capital […]

2020

Belarus

Jamaica

Liberia

Libya

Malawi

Maldives

United States

UN Human Rights Council

Article(s)

UN High Level Panel on the death penalty and limitation to the most serious crimes

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 14 March 2023

On February 28 2023, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council held its biennial high-level panel on the issue of the death penalty.

2023

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

Statement on executions in the USA

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 21 June 2019

As the worldwide trend towards abolition of the death penalty grows, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty notes with concerns that the USA has reached a total of 1500 executions since 1977.

2019

United States

eminar June, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya

Article(s)

East African Seminar on Best Practices in Kenya: A Key Gathering for the Abolitionist Movement on the Continent

By Wendy Adouki, World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 15 August 2023

A privileged moment to exchange on the different abolitionist dynamics in Africa As part of the Africabolition project, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (World Coalition) and FIACAT (the International Federation of ACATS) organized a seminar for English-speaking African members from 19-26 June, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.

2023

Kenya

Trend Towards Abolition

Amnesty Annual report

Article(s)

Increase in the number of executions, but clear progress toward abolition in 2022

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 18 September 2023

On 16 May, Amnesty International published their annual report on the global use of the death penalty, which shows the overall number and trends in sentencing and executions in 2022.

2023

Trend Towards Abolition

Article(s)

Death Sentences and Executions in 2017

By Amnesty International, on 12 April 2018

Amnesty International published its international global review of the death penalty on Tuesday, 12th April 2018.At least 993 executions in 23 countries in 2017 were recorded, down by 4% from 2016 (1,032 executions) and 39% from 2015 (when the organization reported 1,634 executions, the highest number since 1989). China remained the world’s top executioner, but excluding China, 84% of all reported executions took place in just four countries – Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan.

2018

Article(s)

A Moratorium acts as a “truce” for the death penalty

on 23 August 2012

Hands Off Cain published its annual report in August. President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma wrote the introduction and the book has been dedicated to Rwanda.

2012

Benin

Burundi

Ethiopia

Ghana

Guinea

Latvia

Maldives

Mauritania

Mongolia

Moratorium

Morocco

Myanmar

Nigeria

Rwanda

Sierra Leone

South Africa

Suriname

Uganda

United States

Zambia

75th Ordinary Session of the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights

Article(s)

75th Ordinary Session of the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights 

By Wendy Adouki, World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 15 August 2023

From 3rd to 23rd May 2023, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) held its 75th Ordinary Session for the first time in a hybrid format with participants both attending online and in person in Banjul, the Gambia, seat of the ACHPR.

2023

Trend Towards Abolition

World Coalition Against the Death Penalyt

Article(s)

Joint Open Letter to the Minister of Justice of Malawi on the abolition of the death penalty 

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 26 July 2024

 Dear Minister of Justice, Honorable Titus Mvalo Ahead of this joint letter, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty would like to express its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Malawi for the passing of Vice President Mr. Saulos Chilima on 11 June 2024.

2024

Malawi

Article(s)

A decrease in the number of countries with the death penalty worldwide, despite an increase in executions

By World Coalition against the death penalty , on 20 June 2024

On 29 May 2024, Amnesty International published its annual report on the state of the death penalty worldwide. Amnesty International’s monitoring shows that in 2023 the lowest number of countries on record carried out the highest number of known executions in close to a decade.

2024

DPIC’s Report on the 2020 Death Penalty Usage in the US

Article(s)

DPIC’s Report on the 2020 Death Penalty Usage in the US

By Louis Linel, on 6 January 2021

TheDeath Penalty Information Center’s 2020 annual report highlights the continuing trend toward abolition in the US and the resumption of federal executions in a challenging COVID-19 context.

2021

United States

Deathworthy and Trapped Inside reports

Article(s)

Over 8,000 people on death row in South Asia

By Aurelie Placais, staff, on 3 May 2022

With few executions but one of the biggest death rows in the world, South Asia is at a crossroad. Recent publications explore mental health on death row and social and economic background of people sentenced to death in Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

2022

Bangladesh

Death Row Conditions 

India

Maldives

Mental Illness

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

Are unofficial moratoriums meaningful?

Article(s)

Importance of understanding phases of abolition: the danger of ‘abolitionist in practice’ 

By Venus Aves, Bronwyn Dudley, and Shahindha Ismail, on 6 November 2023

In July 2023, the World Coalition hosted a seminar in Malaysia in the context of its “Countries at Risk” project. This subject of informal moratoriums solicited much interest as participants considered preventative strategies for stopping a return to the death penalty, and what environmental factors need to be considered to implement those strategies. This article […]

2023

Moratorium

Article(s)

Groundbreaking Survey Reveals Iranians’ Attitudes Towards the Death Penalty

By GAMAAN Institute / World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 23 October 2020

This survey, conducted by the GAMAAN Institute between the 3rd and the 11th of September 2020, includes responses from about twenty thousand people living inside Iran.

2020

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Public Opinion 

Sierra Leone's flag

Article(s)

Sierra Leone abolishes the Death Penalty

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty , on 2 August 2021

On Friday 23rd July 2021, Sierra Leone’s Parliament unanimously abolished the death penalty by passing the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act.

2021

Public Opinion 

Sierra Leone

UN Human Rights Council

Article(s)

Abolition of the death penalty at the United Nations Human Rights Council 49th session

By Aurelie Placais, staff, on 3 May 2022

The 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council took place from 28 February to 1 April 2022. If you missed it, here’s what happened in relation to the abolition of the death penalty!

2022

Participants split into groups working on research practical exercises. Copyright World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, November 2022.

Article(s)

Advocacy Seminar Held in Berlin for French-Speaking Sub-Saharan Africa Members

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 26 January 2023

In the margins of the 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, member organizations of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (World Coalition) and FIACAT’s African ACATs (Féderation international des Action des Chrétiens pour l’abolition de la torture) met in Berlin, Germany for an advocacy seminar.

2023

Benin

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Central African Republic

Chad

Congo

Côte d'Ivoire

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Guinea

Madagascar

Mali

Niger

Senegal

Togo

Article(s)

Executions and Death Sentences Near Record Lows in 2021 in the USA

By Death Penalty Information Center, on 13 January 2022

Virginia’s historic abolition of the death penalty highlighted a year in which public opinion polls, executions, and new death sentences all signaled continued erosion of support for capital punishment across the United States.

2022

Public Opinion 

United States

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BECOMES 24th AFRICAN STATE TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY

Article(s)

Central African Republic Becomes 24th African State to Abolish the Death Penalty

By ACAT-RCA, ECPM, FIACAT, on 26 June 2022

The President of the Central African Republic promulgated the law abolishing the death penalty on June 27 2022, one month after the National Assembly passed the law. CAR is now the 24th abolitionist state in Africa and the 111th in the world.

2022

Central African Republic

UN Human Rights Council

Article(s)

Abolition of the death penalty at the United Nations Human Rights Council 56th session

on 30 August 2024

The United Nations Human Rights Council met for its 56th Regular Session from June 18 to July 12, 2024. If you missed it, here is what happened regarding the abolition of the death penalty!

2024

Trend Towards Abolition

world congress 2022 closing ceremony

Article(s)

A Very Moving and Inspiring Closing Ceremony

By Dunia Schaffa, on 30 January 2023

The Closing Ceremony of the 8th World Congress celebrated people who play an immense role in the process of the abolition of the death penalty, with an awards ceremony and a tribute. 

2023

Trend Towards Abolition

UN Human Rights Council

Article(s)

What China’s report to the United Nations tells us about transparency and the death penalty

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 28 June 2024

In January 2024, China underwent its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the UN Human Rights Council. While in all previous reviews, the death penalty was mentioned in the Chinese state report, nothing was reported this year.

2024

China

Article(s)

9th Resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty: the trend is growing

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 20 December 2022

On 15 December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 9th resolution for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty with 125 votes in favor (2 more than in 2020), 37 votes against, 22 abstentions and 9 absent.

2022

Moratorium

Trend Towards Abolition

Article(s)

Calling on international bodies to condemn drug executions in Saudi Arabia and seek to stop them

By European Saudi Organization for Human Rights, on 1 December 2022

The European Saudi Organization for Human Rights and Harm Reduction International, and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty along with 32 other NGOs have called on the International Narcotics Control Board and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to act on urgent measures in response to the series of drug-related executions carried […]

2022

Drug Offenses

Saudi Arabia

United Nations

Article(s)

120 UN Member States Support the Moratorium at Committee Vote

By Louis Linel, on 18 November 2020

On 17 November, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a draft resolution calling upon UN Member States to observe a moratorium on executions.

2020

Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Djibouti

Eswatini

Guinea

Lebanon

Mexico

Moratorium

Nauru

Philippines

Republic of Korea

Sierra Leone

Switzerland

Recontextualizing the threat of death penalty for homosexuality in Uganda

Article(s)

Recontextualizing the threat of death penalty for homosexuality in Uganda

By Méline Szwarcberg, on 2 May 2023

On Tuesday March 21, the Ugandan parliament passed a law that severely criminalizes people who have consensual same-sex relations. At the end of April, the law had still not been validated by the President Museveni. Among a range of harsh penalties, the law would allow the death penalty for the crime of « aggravated homosexuality […]

2023

Gender

Uganda

14th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Article(s)

Recapping the UN Crime Congress in Kyoto

By Teppei Ono, CPR, on 15 March 2021

The United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice was held in Kyoto, Japan from 7 to 12 March 2021.

2021

Public Opinion 

World Coalition Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

How Likely Is the Return of the Death Penalty in Israel?

By World Coalition against the Death Penalty, on 22 May 2023

Early 2023, the newly elected government of Israel announced an ensemble of judicial reforms; including a new bill that would introduce the death penalty for acts of terrorism. As of May 2023, the judicial reforms have been put on hold by the PM Netanyahu. This article takes a historical perspective to recontextualize the issue of […]

2023

Israel

Papua New Guinea's flag

Article(s)

Papua New Guinea: one step away from full abolition of the death penalty

By Aurélie Plaçais, World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 21 January 2022

Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament voted to repeal the death penalty on 20 January2022. The bill has now to be signed into law and to be published in the official gazette.

2022

Moratorium

Papua New Guinea

19-world-day-against-the-death-penalty-events-map

Article(s)

Take Action for World Day 2023!

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 20 September 2023

Take action now! The 21st World Day Against the Death Penalty is an excellent opportunity to publicly oppose the use of this inhumane punishment and to support those who are fighting for its abolition all over the world.

2023

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

World Coalition Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

China: Judicial guidelines to curtail activism for Taiwan a further blow for human rights protections

By Amnesty International, Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network, Capital Punishment Justice Project, the Rights Practice and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 1 August 2024

Taken from the declaration posted on Amnesty International’s web page found here.  “Amnesty International and four other organizations are alarmed by the recent publication by the Chinese authorities of new judicial guidelines providing directives to prosecute and harshly punish, including by the death penalty, those advocating and acting for Taiwan’s independence. The guidance effectively encourages […]

2024

China

Article(s)

Saudi Arabian Mass execution of 81 men

By Anissa Aguedal, World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 4 April 2022

Saudi Arabia: the largest mass execution in this country in years The kingdom of Saudi Arabia executed 81 men on March 12, 2022, all of whom had been convicted of a wide range of offences, including “terrorism”- related crimes, murder, armed robbery, and arms smuggling. Those put to death included seven Yemenis, one Syrian and […]

2022

Moratorium

Public Opinion 

Saudi Arabia

Article(s)

Europe launches diplomatic offensive against the death penalty

on 10 October 2008

Since 2007, October 10 is also the European Day Against the Death Penalty. Numerous European politicians have chosen this day to state their opposition to capital punishment.

2008

Lebanon

Uganda

Article(s)

Teng Biao: Olympics an opportunity to put pressure on the Chinese authorities”

on 13 February 2008

Teng Biao is one of the rare activists who call for the immediate abolition of the death penalty from within China. In the past weeks, the police confiscated his passport and he received threats.

2008

China

Innocence

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

Despite recent setbacks, the trend towards the universal abolition towards the death penalty remains

By Elise Guillot, on 8 February 2017

The UK-All Party Parliamentary Group on the Abolition of the Death Penalty organised a meeting in London, on 25 January 2017. Gathering parliamentarians, representatives of the British institutions as well as members of the civil society, the meeting aimed at presenting the worldwide death penalty situation and at focusing on the countries at risk of reintroducing the death penalty.

2017

19-world-day-against-the-death-penalty-events-map

Article(s)

Take Action for World Day 2021!

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 10 September 2021

Take action now! The 19th World Day Against the Death Penalty is an excellent opportunity to publicly oppose the use of this inhumane punishment and to support those who are fighting for its abolition all over the world.

2021

Drug Offenses

Fair Trial

Women

Armenia"s flag

Article(s)

Armenia ratifies international treaty for irreversible abolition of the death penalty

By Aurélie Plaçais, on 25 March 2021

Armenia ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR on 18 March 2021.

2021

Armenia

Virginia USA

Article(s)

The Commonwealth of Virginia Abolishes the Death Penalty

By Louis Linel, on 25 March 2021

Virginia became the 23rd US State to formally ban capital punishment on 24 March 2021.

United States

Article(s)

Recapping and video recordings of the side events of the 2021 General Assembly

By Elise Garel, World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 27 September 2021

On June 18, 2021, on the sidelines of the General Assembly of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, several events were organized. These events were an opportunity for the members of the World Coalition to address many issues related to the fight for the abolition of the death penalty.

2021

Juveniles

Legal Representation

Women

Article(s)

Program of the 18 June 2021 General Assembly

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 15 June 2021

If you are a member organization, join the fantastic program we will have on Friday 18 June!

2021

Juveniles

Women

Japan's flag

Article(s)

Protest Against Executions Ordered by Minister of Justice Yoshihisa Furukawa

By Center for Prisoner Rights and Japan Innocence and Death Penalty Information Center, on 23 December 2021

On 21 December 2021, Japan’s new governement executed three men after two years with no execution during which Japan hosted the Olympics and the United Nations Congress on Criminal Justice.

2021

Japan

Legal Representation

Moratorium

Capitalization workshop of the project for the abolition in Africa

Article(s)

Capitalization workshop of the project for the abolition of the death penalty in sub-Saharan Africa

By Elise Garel, on 4 January 2022

Member organizations of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty and African ACATs (Action des Chrétiens pour l’Abolition de la Torture) met in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) for the capitalization workshop of Phase 2 of the project for the abolition of the death penalty in sub-Saharan Africa, organized on 29 and 30 November by the World […]

2022

Côte d'Ivoire

Moratorium

Public Opinion 

Advocacy at the 69th ACHPR Ordinary Session

Article(s)

NGO Forum and 69th Ordinary Session of the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights

By Bronwyn Dudley and Corentin Mançois, on 17 December 2021

The ACHPR (the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights) met again virtually for its 69th Ordinary Session from 15 November – 5 December 2021.

2021

Terrorism

Women

Journalists participating in the media parley in Lagos © LEDAP, HURILAWS

Article(s)

Women Sentenced to Death Showcased on the 19th World Day Against the Death Penalty

By Elise Garel, on 3 December 2021

With the theme “Women sentenced death: an invisible reality”, the 19th World Day Against the Death Penalty aimed to highlight the issues faced by women who are sentenced to death, executed, pardoned or exonerated around the world.

2021

Cameroon

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Morocco

Nigeria

Pakistan

Sierra Leone

United States

Women

Article(s)

Joint Declaration on the Death Penalty and Women’s Rights

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 10 October 2021

As we mark the 19th World Day Against the Death Penalty dedicated to women facing capital punishment, who have been sentenced to death, who have been executed or who have been pardoned or found not guilty, the members of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty and allies of women sentenced to death take this […]

2021

Women

How to work with parliamentarians for the abolition of the death penalty

Article(s)

Publication of a New Guide on Working with Parliamentarians to Abolish the Death Penalty

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 10 October 2021

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, in partnership with Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), has published a new how-to guide for civil society organizations (CSOs) on how to collaborate with parliamentarians to abolish the death penalty.

Women

bahrain's flag

Article(s)

Calling Upon the Council of Paris to Overhaul Bahrain-Owned Paris FC’s Subsidy

By Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain, on 5 February 2021

This Tuesday, on February 2, 2021, the Council of Paris will announce its position on the renewal of the yearly €500,000 subvention allocated to the Paris FC.

2021

Bahrain

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Moratorium

This statement is co-signed by: Amnesty International Capital Punishment Justice Project FIDH – International Federation for Human Rights MADPET – Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture Parliamentarians for Global Action Taiwan Alliance Against the Death Penalty World Coalition Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

Singapore: Authorities must end executions and stop targeting anti-death penalty activists to curb criticism 

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 28 August 2024

We, the undersigned seven organizations, are gravely concerned by developments in Singapore since the beginning of August 2024, which has seen the authorities carry out two executions in violation of international safeguards on the death penalty, as well as limiting the right to freedom of expression of the Transformative Justice Collective, a non-governmental organization who […]

2024

Singapore

Côte d’Ivoire's flag

Article(s)

Côte d’Ivoire Accedes to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 8 July 2024

Côte d’Ivoire has acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, which is the UN treaty aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, on 3 May 2024.

2024

Côte d'Ivoire

Why is the Death Penalty not the answer to Rape?

Article(s)

Why is the Death Penalty not the answer to Rape?

By Morine Chauvris, on 8 July 2024

Every October 10th, the World Coalition against the death penalty and its members celebrates the World Day against the Death penalty. In 2024 and 2025, the abolitionist movement will focus on challenging the widespread misconception that the death penalty enhances safety for individuals and communities.

Women

Global Consortium for Death Penalty Abolition

Article(s)

Strengthening the Abolitionist Movement: Launch of the Global Consortium for Death Penalty Abolition

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 12 July 2024

Despite a growing number of countries worldwide joining the abolitionist movement every year, bringing the prospect of universal abolition closer to reality, the death penalty remains a significant human rights concern.

2024

Trend Towards Abolition

World Coalition Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

In support and solidarity with “No Death Penalty Tuesdays” abolitionist movement in Iran

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 28 August 2024

Every six hours, one person was executed in Iranian prisons in the first 20 days of August. Execution numbers have been rising every year since 2021, with at least 834 people executed in 2023, and 395 executions recorded by Iran Human Rights as of 26th August 2024.

2024

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

World Coalition Against the Death Penalyt

Article(s)

NGOs voice fears for dozens of Egyptian prisoners, and hundreds of others, facing execution for drugs-related offenses in Saudi Arabia

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 13 September 2024

We, the undersigned organisations, are gravely fearful for the lives of hundreds of prisoners threatened with imminent execution in Saudi Arabia on drugs-related charges, including 33 Egyptians on a single wing of Tabuk Prison.

2024

Drug Offenses

Saudi Arabia

79th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Article(s)

Key Outcomes from the 79th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

By Isabella Ataides, on 26 September 2024

From 14 May to 3 June 2024, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) held its 79th Ordinary Session in a hybrid format. Members of the Commission and staff of its Secretariat physically attended the Session in Banjul, Gambia; all other participants attended the Session online via Zoom.

2024

Trend Towards Abolition

Access to justice and discrimination: the World Coalition organizes a briefing for the UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls

Article(s)

Access to justice and discrimination: the World Coalition organizes a briefing for the UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 26 September 2024

Gender

Flag of Zambia

Article(s)

246 People Removed from Death Rows in Zambia

on 29 January 2021

President Edgar Lungo announced, on 27 January 2021, that 246 death sentences had been commuted into life, a more than welcome decision that has brought the overall number of commutations to over 500 since 2015.

2021

Clemency

Zambia

Buildings

Article(s)

How Business May Contribute to Universal Abolition

By Louis Linel, on 29 January 2021

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have long been at the forefront of the movement for human dignity, as the main, highly-specialized – and sometimes isolated– champions for social justice. However, a new generation of advocates from the private sector, whose primary center of interest or area of expertise seems disconnected from international human rights standards, has been […]

Public Opinion 

UN Moratorium Plenary Session Vote

Article(s)

Statement on the Adoption of the 8th UN General Assembly Resolution for a Moratorium on the Use of the Death Penalty

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 17 December 2020

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty warmly congratulates the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the adoption of Resolution A/RES/75/183 for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, which was adopted by a great majority of 123 UN Member States on 16 December 2020.

2020

Moratorium

Kazakhstan Flag

Article(s)

Kazakhstan Ratifies the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR

By Aurélie Plaçais, on 1 April 2022

Kazakhstan ratified the UN treaty aiming at the abolition of the death penalty on 24 March 2022.

2022

Kazakhstan

World Day

Article(s)

The 18th World Day Against the Death Penalty Highlights the Life-Saving Importance of Effective Legal Representation in Capital Cases

By Gia Tongson, on 18 November 2020

The 18th World Day Against the Death Penalty explored the theme “Access to Counsel: A Matter of Life or Death” in light of the continued execution of individuals who struggle to have adequate support from their lawyers, who consequently also face their own challenges in the judicial system. Having access to qualified and effective representation […]

2020

Australia

Belgium

Canada

Congo

Egypt

Fair Trial

France

Kazakhstan

Philippines

Portugal

Uganda

World Coalition Against the Death Penalyt

Article(s)

Middle East and North Africa: Abolitionist civil societies in full swing despite a difficult context

By Aurelie Placais, World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 15 February 2022

On the occasion of the publication of the Human Rights Watch World Report 2022, the World Coalition looks back at recent developments and civil society mobilization against the death penalty in the Arab world.

2022

Bahrain

Egypt

Fair Trial

Iraq

Moratorium

Morocco

Saudi Arabia

State of Palestine

Terrorism

Tunisia

World Coalition Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

TAIWAN: CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO HEAR CHALLENGE TO DEATH PENALTY LAW

By World coalition against the death penalty, Amnesty International, on 23 April 2024

On 23 April 2024 the Constitutional Court of Taiwan will hear a challenge on the constitutionality of the death penalty in the country. Amnesty International Taiwan and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty are among several non-governmental organizations intervening in the case, in support of the full abolition of the death penalty.

2024

Taiwan

Amnesty International, Harm Reduction International, Iran Human Rights, Transformative Justice Collective Logos

Article(s)

World Drugs Day: UNODC must act to stop the use of death penalty for drug-related offences and urge states to end executions

By Amnesty International, Harm Reduction International, Iran Human Rights, Transformative Justice Collective, on 27 June 2023

On 26 June, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is marking World Drugs Day with the theme “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”, and launched another edition of the World Drug Report. Sadly, as has been the case over the years, UNODC has failed to raise concerns over the continued use […]

2023

Drug Offenses

Gender and Death Penalty Glossary

Article(s)

World Coalition launches glossary on gender and the death penalty

By World coalition against the deaht penalty, on 15 August 2023

As part of its efforts to mainstream a gender lens in the abolitionist movement, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty just released a glossary on gender and the death penalty. The first of its kind, this publication presents and defines terms relevant to gender-sensitive abolitionist work that recognize the various forms of gender-based discrimination […]

2023

Gender

onnie Numbi of Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Uganda, Dr Anna Henga of Legal Human Right Center Tanzania, Damaris Kemunto of the Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), and Méline Szwarcberg

Article(s)

Advocating for the recognition of women sentenced to death in the fight for women’s rights

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 15 August 2023

From July 16 to 20, a World Coalition delegation comprising Connie Numbi of Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Uganda, Dr Anna Henga of Legal Human Right Center Tanzania, Damaris Kemunto of the Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), and Méline Szwarcberg, Women and Gender Project Manager at the World Coalition, attended […]

Gender

Women

World Coalition Against the Death Penalyt

Article(s)

Abolition of the death penalty at the United Nations Human Rights Council 52nd session

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 22 May 2023

The United Nations Human Rights Council met for its 52nd Regular Session from February 27 to April 4, 2023. If you missed it, here is what happened regarding the abolition of the death penalty!

2023

Trend Towards Abolition

Moratorium Stays in Place in Sri Lanka

Article(s)

Moratorium Stays in Place in Sri Lanka and Anti-Death Penalty Petitioners Secure an Official Record in Court Proceedings to Protect Future Rights

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 28 March 2023

Petitioners challenging the potential resumption of executions in Sri Lanka experienced received reassuring news on 23 February 2023 when the Attorney General of Sri Lanka reported to the Supreme Court that the incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe has agreed to not implement executions during his tenure.

2023

Sri Lanka

Trend Towards Abolition

World Coalition Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

Death Penalty Information Center’s Annual Summary

By Dunia Schaffa, on 27 February 2023

According to the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC) annual review, 2022 has been the eighth consecutive year with less than 30 people executed and less than 50 people sentenced to death during the year in the United States of America.

2023

United States

Mapping Report on Women on Death Row

Article(s)

World Coalition Publishes Country Mapping Report on Women on Death Row

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 8 September 2023

To obtain a global view of existing data on women sentenced to death, the World Coalition carried out a systematization exercise of new data, compiled in a report published in August 2023.

2023

Women

Singapore's Death Penalty Discourse

Article(s)

Unveiling Singapore’s Death Penalty Discourse: A Critical Analysis of Public Opinion and Deterrent Claims

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 27 March 2024

While Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) maintains a firm stance on the effectiveness of the death penalty in managing drug trafficking in Singapore, the article presents evidence suggesting that the methodologies and interpretations of these studies might not be as substantial as portrayed.

2024

Singapore

The Council of Europe welcomes the ratification by Armenia of Protocol No. 13 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances (ETS No. 187).

Article(s)

Entry into force of Armenia’s ratification of the European Protocol for abolition in all circumstances

By Aurélie Plaçais, on 22 March 2024

In February 2024, Armenia’s ratification of Protocol No. 13 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances entered into force. Armenia was already abolitionist for all crimes and a State Party to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, aiming at […]

2024

Armenia

Trend Towards Abolition

International Symposium on the Right to Life in Taiwan

Article(s)

International Symposium on the Right to Life in Taiwan

By Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty (TAEDP), on 12 January 2024

The Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty (TAEDP) held a series of events including an international seminar, prison visit, and meetings that took place from 19-22 September 2023 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

2024

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Death Row Conditions 

India

Taiwan

CEDAW86 side event on gender and the death penalty

Article(s)

CEDAW experts welcome World Coalition members in the #CEDAW86 side event on gender and the death penalty

By Venus Aves, on 8 November 2023

On 22 October 2023, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (World Coalition) organized a closed-door side event on a gender-based and intersectional approach to abolition as part of the 86th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

2023

Gender

Death penalty: An irreversible torture: Discussion with special rapporteurs and exonerees

Article(s)

Highlights: Discussion on torture and the death penalty with UN experts and exonerees

By Venus Aves, on 6 November 2023

For the 21st World Day Against the Death Penalty dedicated to the reflection on the relationship between the use of the death penalty and torture or other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment started in 2022, the World Coalition hosted an online discussion with United Nations experts Morris Tidball Binz (UN Special Rapporteur on […]

2023

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Death Row Conditions 

88th CEDAW Session

Article(s)

Abolitionist advocacy at the 88th CEDAW Session

on 7 June 2024

The 88th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 13 to 31, 2024.

2024

Brazil

Estonia

Gender

Kuwait

Malaysia

Montenegro

Republic of Korea

Rwanda

Singapore

Statment Iran signatories - april 2024

Article(s)

Call for joint action to stop drug-related executions in Iran

on 3 May 2024

April 10, 2024 Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and 83 Iranian and international organisations and groups have called for joint action to stop drug-related executions, urging UNODC to make “any cooperation with the Islamic Republic contingent on a complete halt on drug-related executions”. They have announced the start of a mass international campaign in this regard.

2024

Drug Offenses

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Statement Singapore 2024 signatories

Article(s)

Calling on Singapore to respect international safeguards and halt executions

on 3 May 2024

We are greatly concerned by the news that the Government of Singapore has issued at least five execution notices since 12 April 2024, all cases in relation to drug offending. Transformative Justice Collective, a member of the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network, reports that in four of these five cases, the execution was stayed at the […]

Drug Offenses

Fair Trial

Legal Representation

Singapore

UN Human Rights Council

Article(s)

Abolition of the death penalty at the United Nations Human Rights Council 53rd session

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 18 September 2023

The United Nations Human Rights Council met for its 53rd Regular Session from June 19 to July 14, 2023. If you missed it, here is what happened regarding the abolition of the death penalty!

2023

Trend Towards Abolition

United Nations 46th Human Rights Council

Article(s)

Abolition of the death penalty at the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council

By Anissa Aguedal, on 19 August 2022

The United Nations Human Rights Council met for its 50th Regular Session from June 13 to July 8, 2022. If you missed it, here is what happened regarding the abolition of the death penalty!

2022

Iran's flag

Article(s)

Joint Statement to condemn the public executions and the surge of executions in 2022 in Iran

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 11 August 2022

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty strongly condemn the resumption of public executions in Iran and the surge in the executions in 2022, which goes against the international trends towards abolition of the death penalty.

2022

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Myanmar's flag

Article(s)

Statement on the end of the unofficial moratorium on executions in Myanmar

By the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 11 August 2022

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, and ACAT-France, ACAT-Germany (and their partner organization Federal Association of Vietnamese Refugees in the Federal Republic of Germany), Amnesty International, Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN), Avocats Sans Frontières France, Centre for Civil and Political Rights, Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE International), Coalition Marocaine Contre la Peine […]

Moratorium

Myanmar

A candlelight vigil to protest the execution of Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam in Singapore (Mohd Rasfan/AFP via Getty Images)

Article(s)

Death penalty: Singapore’s growing abolition movement

By Kirsten Han, on 5 September 2022

Article first published by the Interpreter Public support for capital punishment isn’t as overwhelmingand unshakeable as the government often portrays it to be.

2022

Singapore

World Coalition Against the Death Penalyt

Article(s)

Plans to carry out arbitrary executions in Myanmar must halt immediately

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty , on 23 June 2022

The undersigned organizations are gravely concerned at the recent announcement by the military authorities of Myanmar that the death sentences imposed on four people after grossly unfair proceedings have been approved for implementation.

2022

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Fair Trial

Legal Representation

Myanmar

19-world-day-against-the-death-penalty-events-map

Article(s)

Take Action for World Day 2022!

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 9 September 2022

Take action now! The 20th World Day Against the Death Penalty is an excellent opportunity to publicly oppose the use of this inhumane punishment and to support those who are fighting for its abolition all over the world. > Spread the word on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: #nodeathpenalty > Find out more about the World […]

2022

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Celebrating 20 years

Article(s)

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty celebrates its 20th anniversary!

on 13 May 2022

For this occasion, we wanted to give the floor to our founding member organizations. 20 years of memories, meetings, activism and fight with the hope to see one day a world without death penalty. Discover those testimonials in our newsletter.

2022

World Coalition Against the Death Penalyt

Article(s)

European Protocol for full abolition turns 20

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 3 May 2022

Today is the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Protocol No. 13 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances.

2022

Armenia

Azerbaijan

73rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights: In- Person, Advocating Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

73rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights: In- Person, Advocating Against the Death Penalty

By Bronwyn Dudley & Connie Numbi, on 16 December 2022

After nearly 3 years, the ACHPR (African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights) met in-person in Banjul, The Gambia to hold their 73rd Ordinary Session from 21st  October – 10th  November 2022. 

2022

how Malaysian politics has shaped the death penalty as our country knows it today

Article(s)

Malaysia and the Politics Behind the Death Penalty: A Tumultuous Relationship. 

By Michelle Chew, on 24 October 2022

On 6 October 2022, the Malaysian government tabled bills abolishing the mandatory death penalty.

2022

Malaysia

Trend Towards Abolition

Ending violence against women 2022

Article(s)

Reflecting on the links between the death penalty and gender-based violence

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 25 November 2022

On 25 November 2022, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, through the testimony of representatives of abolitionist member and partner organizations, wishes to raise awareness of the links between the death penalty and violence against women and gender minorities and call out the unjust and […]

2022

Gender

Kenya

Sri Lanka

Uganda

Women

How to work with national human rights institutions to abolish the death penalty

Article(s)

Publication of a New Guide on Working with National Human Rights Institutions to Abolish the Death Penalty

By Bronwyn Dudley, World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 17 November 2022

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty has published a new how-to guide, in collaboration with Mr. Isidore Clément Capo-Chichi, President of the Beninese Commission on Human Rights. It is aimed for civil society organizations and illustrates how to collaborate with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to achieve the abolition of the death penalty. In […]

2022

Trend Towards Abolition

UN Human Rights Council

Article(s)

Abolition of the death penalty at the United Nations Human Rights Council 51st session

By World coalition against the death penalty, on 24 October 2022

The United Nations Human Rights Council met for its 51st regular session from September 12 to October 7, 2022. If you missed it, here is what happened regarding the abolition of the death penalty!

2022

Trend Towards Abolition

Abolition Africa

Article(s)

Africa : 3 abolitions of the death penalty in one year

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 20 October 2022

After Sierra Leone and the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea has adopted a new Penal Code that abolishes the death penalty for ordinary crimes.

2022

Central African Republic

Equatorial Guinea

Sierra Leone

intersectionality

Article(s)

Joint statement on the death penalty and human rights of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 10 October 2022

20th World Day against the Death Penalty On this 20th anniversary of the World Day Against the Death Penalty dedicated to the link between torture and the use of the death penalty and in continuation of the 2021 World Day Against the Death Penalty dedicated to women facing capital punishment, sentenced to death, executed, pardoned […]

2022

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Death Row Conditions 

Fair Trial

Women

Iran's flag

Article(s)

Statement of international solidarity with the families of people sentenced to death in Iran

By The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 15 September 2022

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty express its solidarity with the families and relatives of people who are sentenced to death in Iran and with the civil society organizations supporting them.

2022

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

mid term 2022

Article(s)

Mid-terms: A first half of 2022 rich in abolitions

By the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 13 September 2022

The first six months of 2022 have been rich for the abolitionist community with two new abolitionist countries and a new ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. However, some countries continue to use the death penalty and there […]

2022

Forum Liberia 2022

Article(s)

Liberian Civil Society Organize to Push for Abolition

By Rescue Alternatives Liberia and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 29 April 2022

On 12 April 2022, Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) orchestrated a one-day forum on abolition in Liberia with the support of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty. The outcomes of this event were very promising, and time will tell if abolition in Liberia is near.

2022

Liberia

Public Opinion