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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)

Arab League Summit: the death penalty at the heart of the alternative summit organized by civil society

By Hédia Zaalouni, on 10 May 2019

On the occasion of the 30th session of the Arab League Summit, which took place in Tunis from 26 to 31 March 2019 and brought together 21 Arab delegations, a parallel counter-summit, organized by civil society, was held to address the issue of human rights in the Arab world.

2019

Tunisia

Article(s)

Joint statement of the death penalty in Japan

By Center for Prisoners' Rights and Japan Innocence & Death Penalty Information Center, on 30 March 2018

Joint Statement signed by Center for Prisoners’ Rights and Japan Innocence & Death Penalty Information Center to to call Japanese government for a sincere dialogue while condemning the government for refusing a dialogue with international communityand not accepting capital punishment as a human rights issue.

2018

Japan

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

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 […]

2022

Moratorium

Myanmar

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article(s)

Statement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 10 December 2020

Humanity and the global human rights movement, including the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, are celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. This day has been commemorated by the United Nations as International Human Rights Day.

2020

Moratorium

Article(s)

Children of people sentenced to death attract the UN’s attention

By Léa Macarez, on 19 September 2013

The UN Human Rights Council brought together representatives from civil society, States and the UN itself to discuss the rights of children whose parents are sentenced to death or executed.

2013

Juveniles

Article(s)

Arab spring at the heart of World Coalition debates

on 26 June 2011

International abolitionists gathered in Morocco have discussed the recent wind of change in the region and the resulting hope for the abolition of the death penalty.

2011

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Iraq

Morocco

Terrorism

Tunisia

instrumentalisation of the death penalty - 8th world congress pannel

Article(s)

How the Death Penalty is Politicized: A Reflection on the 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty

By Dunia Schaffa, on 27 January 2023

During the 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, in Berlin Germany, the phrase “the death penalty is being used as a political tool” was used frequently – in panels, in round tables, in speeches, even amongst the participants getting a coffee in between Congress events.

2023

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

United States

Article(s)

Death penalty 2018: Dramatic fall in global executions

By Amnesty International, on 10 April 2019

Despite a rise in executions in some countries, global executions fell by 31% in 2018. The universal fight for the abolition of the death penalty seems to be on the right way.

2019

Article(s)

The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines launches a campaign against the reinstatement of the death penalty in the country

By Thalia Gerzso, on 26 October 2017

Despite its national and international commitment not to carry out any executions, Philippines is taking worrying measures toward the reinstatement of the death penalty for drug offenses. Determined to thwart the government’s plan, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines has taken various actions, including an awareness campaign for the 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty.

2017

Philippines

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

The death penalty at the heart of the debates of the 62nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

By Guillaume Colin - Jessica Corredor, on 15 May 2018

The 62nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the African Union body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa, was held from April 25th to May 9th, 2018 in Nouakchott, Mauritania.The death penalty was at the heart of the debates throughout this Session, during panel discussions, side-events or during the review of the State’s periodic reports.

2018

Mauritania

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

ADPAN network keeps up abolitionist fight

By Anti-Death Penalty Asian Network (ADPAN), on 10 October 2012

The Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network, which was founded on 10 October 2006, is again taking action this World Day Against the Death Penalty and takes stock on 10 years of progress in Asia – and on the challenges ahead.

2012

Article(s)

New Hampshire: 21st State to Abolish the Death Penalty in the USA

By Aurelie Placais, on 12 June 2019

On 30 May 2019, the NH state Senate voted to override the governor’s veto. The death penalty repeal took effect immediately.

2019

United States

Article(s)

Justice ministers meet as Colosseum lights up to say yes to life

By Community of Sant'Egidio, on 10 December 2012

The Community of Sant’Egidio conducted a crucial political networking exercise in favour of abolition in Rome at the end of November before 1,600 cities lit up their monuments against the death penalty.

2012

Benin

Burundi

Central African Republic

France

Gabon

Italy

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Mongolia

Public Opinion 

Switzerland

Togo

United States

Uzbekistan

Zimbabwe

Article(s)

Abolitionist movement shifts up a gear in Morocco

By Thomas Hubert, on 20 December 2013

Through engagement with members of Parliament, the publication of an unprecedented report on death row conditions and the launch of a new website, the Moroccan abolitionist movement is entering a new dimension.

2013

Mental Illness

Morocco

Article(s)

Terrorism is no excuse for unfair trials in Iraq

By Elisa Belotti, on 25 November 2015

Earlier in November, the UN Human Rights Committee released its concluding observations on Iraq’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Committee and civil society’s representatives specifically dwelled on Iraq’s application of the death penalty.

2015

Fair Trial

Iraq

Iraq

Terrorism

Article(s)

E Book review: a guidebook to the death penalty in Asia

on 10 March 2009

A new, authoritative study sheds a new light on capital punishment across Asia and may help abolitionists enhance their strategies.

2009

China

Japan

Philippines

Republic of Korea

Taiwan

Viet Nam

Article(s)

Kazakhstan Penal Code reform runs counter to abolitionist trend

By Anne Souléliac (Paris Bar), on 22 July 2014

The new Kazakh Penal Code provides for an increase in the number of capital crimes, even though Kazakhstan has been moving away from the death penalty for years and has a stated policy of meeting international standards.

2014

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Terrorism

Article(s)

The 6th International Conference on Human Rights issues a warning on the alarming situation in Bahrain

By Emmanuel Trépied and Coalition marocaine contre la peine de mort, on 10 March 2017

The World Coalition was invited to take part in the 6th international Conference on Human Rights, on February 22nd, 2017 in Beirut. addressing the very worrying situation in Bahrain, the event resulted in a series of calls and recommendations.

2017

Bahrain

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Fair Trial

Moratorium

Terrorism

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

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

Article(s)

Drug policy reform, harm reduction movement and the death penalty abolition movement have much in common

By Aurélie Plaçais, on 26 June 2019

As 26 June is “Support. Don’t Punish” Global Day of Action, the World Coalition shares some insight on the 2019 Harm Reduction International Conference which took place in Porto end of April.

2019

Drug Offenses

Article(s)

Iran: 2016 a deadly year despite a slight decrease in the executions

By Iran Human Rights, on 6 April 2017

The 9th annual report by Iran Human Rights (IHR)and ECPM (Ensemble contre la peine de mort) on the death penalty in Iran shows that in 2016 at least 530 people were executed in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Although this number is significantly lower than the annual execution numbers from the past five years, Iran remained the country with the highest number of executions per capita.

2017

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

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

Article(s)

The abolitionists’ forum in Niger: a great success

By Garba Illou Almoctar and Elise Guillot, on 22 November 2016

The first Nigerien abolitionists’ forum on the death penalty was held in Niamey on November 4 and 5, 2016. The NGO Réseau progrès et développement humanitaire du Niger (REPRODEVH-NIGER) and the Nigerien Coalition Against the Death Penalty organised the event, which was sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, the National Commission on Human Rights and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty. The initiative met with great success.

2016

Niger

Public Opinion 

Terrorism

Article(s)

Suriname and Haiti to lead abolitionist way in the Caribbean

By Thomas Hubert (in San Juan, Puerto Rico), on 27 June 2014

The World Coalition held its 2014 AGM in abolitionist Puerto Rico and highlighted key regional developments in the fight against the death penalty, which remains on the books of many countries in the Greater Caribbean.

2014

Barbados

Haiti

Jamaica

Puerto Rico

Suriname

Suriname

Trinidad and Tobago

Article(s)

The United Nations Human Rights Council votes in favor of a new resolution on the death penalty

By Jessica Corredor, on 4 October 2017

After putting the death penalty at the heart of discussion, the 36th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council ended with the adoption of a resolution on the death penalty.

2017

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

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

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)

Abolitionists support death row survivors

By Thalia Gerzso, on 14 November 2017

On October 26, abolitionists all around the world celebrated the release of Cheng Hsing-Tse, originally sentenced to death in 2006. This successful outcome highlights the work of numerous organizationss which assist death row survivors.

2017

Innocence

Murder Victims' Families

Article(s)

Mexican executed in Texas

on 5 August 2008

Jose Medellin, a Mexican sentenced to death in Texas, was executed on August 5 despite serious flaws in his trial. The Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty denounces an “irrevocable breach of international law”.

2008

Legal Representation

Mexico

United States

Article(s)

Democratic Republic of the Congo: the abolitionists organize workshops for journalists

By Thalia Gerzso, on 25 September 2017

Concerned by the population’s view on the death penalty, the Human Rights Defenders and Abolitionist Advocates in Democratic Republic of the Congo Network [Réseau des associations de défense des droits de l’homme et militants abolitionnistes de la peine de mort en République Démocratique du Congo (RADHOMA)] organized several training courses for journalists in the past few months.

2017

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

The United States Supreme Court’s End of Term Death Penalty Opinion is Against the US Trend Away from the Capital Punishment

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 14 July 2015

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty takes the opportunity to support the call of the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Summary Executions and on Torture, for the establishment of a federal moratorium on the death penalty.

2015

Moratorium

United States

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)

Unfair trials and the death penalty for terrorism in Iraq

By Majdoulin Sendadi, on 13 January 2020

From January until August 2019, Iraq executed more than 100 individuals accused of being affiliated with Daesh, according to Kurdish media network Rudaw.

2020

Iraq

Terrorism

Article(s)

Malaysian popular support for mandatory death penalty overstated

By Thomas Hubert, on 10 July 2013

A detailed opinion survey commissioned by the Death Penalty Project in Malaysia found that while most people initially respond supportively when asked about mandatory death sentences, their opinion changes when confronted with practical cases and additional information.

2013

Malaysia

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

Parliamentarians from French-speaking Africa commit to the abolition of the death penalty

By Jessica Corredor, on 17 January 2017

Against the background of the drafting of a new Constitution in Burkina Faso including an article on the abolition of the death penalty, ECPM, the FIACAT and the Burkinabé Parliament have organised a regional parliamentary seminar in Ouagadougou on the death penalty in French-speaking countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The last known execution in Burkina Faso dates back to 1988, making it an abolitionist country in practice.

2017

Article(s)

The death penalty at the heart of ACHPR debates

on 18 May 2012

The 51st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) was held in Banjul from April 18 to May 2, 2012. During the session, the Commission presented its “Study on the question of the death penalty in Africa” prepared by the Working Group on the death penalty of the ACHPR.

2012

Angola

Burundi

Gabon

Moratorium

Rwanda

Somalia

South Sudan

Sudan

Togo

Article(s)

How far is China ready to reduce its use of the death penalty?

By Aurélie Plaçais, on 25 November 2013

The number one executioner in the world recently made national and international commitments to continuing to reform its death penalty, but how far is China really ready to go?

2013

China

Clemency

Drug Offenses

Terrorism

Article(s)

Kenya’s new taskforce to review death penalty laws

By Nicolas Chua, on 11 September 2018

In December 2017, two Kenyan men challenged the legality of capital punishment at the Supreme Court, which resulted in Chief Justice Marage declaring the « mandatory nature of the death sentence » unconstitutional. Following this groundbreaking statement, the Taskforce on the Review of the Mandatory Nature of the Death Penalty was appointed on March 15 2018.

2018

Kenya

Article(s)

California ruling paves way for abolition of one of the world’s largest death rows

By Elizabeth Zitrin, on 18 July 2014

United States Federal District Court Judge Cormac J. Carney, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush, a strong supporter of the death penalty, ruled on 16 July that California’s death penalty system violates the US Constitution.

2014

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

United States

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

68th Ordinary Session, Joint Panel on Violence Against Women in Vulnerable Situations.

Article(s)

68th Ordinary Session African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights- Anti-Death Penalty Advocacy Continues

By Bronwyn Dudley, on 11 June 2021

The ACHPR (the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights) met virtually for its 68th Ordinary Session from 14 April – 4 May 2021.

2021

Terrorism

Women

Article(s)

Renewed calls for the abolition of the death penalty at the NGO forum and the 59th Session of the ACHPR

By Jessica Corredor, on 25 November 2016

At the end of October, the civil society gathered for the NGO Forum preceding the 59th African Commission for Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR): an occasion to put the death penalty on the agenda of the African Commission and to make the calls for the abolition heard. Nonetheless, difficulties on the path towards the abolition in the African continent remain.

2016

Gambia

Moratorium

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

Explaining the Death Penalty for Drug Offences: the Best Reports

By Elisa Bellotti, on 2 November 2015

For October 10, many NGOs have published Reports analyzing, from different perspectives, the issue of the death penalty for drug offences. Read this brief presentation of the reports to facilitate the selection of the research that will best satisfy your thirst for knowledge.

2015

Drug Offenses

Article(s)

Abolitionist activities, criminal policy at the heart of abolition

By Clémentine Etienne, on 1 August 2018

On 30 June 2018, as a side event to the 2nd National Congress of Réseau des avocats contre la peine mort (RACPM), a conference was organised under the title “Death Penalty and Criminal Policy”. Morocco seemed eager to match its Tunisian neighbour, which had recently proposed, with the Commission on Individual Freedoms and Equality, abolishing the death penalty.

2018

Fair Trial

Morocco

Article(s)

USA: showing the human face of the death penalty

By Tiziana Trotta, on 14 October 2015

A conference organized by Journey of Hope is just one among the many activities carried out around World Day against the Death Penalty in the U.S.

2015

Murder Victims' Families

United States

World Coalition Against the Death Penalyt

Article(s)

Call for tenders for the contracting of travel management services

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

The World Coalition requires travel management services, on a non-exclusive basis, for World Coalition staff, members and partners.

2021

Article(s)

New conservative voices crucial in New Hampshire repeal campaign

By Thomas Hubert, on 26 February 2014

After a House committee passed a bill abolishing capital punishment on 11 February, State representative Renny Cushing explains the next steps as the World Coalition’s Steering Committee prepares to meet in New Hampshire in April.

2014

United States

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

Article(s)

Teaching abolition in Taiwan

on 9 December 2009

Tsou Tzung Han is a Taiwanese teacher who actively took part in educational activities organised around World Day Against the Death Penalty. He writes about his experience with his students.

2009

Public Opinion 

Taiwan

Taiwan

Article(s)

The Undercurrent: How we took part in the 7th World Congress Against the Death Penalty

By Wang Peiqi (Executive Secretary of the Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty (TAEDP)), on 7 October 2019

As night fell, Xu Ziqiang and Zheng Xingze boarded a plane for Dubai together with a group of TAEDP members. Belgium was their final destination following this layover. This would be Ziqian’s and Xingze’s first time on European soil; they were preparing to take part in the World Congress Against the Death Penalty, held once every three years.

2019

Taiwan

World Coalition Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

Joint statement for the 71st Ordinary Session of the African Commission

By ECPM, FIACAT, World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 9 June 2022

Joint statement on the situation of the death penalty in Africa for the 71st Ordinary Session of the African Commission, signed by the FIACAT, ECPM and the World coalition. 

2022

Congo

Côte d'Ivoire

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kenya

Liberia

Malawi

Niger

Uganda

Article(s)

Executions for drug crimes: a violation of international law -international organizations

By Tiziana Trotta, on 15 October 2015

International organizations joined the 13th World Day Against the Death Penalty to stand against this cruel practice. United Nations, the European Union and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights merged to claim that capital punishment is not the solution to deter drug crimes.

2015

Drug Offenses

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

Statement Saudi Arabia 2024 signatories

Article(s)

Escalating concerns over the lives of minors threatened with death in Saudi Arabia

on 3 May 2024

The undersigned organizations express their grave concern for the lives of minor defendants particularly the two young men, Yousif Al-Manasif and Ali Al-Mubaiouq, who are at imminent risk of execution in Saudi Arabia following confirmed information that the Specialized Criminal Court of Appeal (SCCA) has upheld their death sentences.

2024

Juveniles

Saudi Arabia

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

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

Article(s)

Activists from Burundi, Rwanda and DR Congo join forces

on 3 December 2008

The Great Lakes Regional Coalition Against the Death Penalty held its first meeting on November 17 in Kinshasa. Its lobbying efforts have accelerated Burundi’s legislative process.

2008

Burundi

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Moratorium

Rwanda

Article(s)

Dialogue on the death penalty during the 20th anniversary of the Reformasi

By Clémentine Etienne, on 27 June 2018

20 years after the end of the dictatorship, Indonesia is going through a period of legal changes and transition. What impact can abolitionist associations and NGOs working on the ground have in encouraging the actions of legal counsellors and civil society?

2018

Indonesia

Article(s)

What now for Mumia?

on 28 April 2008

On 27 March, a US federal appeals court overturned Mumia Abu-Jamal’s death sentence, but not his conviction for murder. His lead counsel Robert R. Bryan gives his reaction to the ruling and the next steps in America’s most high-profile capital case.

2008

Fair Trial

United States

Article(s)

Marc Bossuyt: “Countries that have not signed up to the Protocol should feel isolated”

By Pierre Désert, on 27 June 2008

Marc Bossuyt was UN Special Rapporteur for drawing up the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. He is now president of Belgium’s Constitutional Court.

2008

Article(s)

Punishing Sex Crimes: The Evolution of the Death Penalty in India

By Hédia Zaalouni, on 21 April 2020

The Death Penalty in India: Annual Statistics, an annual report published in January 2020 by Project 39A, details the application of the death penalty in India during the year 2019. It also describes developments in criminal justice and policy in the country.

2020

India

Article(s)

Launching of death penalty abolition project in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

By Jessica Corredor, on 25 July 2018

The 22 and 23 June 2018, the Greater Caribbean for Life, the Death Penalty Project, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Human Rights Association, the University of the West Indies and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty met in Barbados to launch their joint three year project in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

2018

Barbados

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

Experts analyse the relationship between poverty and the death penalty

By Dr. Lina M. Torres Rivera, on 18 June 2018

The International Studies Programme Overseas Relations Assembly and the Institute for Human Rights Research and Promotion (INIPRODEH) organised a forum: The Death Penalty and Poverty on the 89th anniversary of abolition of the death penalty in Puerto Rico. Eminent figures from the abolitionist movement and academia reviewed and analysed research into this issue.

2018

Puerto Rico

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

Article(s)

“Frightening” increase of executions in Iran  

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

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reports that at least 243 people, including 10 women, have been executed in 2024, as of 15 June. In 2023, the number of people executed has increased from 582 to 834. At least 471 people were executed for drug-related offenses. This represent a 84% increase compared to 2022 (256).

2024

Drug Offenses

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

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

Article(s)

Second Optional Protocol: the only global treaty aiming at the abolition of the death penalty

By Pierre Désert, on 24 June 2008

The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is an international covenant adopted in 1989 by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to abolish the death penalty definitively.

2008

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

Article(s)

Philippines: House of Representatives must uphold international law obligations ahead of first death penalty vote

By Amnesty International & other organisations, on 19 February 2017

Nine international organisations are calling upon the Philippines to uphold its international obligations and not to restore death penalty in the country.

2017

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Philippines

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

Philippines’ Major Setback as Abolitionist Leader in South-East Asia

By Dinda Royhan, on 23 January 2020

As a prominent leader in the campaign against death penalty in the South East Asia region for the last decade, Philippines’ reputation is endangered with President Duterte’s determination to reintroduce death penalty in the country. The country’s legislators are now on its second attempt to pass the bills.

2020

Philippines

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 

Article(s)

Flurry of educational events on World Day Against the Death Penalty

on 6 November 2009

An abolitionist wave of marches, cultural happenings, petition signings and educational events swept across the world for the 7th World Day on October 10.

2009

Australia

Clemency

Democratic Republic of the Congo

India

Indonesia

Innocence

Public Opinion 

Taiwan

United States

advocacy workshop Burundi

Article(s)

Burundi: Promising advocacy workshop for the ratification of the abolitionist treaty

By Sarah Saint-Sorny, on 10 June 2022

On April 25, 2022, the Burundian Prison Observatory (BPO) organized a one-day advocacy workshop on the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (OP2-ICCPR) with the support of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.

2022

Burundi

Article(s)

ASEAN countries step back on the path towards abolition

By Tiziana Trotta, on 27 October 2016

Asia has the highest number of retentionist countries in the world. Eight members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) retain the death penalty and four of them carried out executions in 2015.

2016

Drug Offenses

Terrorism

Article(s)

Links between death penalty and mental health exposed from Japan to Nigeria

By Thomas Hubert, on 15 October 2014

The 12th World Day Against the Death Penalty was marked by hundreds of actions on all continents, in the media and online.

2014

Japan

Mental Illness

Article(s)

7th Congress – Preventing the resurgence of the death penalty

By Louis Linel, on 19 March 2019

The fragile victories of the abolitionist movement are being undermined by several states ready to resume the use of the death penalty, at the cost of abuses.

2019

Article(s)

African Commission adopts draft Protocol on abolition

By Maria Donatelli, on 24 April 2015

At its 56th ordinary session, the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) put the abolition of the death penalty at the heart of its debates and adopted a draft regional treaty to help African Union member states move away from capital punishment.

2015

Article(s)

Jamaica vote illustrates retentionist trend in the Caribbean

on 9 January 2009

Jamaican lawmakers voted to keep capital punishment and the government seems determined to use it. Caribbean abolitionists are battling similar moves across the region.

2009

Jamaica

Public Opinion 

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Article(s)

United Nations panel hears from innocent sentenced to death

By Maria Donatelli, on 4 July 2013

World Coalition members and a man who spent 18 years on death row for murders he did not commit joined UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for a debate on capital punishment.

2013

Innocence

United States

Article(s)

Congress should block effort to reintroduce death penalty in the Philippines

By FIDH and the World Coalition, on 5 December 2016

UPDATE: The Bill on the death penalty has not been discussed in plenary session at the House of Representatives in December. The House is now in recess until 16 January 2017.

We, the 70 undersigned organizations and individuals, express serious concern over the rapid efforts by members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines to adopt a bill restoring the death penalty in the country.

2016

Philippines

Article(s)

Singapore must stop targeting HR defenders and media

By Aliran et al (Malaysiakini), on 20 February 2020

We, the 37 undersigned groups and organisations, and three individuals, are appalled by Singapore’s denial and response to the highlighting of alleged “barbaric” unlawful practices in execution method that was highlighted vide a Jan 16 media statement issued by Lawyers for Liberty (LFL).get to many more people when media reports on our statements.

2020

Singapore

Article(s)

7th World Congress – The rights of children of parents sentenced to death

By Louis Linel, on 8 April 2019

This 10th October, the World Coalition will celebrate the 17th World Day Against the Death Penalty, which is focused on the rights of children whose parents are sentenced to death or executed. In time for the 30th anniversary of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November, this year’s theme serves as a reminder that the death penalty constitutes a widespread violation of human rights, impacting even those unseen victims. Let’s look back at how this theme was discussed and addressed during the 7th World Congress.

2019

Juveniles

Article(s)

Civil society instrumental in UN monitoring of progress towards abolition

By Thomas Hubert, on 22 September 2014

The World Coalition and its members are present at every step in the international human rights law process – from the signature of human rights treaties to the verification of their implementation. Their contribution is yielding more and more concrete results.

2014

Indonesia

United States

Article(s)

The future of the death penalty in the United States

on 27 March 2011

Governor Pat Quinn’s signing abolition into law last week in Illinois has reopened the debate on the death penalty throughout the country. Several states are currently considering abolition.

2011

Public Opinion 

United States

Article(s)

Mandatory Death Penalty for Blasphemy in Mauritania

By World Coalition Against the death penalty, on 11 May 2018

Through this joint statement twenty one national and international NGOs, calls upon Mauritanian authorities to reverse the recent adoption of a law on apostasy related crimes making the death penalty mandatory for blasphemy.

2018

Mauritania

Public Opinion 

Article(s)

Joint Open Letter to the President of Sri Lanka on the Imminent Resumption of Executions

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 2 July 2019

The letter, co-signed by 58 organizations, encourages the President of Sri Lanka to do everything in his power to stop executions in Sri Lanka and consign the death penalty to the history books.

2019

Sri Lanka

Article(s)

Moving away from the death penalty in Asia

By Sandra Babcock (DeathPenaltyWorldwide.org) in Bangkok, on 25 October 2013

Following up on the World Day Against the Death Penalty, successive meetings in Thailand and in China highlight decreasing support for capital punishment among Asian governments and public opinion.

2013

Brunei Darussalam

China

Japan

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Moratorium

Myanmar

Public Opinion 

Thailand

World Coalition Against the Death Penalty

Article(s)

PRESS RELEASE – Indignation after 30 death sentences in Kinshasa

By Michel Kalemba, Suzanne Mangomba, Xavière Prugnard and Bertin Leblanc, on 4 August 2021

Kinshasa, Paris, May 27, 2021 Our organizations denounce the recent death sentences handed down by the High Court of Gombe, in the center of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following violence against the forces of order.

2021

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Fair Trial

Legal Representation

Moratorium

Article(s)

Second Optional Protocol: An irreversible mechanism for abolishing the death penalty” – Denys Robiliard

on 7 September 2020

Denys Robiliard, a lawyer and former president of Amnesty International’s French section, details why the Second Optional protocol to the UN’s ICCPR is an crucial instrument to push the abolition of the death penalty worldwide.

2020

Afghanistan

Article(s)

Taiwan visit tarnished by six executions

By Patrick Kamenka, on 25 April 2013

The meeting of the World Coalition Steering Committee on 12 and 13 April 2013 in Taipei, attended by twenty people, was tarnished the same week by the execution of six prisoners sentenced to death, even though high-level assurances had been given by the State with regard to reducing such barbarous acts.

2013

Death Row Conditions 

Public Opinion 

Taiwan

Taiwan

Article(s)

Indonesia: execution for drug crimes is no solution

By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 26 January 2015

In an open letter, the World Coalition and its members, including KONTRAS and Amnesty International, condemn the Indonesian government’s politicizing of the death penalty to show its commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes. Recent resumptions of executions show one thing, they are carried out for political reasons only: in Pakistan to show that it is tough on terrorism, Jordan that it tough on crime and Indonesia that it is tough on drugs. Instead, those states should abolish the death penalty to show their commitment to upholding human rights. The next World Day against the Death Penalty will be dedicated to the issue of capital drug crimes.

2015

Drug Offenses

Indonesia

Article(s)

With 969 executions, 2015 turns out to be the deadliest year in Iran since 1990

By Marion Gauer, on 4 April 2016

This 8th annual report (released by Iran Human Rights and Ensemble contre la peine de mort) deals with the number of executions, the trend compared to previous years, the charges, the geographic distribution, as well as the monthly breakdown of the executions in Iran in 2015. These two organizations have been collaborating since 2011, in order to provide annual assessment and analysis of the death penalty trends in Iran. The 2015 report is the result of hard work from IHR members and supporters who took part in the documenting, analyzing and writing of its content.

2016

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Article(s)

The State of Palestine commits to abolishing the death penalty

By Louis Linel, Aurélie Plaçais, on 10 April 2019

On 18 March 2019, the State of Palestine acceded to the United Nations Treaty aiming to abolish the death penalty, becoming the 87th State Party to the OP2-PIDCP.

2019

State of Palestine

Article(s)

Death penalty: UN General Assembly human rights committee renews call for a moratorium on executions

By Amnesty International, on 23 November 2016

Today the overwhelming majority of UN member states once again threw their weight behind a UN General Assembly draft resolution to establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty. 115 of the UN’s 193 member states voted in favour of the proposal, with only 38 voting against it. The draft will now go before the UN General Assembly plenary for final adoption.

2016

Moratorium

Article(s)

Death Sentences in the Democratic Republic of the Congo More Numerous than Previously Thought

By Bronwyn Dudley, on 12 March 2020

ECPM and CPJ published a report in December 2019 following a fact-finding mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that took place earlier in the year. The results of the mission were astonishing – while the number of individuals sentenced to death was previously estimated to be 300 at most, the mission uncovered that there are at least 510 waiting execution. Liévin Ngondji, co-author of the report and President of CPJ, was in Paris in February 2020 to comment. Photo on the cover of the Report : 22 Oct 2015. Prison Centrale Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo copyright Ben Houdjik/ Shutterstock

2020

Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Fair Trial

Article(s)

Campaigners and political leaders unite against the death penalty

on 24 February 2010

Representatives from 56 abolitionist and retentionist countries attended the opening session of the World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Geneva.

2010

Belarus

France

Italy

Mongolia

Norway

Qatar

Senegal

Spain

Switzerland

Viet Nam

Article(s)

Taiwan’s top court rejects appeal to suspend executions

on 7 June 2010

As the legal action taken by local activists to block the use of the death penalty failed, abolitionists across Asia have been calling for an end to the death penalty in their region.

2010

Fair Trial

Taiwan

Taiwan