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Document(s)
Leaflet – World Day 2024 & 2025
By World coalition against the death penalty, on 10 June 2024
2024
Campaigning
World Coalition
arfrMore details Download [ pdf - 1325 Ko ]
Every 10th October, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty and abolitionist actors worldwide celebrate the World Day Against the Death Penalty. It is an occasion to highlight the progress achieved in the global campaign for the abolition of capital punishment. In 2024 and 2025, the World Day will serve as an opportunity to challenge […]
- Document type Campaigning / World Coalition
- Available languages كتيب - اليوم العالمي 2024 و 2025Brochure - Journée mondiale 2024 & 2025
Document(s)
Right Here, Right Now Life Stories from America’s Death Row
By Lynden Harris, on 10 August 2021
2021
Book
Death Row Conditions
United States
More details See the document
Upon receiving his execution date, one of the thousands of men living on death row in the United States had an epiphany: “All there ever is, is this moment. You, me, all of us, right here, right now, this minute, that’s love.”
Right Here, Right Now collects the powerful, first-person stories of dozens of men on death rows across the country. From childhood experiences living with poverty, hunger, and violence to mental illness and police misconduct to coming to terms with their executions, these men outline their struggle to maintain their connection to society and sustain the humanity that incarceration and its daily insults attempt to extinguish.
By offering their hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears, failures, and wounds, the men challenge us to reconsider whether our current justice system offers actual justice or simply perpetuates the social injustices that obscure our shared humanity.
- Document type Book
- Countries list United States
- Themes list Death Row Conditions
Document(s)
Death Penalty Politics: The Fragility of Abolition in Asia and the Pacific
By Mark Finnane, Mai Sato and Susan Trevaskes, on 1 September 2022
2022
Academic report
More details See the document
Despite a steady increase worldwide in the number of states that have abolished the death penalty, capital punishment remains a troubling presence in the international order. The world’s leading powers in terms of economics and population include the retentionist states of China, India, Japan and the United States of America (USA). It seems there is no linear path to abolition, and its achievement is indeterminate. Yet, in international human rights law, death penalty abolition is a powerful norm embraced by half the countries across the world. While the majority of death penalty research has emanated from and focuses on the USA, well over 90 per cent of global executions occur in Asia, which lags behind the global trend towards abolishing the death penalty. Our symposium and this collection seek to bring perspectives from a variety of disciplines and methods—historical, legal, sociological, comparative— to bear on the questions of retention and abolition in a variety of jurisdictions and time periods.
This article was first published in Crime Justice Journal: https://www.crimejusticejournal.com/issue/view/119
- Document type Academic report
Document(s)
The Death Penalty in 2022: Year End Report
By Death Penalty Information Center, on 16 December 2022
2022
NGO report
United States
More details See the document
In a year awash with incendiary political advertising that drove the public’s perception of rising crime to record highs, public support for capital punishment and jury verdicts for death remained near fifty-year lows. Defying conventional political wisdom, nearly every measure of change — from new death sentences imposed and executions conducted to public opinion polls and election results — pointed to the continuing durability of the more than 20-year sustained decline of the death penalty in the United States.
The Gallup crime survey, administered in the midst of the midterm elections while the capital trial for the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida was underway, found that support for capital punishment remained within one percentage point of the half-century lows recorded in 2020 and 2021. The 20 new death sentences imposed in 2022 are fewer than in any year before the pandemic, and just 2 higher than the record lows of the prior two years. With the exception of the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the 18 executions in 2022 are the fewest since 1991.
- Document type NGO report
- Countries list United States
Document(s)
Intiatives World Day 2005
By World coalition against the death penalty , on 10 October 2005
2005
Campaigning
Trend Towards Abolition
frMore details See the document
Intiatives World Day 2005
- Document type Campaigning
- Themes list Trend Towards Abolition
- Available languages Initiatives journée mondiale 2005
Document(s)
Leaflet – World Day 2022
By the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 24 June 2022
2022
World Coalition
arfrMore details Download [ pdf - 1095 Ko ]
Leaflet for the 20th World Day against the death penalty (2022), on torture and the death penalty.
- Document type World Coalition
- Available languages للیوم العالمي لمناھضة عقوبة الإعدام كتيب باللغة العربيةBrochure - Journée mondiale 2022
Document(s)
Children who are Impacted by a Family Member’s Death Sentence or Execution: Information for Mental Health Professionals
By National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), Texas after violence project, Clinical and Support Options, on 11 December 2021
2021
Working with...
Juveniles
More details See the document
This tip sheet provides some guidelines for mental health professionals who may encounter or work with children and families related to individuals who have been sentenced to death or executed.
- Document type Working with...
- Themes list Juveniles
Article(s)
Kirghizstan definitively outlaws death penalty
on 18 February 2010
The Kirghiz parliament has ratified the UN Protocol on the abolition of the death penalty as demanded by the World Coalition and its partner States, months after several leaders called for its reinstatement.
2010
Kyrgyzstan
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)
Discussion at the Human Rights Council of human rights violations related to the use of the death penalty
By Jessica Corredor, on 7 March 2017
From Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to abolitionist and retentionist government representatives and World Coalition members, participants to the Biennial high-level discussion on death penalty exchanged views in order to address human rights violations related to the use of the death penalty, in particular with respect to the prohibition of torture.
2017
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Article(s)
From moratorium to abolition: Africa wants to make the jump
on 28 February 2010
Five African icons in the struggle against the death penalty joined together to debate the transition from a moratorium on executions to full legal abolition.
2010
Burundi
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Togo
Uganda
Article(s)
ADPAN network reinforces its strength in Asia
By Jessica Corredor, on 22 August 2017
The Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network held its third AGM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 20 July, followed by a national conference on the abolition of the death penalty in Malaysia and Asia-Pacific.
2017
Malaysia
Article(s)
Advocating for the Adoption of the Draft Protocol by the African Union: A Step in the Right Direction for Abolition in Africa
By Florence Venunye Ayivor-Vieira and Hervé Nsambimana, on 15 December 2023
Advocacy in Addis-Ababa On the 10 October 2023, the FIACAT (International Federation of ACATs), and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, represented by Ms. Florence Ayivor-Vieira of ACAT-Ghana and Mr. Hervé Nsabimana of CODHAS (Centre d’observation des Droits de l’Homme et d’Assistance Sociale), Co-Chairpersons of the World Coalition’s working group on the draft protocol […]
2023
Trend Towards Abolition
Article(s)
India asked to maintain the moratorium on executions
By Emile Carreau, on 28 July 2011
After a six year moratorium on executions, India’s President Patil has rejected the mercy petition of two Indian nationals despite international outcry to maintain the moratorium.
2011
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Drug Offenses
India
Moratorium
Article(s)
Spot opportunities and focus on education, abolitionists are told
on 24 February 2010
The workshop on “Defining strategies for abolition” was an opportunity for abolitionists to share views and experience on what works – and what does not – when pushing for the repeal of the death penalty.
2010
Ghana
South Africa
Switzerland
Taiwan
Article(s)
Ratification of abolition treaties gathers pace in 2012
By Aurelie Placais, on 20 March 2012
The ratification campaign for the international protocols on the death penalty is on a roll with three new ratifications since January.
2012
Angola
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Cambodia
Honduras
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Mongolia
Poland
Document(s)
Facts and Figures 2008
By World Coalition against the death penalty , on 10 October 2008
2008
Campaigning
Trend Towards Abolition
frMore details See the document
Facts and Figures 2008
- Document type Campaigning
- Themes list Trend Towards Abolition
- Available languages Faits et chiffres 2008
Article(s)
ACAT-CI commits to the ratification of OP2 in Côte d’Ivoire
By N'guettia Yves Arsene Kouadio - ACAT Côte d'Ivoire, on 4 January 2017
Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture in Côte d’Ivoire (ACAT CI) has conducted advocacy activities between May and November 2016 in order to raise awareness on the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (OP2), aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. This project has been supported by the International Organisation of la Francophonie (OIF) and the International Federation of ACAT (FIACAT).
2017
Côte d'Ivoire
Public Opinion
Article(s)
US death sentences hit new low in 2009
By Death Penalty Information Center, on 7 January 2010
As legal efforts and economic woes weighed in against the death penalty, fewer Americans were sent to death row in 2009 than any other year since the restoration of capital punishment in the US in 1976.
2010
Mental Illness
United States
Article(s)
More than 1,000 sentenced to death in Iraq in 8 years
By Dr Nasr Abbood, on 1 March 2012
The Iraqi institutions established after the US-led invasion and the fall of Saddam Hussein have reinstated the death penalty and extended its scope since 2004. In this op-ed article, Iraqi Coalition Against the Death Penalty president Nassr Abood calls for alternative sentences and for a strong stance from the international community.
2012
Drug Offenses
Iraq
Iraq
Terrorism
Article(s)
Asia: Stop executions and unfair trials
By ADPAN, on 6 December 2011
A hard-line group of Asian countries are defying the global trend against the death penalty and putting to death thousands of people after unfair trials every year, the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) said today in a new report.
2011
Article(s)
South Korea’s 5,000th day without an execution an opportunity for abolition
By Martin Carbonell with ADPAN and MVFHR, on 8 September 2011
8th September 2011 marks the 5,000th day without executions in South Korea. Houng-oh Kim, a member of the National Assembly and former Speaker, is aiming to introduce a new bill abolishing the death penalty to mark this occasion.
2011
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Moratorium
Republic of Korea
Article(s)
Fear of mass executions in Iraq
on 4 January 2010
Information obtained by the World Coalition suggests that the Iraqi authorities have been planning the mass execution of nearly 1,000 people. In a column offered to international newspapers, the World Coalition denounces that barbaric plan.
2010
Clemency
Iraq
Iraq
Women
Article(s)
UN Protocol on death penalty turns 20
on 15 December 2009
For 20 years, the United Nations Protocol to abolish the death penalty has been the only universal treaty of worldwide scope to prohibit executions and secure universal abolition of the death penalty for all crimes.
2009
Armenia
Burundi
Côte d'Ivoire
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Mauritius
Poland
Article(s)
Opening up the debate in countries with the death penalty
By Penal Reform International, on 19 September 2011
On 19 and 20 September, World Coalition member organisation Penal Reform International (PRI) is bringing 120 people from retentionist countries to London to discuss global trends towards abolition of the death penalty.
2011
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Public Opinion
Syrian Arab Republic
United Kingdom
Article(s)
7th World Day Against the Death Penalty: teaching abolition
By Aurélie Plaçais, on 27 July 2009
On 10 October 2009, World Day Against the Death Penalty, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty wishes to teach abolition to all citizens around the world, especially to teenagers aged 14 to 18.
2009
Public Opinion
Article(s)
Sharing best practices on ratifying the UN treaty to abolish the death penalty
By Aurélie Plaçais, on 25 September 2011
Belgium and the United Nations’ human rights office have held a panel discussion to promote efforts in favour of the strongest international instrument against capital punishment.
2011
Belgium
Mongolia
Moratorium
Russian Federation
Article(s)
Sri Lanka: the death sentences of 60 prisoners commuted
By Elise Guillot, on 17 February 2017
Good news from Sri Lanka: by decision of the President, the death sentences of 60 prisoners have been commuted.
2017
Sri Lanka
Article(s)
Cities for Life 2016: Let’s stay vigilant
By Emmanuel Trépied, on 19 December 2016
On 30 November, the International Day of “Cities for Life” was celebrated around the world. An opportunity to raise awareness among the civil society on the universal abolition.
2016
Public Opinion
Article(s)
Amnesty 2010 stats: retentionist countries increasingly isolated
on 28 March 2011
Countries which continue to use the death penalty are being left increasingly isolated following a decade of progress towards abolition, Amnesty International has said in its new report Death Sentences and Executions in 2010.
2011
China
Drug Offenses
Egypt
Fair Trial
Indonesia
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Juveniles
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Libya
Malaysia
Moratorium
Pakistan
Sudan
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
United States
Yemen
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
Document(s)
Facts and Figures 2007
By World Coaliton against the death penalty , on 10 October 2009
2009
Campaigning
Trend Towards Abolition
frMore details Download [ pdf - 24 Ko ]
Facts and Figures 2007
- Document type Campaigning
- Themes list Trend Towards Abolition
- Available languages Faits et chiffres 2007
Article(s)
Event on the UNGA resolution for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty at the World Congress
By Federica Merenda, on 27 June 2016
In the context of the 6th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, the World Coalition together with Hands Off Cain and Amnesty International co-hosted a side event focusing on the 6th UNGA resolution for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, whose adoption will be decided in New York in December this year.
2016
Moratorium
Article(s)
International support for abolition is continuing to grow – foreign ministers
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 9 October 2015
The Declaration signed by 18 Foreign Ministers from different world regions, including several that are still on a path towards abolition of the death penalty, brings one common message: International support for abolition is continuing to grow, driven by an increasing awareness of the death penalty’s inherent risks and shortcomings.
2015
Argentina
Australia
Benin
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Costa Rica
Fiji
Haiti
Latvia
Madagascar
Mexico
Mongolia
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
Member(s)
Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders CSHRD
on 24 July 2024
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) is an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Somalia. CSHRD was established in 2014. CSHRD runs holistic and comprehensive torture victims rehabilitation centre in Somalia. CSHRD work is guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights UDHR and the SDGs of 1, 5, 10, […]
2024
Somalia
Article(s)
Irreversible abolition of the death penalty in Togo and the Dominican Republic
By Guillaume Colin and Aurélie Plaçais, on 27 September 2016
On 14 September 2016, Togo acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the abolition of the death penalty, joined on 21 September 2016 by the Dominican Republic. These accessions make abolition of the death penalty in Togo and the Dominican Republic irreversible.
2016
Dominican Republic
Togo
Article(s)
The death penalty in the DRC: an illusory means of combating impunity in the face of human rights implementation
By Mr Olivier LUNGWE FATAKI of Pax Christi Uvira, absl, on 30 August 2024
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the States which has retained the death penalty in its legal arsenal, although applies a de facto moratorium on executions since 2003.
2024
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Article(s)
Puerto Rico hosts a week of World Coalition events
on 16 February 2011
International abolitionists gathered on the Caribbean territory to promote their message and to show solidarity with the local authorities against capital punishment.
2011
Murder Victims' Families
Public Opinion
Puerto Rico
United States
Article(s)
Kyrgyzstan becomes 73rd country to pass irreversible abolition
on 17 December 2010
Following one year of lobbying led by the World Coalition, the Central Asian country has become a party to the UN protocol on the abolition of the death penalty.
2010
Kyrgyzstan
Moratorium
Article(s)
Strong support for US abolitionists on World Day
on 11 October 2010
On 10.10.10, the 8th World Day against the Death Penalty focused on ending the use of the death penalty in the United States of America. Since 2003, abolitionists have taken actions all over the world every 10 October to raise awareness and opposition to the death penalty.
2010
Juveniles
Mental Illness
Public Opinion
United States
Article(s)
Abolition of the death penalty at the United Nations Human Rights Council 54th session
on 30 August 2024
The United Nations Human Rights Council met for its 54th Regular Session from September 11 to October 13, 2023. If you missed it, here is what happened regarding the abolition of the death penalty!
2024
Trend Towards Abolition
Article(s)
2009 Amnesty statistics: at least 714 executions… excluding China
on 30 March 2010
Amnesty International has released its report on the death penalty in the world in 2009. The organisation has decided to exclude China from its calculation due to the lack of transparency on capital punishment in that country.
2010
Belarus
Burundi
China
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Fair Trial
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Iraq
Saudi Arabia
Togo
United States
Document(s)
Facts and Figures 2013
on 10 October 2013
2013
Campaigning
Trend Towards Abolition
aresMore details Download [ pdf - 115 Ko ]
Facts and Figures world day against the death penalty 2013
- Document type Campaigning
- Themes list Trend Towards Abolition
- Available languages Faits et chiffres 2013PENA DE MUERTE HECHOS Y DATOS
Member(s)
Coalizione italiana contro la pena di morte
on 30 April 2020
The Italian Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (ICADP) was established to form a network between both Italian and foreign groups, associations, movements, and individuals that oppose capital punishment, and to coordinate their work and efforts. The ICADP holds talks about the death penalty around the world, spreads information and promotes campaigns. It is especially […]
2020
Italy
Article(s)
Gambia and Madagascar commit to irreversible abolition
By Aurelie Placais, on 22 September 2017
on 20 and 21 September 2017, Gambia signed and Madagascar ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.
2017
Gambia
Article(s)
Pardon Prisoners On Death Row
By Lucy Peace Nantume, on 8 November 2016
At the end of October, the death sentences of more than 2,500 prisoners were commuted by the Kenyan President. The presidential power of mercy was also recently exercised by the Zimbabwean President, where 10 death row prisoners were pardoned.
2016
Clemency
Kenya
Article(s)
EU-NGO forum: death penalty is a priority
on 6 August 2010
At a meeting in Brussels in July, European institutions and NGOs restated their commitment to a long-term partnership to oppose the death penalty worldwide.
2010
Innocence
Japan
Murder Victims' Families
Article(s)
Progress and impediments on path to abolition in U.S.
By Russ Feingold & Christopher Wright Durocher, on 3 April 2024
When President Biden won the 2020 election, he became the first successful U.S. presidential candidate to publicly oppose the death penalty.
2024
United States
Article(s)
10 years, 132 members, 45 countries
By Florence Bellivier, on 30 June 2012
Penal Reform International welcomed the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty to celebrate its tenth anniversary in Jordan with support from Justice Minister Khalifa Al Sulaiman.
2012
Drug Offenses
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Iraq
Jordan
Moratorium
Singapore
Taiwan
Article(s)
Towards the abolition of the death penalty in DRC: advances to be confirmed
By Olivier LUNGWE FATAKI - Pax Christi Uvira, on 13 December 2016
To date, the Democratic Republic of the Congo maintains the death penalty in its legislation. The proponents of the capital punishment argue that it remains an efficient tool for deterrence in general as well as a solution to the recurring criminal phenomenon hitting the country’s Eastern part.
2016
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Moratorium
Public Opinion
Article(s)
Japan executions “a step backward for Asia”
on 30 July 2010
Activists in Japan and elsewhere have criticised Justice Minister Keiko Chiba for ordering two men to be hanged in Tokyo on July 28 despite her earlier abolitionist statements.
2010
Japan
Moratorium
Public Opinion
Taiwan
Article(s)
Migrant workers facing capital punishment show need for alternative sentences
By Think Centre, on 26 April 2012
Four Singapore-based organisations denounce the high risk of miscarriage of justice in recent death sentences handed down on poor immigrants and calls for the abolition of the death penalty in the city-state.
2012
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Moratorium
Singapore
Article(s)
Applause for Pennsylvania’s death penalty moratorium
By Death Penalty Focus, "Free Mumia!" French Support Group, on 23 February 2015
Newly elected Governor Tom Wolf placed a moratorium on executions in Pennsylvania on 13 February until concerns about the fairness of the state’s death penalty system are addressed.
2015
Moratorium
United States
Member(s)
Comité des Observateurs des Droits de l’Homme (CODHO)
on 30 April 2020
On 1 July 1997 a group of lawyers, economists and political scientists from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held a meeting following the massacre of children by militiamen in North Kivu in the east of the country. Revolted by this unspoken tragedy, they decided to set up the Committee of Human Rights Monitors (Codho). […]
2020
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Article(s)
Editorial: Amnesty International releases annual report
By Amnesty International, on 27 May 2021
On 21 April, we published our annual report on the global use of the death penalty, which shows that in 2020 the world got one step closer to freeing itself from this cruel punishment.
2021
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Death Row Conditions
Public Opinion
Article(s)
Community of Sant’Egidio Calls for Universal Abolition with Cities for Life, Cities Against the Death Penalty
By Louis Linel, on 8 December 2020
The discussion was chaired by Mario Marazitti, who stood in front of broadcasted live images of the light-draped Colosseum in Rome, Italy, displaying the slogan of this international key event, “No Justice Without Life”.
2020
Italy
Malaysia
Public Opinion
United States
Article(s)
Joint Statement on Malaysia
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 10 October 2019
As we mark the 17th World Day against the Death Penalty, a year after the government of Malaysia announced the revision of the country’s laws to fully abolish the death penalty on 10 October, we, member organizations of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty: • Positively note the support by Malaysia for the seventh […]
2019
Malaysia
Article(s)
Abolition of the death penalty must be an integral part of crime prevention programmes and criminal justice reforms
By Amnesty International, on 5 March 2021
As the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is about to begin in Kyoto, Japan, the undersigned organizations urge the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and its subsidiary bodies, including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); and all UN member states, including the Congress host country Japan, to make […]
2021
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
Article(s)
Malawi Supreme Court Reverses Abolition Decision
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 18 August 2022
On 30 April 2021, the World Coalition published the following article on the abolition of the death penalty in Malawi. Since its publication, the abolitionist status of the country has changed. This article has been updated below. —————————-
2022
Malawi
Article(s)
Flurry of initiatives against the death penalty at ACATs in the past year
on 7 August 2007
During the past year, the 28 member associations in the FIACAT network have given their abolitionist activities a boost. The issue of the death penalty is at the heart of their mission.
2007
Belgium
Burundi
Canada
Democratic Republic of the Congo
France
Luxembourg
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Article(s)
World Day: everybody stands up against the death penalty!
on 27 September 2007
The 5th World Day Against the Death Penalty takes place on Wednesday, 10 October 2007. Organised by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, it is marked by thousands of citizens and hundreds of organisations across the world who together, through hundreds of local initiatives, say ‘NO’ to capital punishment.
2007
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Germany
Morocco
Peru
Portugal
Puerto Rico
United States
Yemen
19th World Day Against the Death Penalty – Women and the death penalty, an invisible reality
on 10 June 2021
On 10 October 2021, the World Day will be dedicated to women who risk being sentenced to death, who have received a death sentence, who have been executed, and to those who have had their death sentences commuted, exonerated, or pardoned.
2021
Women
Article(s)
Armenia and Angola Commit to Irreversible Abolition
By Aurelie Placais, on 4 October 2019
Following the United Nations Treaty Event in New York, two more states have committed to irreversible abolition of the death penalty by signing and ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (OP2-ICCPR). The Protocol was highlighted by the United Nations […]
2019
Angola
Armenia
Article(s)
“Ending the death penalty in Lebanon and worldwide”
on 5 November 2007
Over 75 people attended the conference focussing on the legal and social perspectives of the abolition of capital punishment in Beyrouth on October 17.
2007
Lebanon
Moratorium
Murder Victims' Families
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)
Statement on the occasion of the adoption of the upr report of Mauritania
By Together against the death penalty, the Mauritanian Association for Human Rights, The Advocates for Human Rights and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 2 August 2021
Together against the death penalty, the Mauritanian Association for Human Rights, The Advocates for Human Rights and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty welcome the adoption of the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Mauritania by the Human Rights Council.
2021
Mauritania
Moratorium
Article(s)
Singaporean and Malaysian activists welcome changes in their country
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 16 July 2012
In Singapore and Malaysia, governments are considering removing mandatory death penalty in some drug and murder cases. A move welcomed by activists on the ground, though they consider it “only a small step in the right direction”.
2012
Drug Offenses
Malaysia
Singapore
Article(s)
Events, strong words and hard facts to fight death penalty in the Caribbean
By Thomas Hubert, on 11 October 2013
As World Day Against the Death Penalty events unfolded on an unprecedented scale across the region, local activists and international organisations took a firm stance against capital punishment across the Caribbean.
2013
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Guatemala
Jamaica
Public Opinion
Puerto Rico
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Trinidad and Tobago
Article(s)
Activists celebrate abolition in Uzbekistan
on 7 January 2008
Uzbekistan became the first state to abolish the death penalty in 2008. World Coalition members Community of Sant’Egidio and Mothers Against the Death Penalty, who have led a campaign in the region, welcome the move.
2008
Moratorium
Uzbekistan
Article(s)
Four World Coalition members among NCADP award winners
on 3 February 2008
Each year, the US National Coalition Against the Death Penalty honours those individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the struggle against the death penalty. This year’s award winners included a number of World Coalition members.
2008
United States
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)
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
Article(s)
Death sentences in Morocco
on 9 May 2007
The World Coalition against the death penalty, the FIDH and the Moroccan Coalition against the Death Penalty are concerned with the continued pronunciation of death sentences by Moroccan courts
2007
Morocco
Article(s)
TAEDP Withdraws from Ministry of Justice’s Task Force to Research the Gradual Abolition of the Death Penalty
By TAEDP, on 30 April 2020
TAEDP Press Release, April 2, 2020The Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty made this decision after the Ministry of Justice, in total disregard for the rule of law, arbitrarily and illegally executed a death row inmate on April 1, 2020.
2020
Taiwan
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)
Hope resonates globally on World Day against the Death Penalty
By Nicolas Chua, on 25 October 2018
On 10 October 2018, abolitionist forces around the world celebrated the 16th World Day against the Death Penalty in a flurry of diverse activities and events meant to raise awareness on living conditions on death row. Activists in every continent mobilized civil society, challenged governments and reached out to the general public in a collective effort to promote and advance the common goal of universal, worldwide abolition of the death penalty.
2018
Death Row Conditions
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)
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
Article(s)
UN: freeze funding of Iran counter-narcotics efforts
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 17 December 2014
The World Coalition and its members call on UNODC to stop support to Iran as executions for drug trafficking surge.
2014
Drug Offenses
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Article(s)
Asia develops into hub of abolitionist dialogue
By Emile Carreau, on 6 November 2014
World Coalition member, Community of Sant’Egidio, has organised anti-death penalty conferences in Japan and the Philippines, both of which were overwhelmingly attended. Further conferences in the region are set to continue.
2014
Cambodia
India
Indonesia
Japan
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Viet Nam
Article(s)
Parliamentarians from Francophone Africa meet in Kinshasa to discuss the abolition of the death penalty
By Parliamentarians for Global Action, on 12 June 2018
The 1st and 2nd June 2018, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), Ensemble contre la peine de mort (Together against the death penalty, ECPM) and Culture pour la paix et la justice (Culture for peace and justice, CPJ) organised in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC) a regional parliamentary seminar entitled “Abolition of the death penalty in Africa: the role of parliamentarians”, with the support of the European Union and of the Honourable Aubin Minaku, Speaker of the National Assembly of the DRC and Member of PGA.
2018
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Public Opinion
Article(s)
French youth event emboldens next abolitionist generation
By Bronwyn Dudley, on 22 October 2014
The testimony of an exonerated death row prisoners helped international students overcome initial awkwardness and launch into passionate debates at the invitation of Paris-based organisations on World Day Against the Death Penalty.
2014
France
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Morocco
United States
Article(s)
New Hampshire one vote short of abolition
By Emile Carreau, on 25 April 2014
A bill to repeal the death penalty in the US state of New Hampshire was blocked in the Senate on 22 April with votes for and against the bill deadlocked at 12-12. Despite the disappointment, Renny Cushing, Executive Director of World Coalition member organisation Murder Victims’ Families for Human Rights, sees some positives.
2014
United States
Article(s)
2007 Campaign : developing the world abolitionist movement
on 1 May 2007
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty has obtained financial support from the European Commission for its 2007 campaign, an indication of its growing recognition and legitimacy.
2007
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)
“It’s in Africa that we find the strongest dynamics towards abolition”
By Clémentine Etienne, on 24 April 2018
The third regional Congress against the death penalty was held in Côte d’Ivoire, in Abidjan, in 2018 from April 9 to 10th. This is a natural choice when one can know that Africa is named “next abolitionist continent” and that civil society recognized it as such.
2018
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)
Iraq’s frantic executions pace linked to serious human rights violations
By Thomas Hubert, on 27 March 2014
Iraq emerges as the country with the fastest-growing number of executions in Amnesty International’s new annual report on the death penalty. The World Coalition’s submission for Iraq’s upcoming UN human rights review calls for a moratorium on abusive executions.
2014
Fair Trial
Iraq
Iraq
Terrorism
Article(s)
Top UN representatives take stance on death penalty at Human Rights Council
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 14 March 2014
From UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to abolitionist and retentionist government ministers and World Coalition members, participants to a recent discussion on the death penalty placed the issue high on the international agenda.
2014
Afghanistan
Benin
Brazil
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Mongolia
Morocco
Myanmar
Namibia
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sudan
United States
Article(s)
National conference gives Lebanese abolitionist movement a boost
By Thomas Hubert, on 14 February 2014
Several hundred activists, experts and political leaders met in Beirut at the end of January to push the abolitionist cause with the Lebanese authorities and organise their movement at the national level.
2014
Lebanon
Moratorium
Article(s)
Mexico fights on after Texas illegally executes one of its nationals
By Thomas Hubert, on 23 January 2014
The execution of Edgar Tamayo in violation of an international court order spurs Mexico to pursue its efforts in favour of consular rights in the US, a diplomat says.
2014
Mexico
United States
Article(s)
A Training on Advocacy for the Abolition of the Death Penalty in Sub-Saharan Africa
By Abdoul Razak Ahmadou Youssoufou, on 29 July 2019
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty in partnership with FIACAT, and their local members ACAT Cameroon and Droits et Paix (Rights and Peace), organized a continental training course in July on advocacy for the abolition of the death penalty in sub-Saharan Africa in Douala, Cameroon. This training brought together abolitionists and experts from 23 African countries.
2019
Cameroon
Article(s)
US Supreme Court revives “failed” death penalty
on 17 April 2008
The World Coalition condemns the April 16th decision of the United States Supreme Court upholding the lethal injection as a humane method of executing a human being.
2008
Moratorium
United States
Article(s)
Statement on the occasion of the adoption of the upr report of Lebanon
By Ensemble contre la peine de mort (ECPM), on 2 August 2021
We welcome Lebanon’s position in accepting some of the recommendations on strengthening the justice sector and improving strengthening the justice sector and those aimed at improving the conditions of detention, including the fight against acts of torture and ill-treatment.
2021
Lebanon
Moratorium
Article(s)
China refuses to consider 250,000-strong petition
on 16 June 2008
A World Coalition delegation found the door closed on June 16 when they attempted to handover to the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong a petition urging for changes in the death penalty system in China.
2008
China
Fair Trial
Innocence
Moratorium
Article(s)
American death penalty area shrank further in 2012
By Thomas Hubert, on 20 December 2012
Only nine US states carried out executions this year, the lowest number in 20 years, according to a new report released by the independent organisation Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC).
2012
United States
Article(s)
Study explores variety of national paths to abolition
By Thomas Hubert, on 3 May 2013
From courageous political leaders to traditional African values, the International Commission against the Death Penalty’s analysis of the factors leading to the abolition of capital punishment in 13 countries offers advice to retentionist countries.
2013
Cambodia
Haiti
Mongolia
Norway
Public Opinion
Rwanda
Senegal
South Africa
United States
Article(s)
Abolition of death penalty is now complete in Italy
on 4 March 2009
Italy became the 41st state to ratify the 13th Protocol to the European Convention for Human Rights on 3 March 2009.
2009
Italy
Article(s)
The Greater Caribbean for Life rejects the call for the resumption of the death penalty
By Leela Ramdeen, on 9 November 2017
The Greater Caribbean for Life (GCL), an independent, not-for-profit regional civil society organization working towards the abolition of the Death Penalty in the region, rejects the recommendation for the resumption of the death penalty.
2017