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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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fb6f2f8658a8cb74e36080d8ead9c37e_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
Call for Moratorium on Executions Gains Record-High Support at Committee Vote
By Amnesty International & Comunità di Sant'Egidio, on 16 November 2018
Today the international community offered unprecedented support to a UN call to halt executions when the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly considered a draft resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
2018
Moratorium
![World Coalition Against the Death Penalyt](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WC-ImageDefautArticle2-1.png)
Article(s)
Statement delivered to ACHPR on its 68th Ordinary Session
By FIACAT, FIDH, WCADP, Avocats Sans Frontières, COJESKI-RDC, ECPM, RAL and Reprieve, on 12 May 2021
Oral statement on behalf of FIACAT, FIDH, World Coalition against the Death Penalty, ECPM, Avocats sans frontières, COJESKI-RDC, ECPM, RAL and Reprieve on the activities of the Members of the Commission and the Special Mechanisms.
2021
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/36fbea6fdc24f6e31fd5662ea63b21b8_2.jpg)
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)
Mali: is abolition in sight?
on 4 June 2008
With public meetings, football matches and media action Malian activists have been covering all bases to try to push through adoption of a law abolishing the death penalty before the end of the parliamentary session.
2008
Innocence
Mali
Mali
Moratorium
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/0f5b99c0f974feb82b22c67a4996466c_2.jpg)
Article(s)
World Coalition raises mental health issues in administration of the death penalty
By Thomas Hubert (in San Juan, Puerto Rico), on 22 June 2014
World abolitionists gathered in Puerto Rico between 20-22 June to take stock on progress in the crucial Caribbean region and prepare for the next round of the fight against the death penalty.
2014
Puerto Rico
Article(s)
30 countries gather in Rome to oppose capital punishment
on 21 May 2010
17 ministers and numerous experts met in Rome on May 17 to discuss crime-busting policies that reject the death penalty. Representatives for the Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso pledged their support for abolition.
2010
Italy
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b64eacffe46fd3cf2eb38b0e13926f8c_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Abolitionists of Central Africa met in Kinshasa
By Amina Jacquemin with CPJ and ECPM, on 12 April 2012
ECPM (Together against the death penalty) and CPJ (Culture for Peace and Justice) organized a conference in late March on strategies for abolition at the regional level. The Congolese government has reaffirmed its commitment to abolish the death penalty.
2012
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kenya
Uganda
United Republic of Tanzania
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/698a9d208b6f5cd6b7da50e0e68e00b0_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
US Federal Executions Resume
By Louis Linel, on 28 July 2020
It has been 17 years since the United States decided on a de facto moratorium on federal executions, which can be carried out only for certain federal criminal offences. This moratorium, however, ended in July.
2020
Moratorium
United States
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/90b24545434df9bb331e5fb453f01e52_2.jpg)
Article(s)
New defense manual to help lawyers in capital cases worldwide
By Thomas Hubert, on 29 May 2013
The World Coalition, together with Death Penalty Worldwide and the law firm of Fredrikson & Byron P.A., has launched the English and French editions of a manual compiling guidelines for defense lawyers whose clients face the death penalty at the 5th World Congress Against the Death Penalty.
2013
Legal Representation
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/e06b0a806ff4ca66da044429dae11dcf_2-1.jpg)
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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/f0d6181ac63355c7ec47027bcc217471_2-1.png)
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)
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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/70c99d41e19638b8ee545f802a3f1d6b_2.jpg)
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)
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)
Vietnam considers reduction in scope of death penalty
on 9 February 2009
Vietnamese Justice Minister Ha Hung Cuong has proposed a reduction in the number of capital offences – a demand put forward by the World Coalition’s demands on World Day Against the Death Penalty.
2009
Drug Offenses
Viet Nam
Viet Nam
Article(s)
Two days to discuss abolition in Morocco
on 27 October 2008
Gathered in Rabat on World Day Against the Death Penalty, Moroccan and international politicians, religious leaders and campaigners held advanced discussions on this subject. The country has not carried out a single execution in the last fifteen years.
2008
Moratorium
Morocco
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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/7f88f0e582c8c7296e0f99277a4d35f3_2-1.jpg)
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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fcbc7426a185ac8d674ea45b188e8ec4_2.jpg)
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
Article(s)
Paris activists lie down against US federal executions
on 10 July 2009
ACAT-France and Amnesty International France staged their 9th “die-in” against the death penalty in the United States.
2009
Death Row Conditions
France
France
Innocence
United States
Article(s)
DVD carries the voice of abolitionists in Asian languages
on 4 August 2008
A DVD released by ADPAN features a campaigning video made from interviews with international anti-death penalty activists in 13 Asian languages.
2008
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Mongolia
Pakistan
Philippines
Republic of Korea
Thailand
Viet Nam
Article(s)
Taiwan breaks five-year moratorium on executions
on 6 May 2010
Abolitionists have lashed out at Taiwan’s government for the surprise execution of four death row inmates in contradiction to its public commitment to work towards the abolition of capital punishment.
2010
Moratorium
Taiwan
Taiwan
Article(s)
Geneva 2010: uniting abolitionists at all levels
on 28 February 2010
A wide variety of abolitionist actors gathered in Geneva between February 24-26 for the 4th World Congress Against the Death Penalty. After three days of working sessions, the participants called on abolitionist states and internatinonal institutions to support their efforts.
2010
Switzerland
![world day poster](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/jpg-world-day-poster-english-cropped-1200x594.jpg)
Article(s)
A Look Back at the 20th Anniversary of the World Day Against the Death Penalty
By Dunia Schaffa, on 27 January 2023
“Psychologically I am no longer human.”. This tweet by the World Organization Against Torture, quoting an interview with Richard Yav, a former security guard who was wrongly sentenced to death for 20 years in Benin, sheds light on the various impacts of torture.
2023
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Death Row Conditions
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/24d0eca7ad18da6bc83d543a47bb2b7c_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Abolitionist NGOs lobby to educate UN member states in Geneva
By Aurélie Plaçais, on 22 April 2015
Several World Coalition members carried out intense advocacy activities during and after the March session of the Human Rights Council to prepare for the coming UPR session, during which Liberia, Malawi and the USA will be examined.
2015
![World Coalition held first General Assembly in East Africa](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/general-assembly-2023.jpg)
Article(s)
World Coalition held first General Assembly in East Africa
By World Coalition against the death penalty, on 7 July 2023
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty co-organized with ICJ-Kenya its first General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya on 23-24 June 2023.
2023
Trend Towards Abolition
Article(s)
All roads lead to Rome for world abolitionists
on 9 June 2009
Representatives from the World Coalition’s 88 member organizations will hold their AGM in Italy on June 13 to prepare future campaigns and listen to the testimony of a former death row inmate.
2009
Italy
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/d260465d8b8b61441edf9f428ae35f58_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
117 countries vote for a global moratorium on executions
By Maria Donatelli, on 19 December 2014
The latest vote at the UN General Assembly shows wider support than ever for a resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
2014
Moratorium
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/d260465d8b8b61441edf9f428ae35f58_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
World’s nations call for execution freeze
By Maria Donatelli, on 20 December 2012
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty welcomes the adoption by a growing number of United Nations member States of a fourth resolution calling for a universal moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
2012
Bahrain
Central African Republic
Chad
Dominica
Juveniles
Maldives
Moratorium
Oman
Papua New Guinea
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Tunisia
Women
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/bb47a9a415508c82ddc20cc949ea4c35_2.jpg)
Article(s)
China rejects all UN recommendations on death penalty use
By Aurélie Plaçais, on 24 March 2014
“China’s position is to retain the death penalty, but strictly and prudently limit its application according to law,” said the world’s top executioner after it rejected all 20 UPR recommendations to curb capital punishment.
2014
China
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/373251cdc9a8a28f1206400cf831e5cf_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Fewest death sentences in 40 years in the US
By Death Penalty Information Center, on 12 January 2015
The number of executions in the United States was at its lowest in 20 years and seven death row prisoners were exonerated in 2014.
2015
Intellectual Disability
Mental Illness
United States
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/aa01b22d9ab79961a32ba28194872552_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Ivory Coast invited to ratify the UN Protocol on the death penalty
By Guillaume Colin (FIACAT), on 27 November 2013
World Coalition member organization FIACAT has taken part in a follow up mission to the Ivory Coast after the African human rights body issued the country with recommendations including ratifying the treaty that copperfastens abolition.
2013
Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire
Article(s)
World Coalition elects new decision-making bodies
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 21 June 2013
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty has elected a new Steering Committee and a new Executive Board to serve for two years.
2013
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/31f220519304fa7573a07fd7cbe3e9ac_2.jpg)
Article(s)
World Coalition elects new decision-making bodies
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 22 June 2015
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty has elected a new Steering Committee and a new Executive Board to serve for two years.
2015
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/03026db7a22f27f6a3de936dbe038d99_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
Morocco is working to break down the political barriers to the abolition of the death penalty
By Tiziana Trotta, on 26 October 2015
The Moroccan Coalition Against the Death Penalty organized numerous meetings and events in different regions of the country in October on the occasion of the 13th World Day.
2015
Morocco
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/794a5e9f1984fe7077407013ff1d8024_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
The World Coalition mission in Tanzania and the project on Sub-Saharan Africa
By Federica Merenda, on 28 April 2016
In the context of the new project to increase mobilization towards the abolition of the death penalty in Africa, from 15 to 19 April 2016 the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty has been engaged in several important activities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Tanzania is a country that still retains the death penalty in its laws though it is abolitionist in practice, the last execution took place in 1994.
2016
United Republic of Tanzania
Article(s)
Hands Off Cain names Jean Ping “Abolitionist of the Year”
on 27 July 2010
World Coalition member organisation Hands Off Cain will on July 31present Jean Ping, the chairman of the African Union Commission, with its 2010 award.
2010
Italy
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/a0a85876c41d7aaa2d5b1725a301db94_2-1.jpeg)
Article(s)
Toward the abolition in Cameroon
By Lorène du Crest et Nicolas Perron, on 6 July 2017
Despite Africa’s march towards abolition, considered by many as the next abolitionist continent, Cameroon continues to withstand the abolitionist trend. Cameroon is the biggest executioner among French speaking countries in Africa, and the seventh country – on a global scale – with the largest number of death sentences: 160 in 2016, according to Amnesty International.
2017
Cameroon
Article(s)
Protecting vulnerable groups from the death penalty
on 24 February 2010
Juveniles and the mentally ill face a higher risk of falling victims to the death penalty. Abolitionists and activists defending their rights have teamed up to highlight this situation.
2010
Drug Offenses
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Juveniles
Mental Illness
Switzerland
Women
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fe798884e808fd2be85a54aea3556295_2-1.jpg)
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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/d47fcc21d45a299602857662a03fb4ad_2-1.png)
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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/df90a4637750e1ee525d17575deacf52_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
The ACHPR Moves Online, along with Advocacy to End Capital Punishment
By Bronwyn Dudley, on 30 July 2020
Adapting to the restrictions that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on physical gatherings, the NGO Forum and following 66th ACHPR Session (African Commission on Human and People’s Rights) were held via Zoom videoconference on 9-10 July and 13 July – 07 August, 2020, respectively.
2020
Article(s)
UN resolution: the abolitionist front gets stronger
on 19 December 2008
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty welcomes the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a second resolution calling for a universal moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
2008
Algeria
Bahrain
Chad
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Jordan
Kiribati
Mauritania
Moratorium
Oman
Seychelles
Article(s)
One more step towards universal abolition
on 20 November 2008
The Third Committee of the United Nations’ General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for a gobal moratorium on executions for the second time. More countries supported the text.
2008
Moratorium
Article(s)
Nations of the world to vote on fresh moratorium resolution
on 8 November 2008
As the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly gets under way in New York, the spotlight is once again put on a text calling for a global moratorium on executions.
2008
Moratorium
Article(s)
Mental illness and the death penalty: a painful intersection
on 28 May 2008
Two leading American grassroots organisations have come together to raise awareness about the execution of mentally ill defendants.
2008
Mental Illness
Murder Victims' Families
United States
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/272765d42b305c01afd9f03183da650e_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Amnesty International 2013 Annual Report
on 27 March 2014
2014
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/f8ac4d07779ad2c26daf09d9150cde55_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
Reorienting Drug Policy in Indonesia towards the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
By LHB Masyarakat, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, on 6 August 2020
Indonesian not-for-profit organization LBH Masyarakat, Reprieve, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs recently published a report that reframes the drug problem and corresponding policy action in light of the country’s commitment to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report argues that the drug policies currently in place in Indonesia must be re-evaluated in such a way that tackles poverty and inequality and prioritizes support for those who are “left behind”, and put an end to its current punitive strategies.
2020
Drug Offenses
Indonesia
Article(s)
167 Ugandan death row inmates saved from gallows
on 19 September 2010
Recent figures show that a January ruling by the Ugandan supreme court making it illegal to keep people on death row for more than three years has saved 167 lives.
2010
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Uganda
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ba3ddff80c9f2d62a8097e0531f3c149_2.jpg)
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)
China reduces the number of crimes punishable by death to 46, but keeps drug trafficking in the list
By Aurélie Plaçais, on 7 October 2015
China removes nine non-violent and rarely used criminal offenses from capital punishment.
2015
China
Drug Offenses
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/e64de85d38528be73d2bc0630d087327_2.gif)
Article(s)
Benin votes overwhelmingly to join abolitionist ranks
By Emile Carreau, on 5 September 2011
On 19 August 2011 the National Assembly of the West African nation of Benin counted 54 votes in favour of ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, with only 5 votes against and 6 abstentions.
2011
Benin
Benin
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/a9fb4dea4f1826734050703263be38be_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Japan death penalty at turning point
on 9 February 2012
After one year without executions, the Japanese government looks set to resume state killings. The Center for Prisoners’ Rights, a World Coalition member organisation, has launched an urgent petition to reverse the trend.
2012
Clemency
Japan
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/481a44092144388b91eddcdc7955185b_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
If I do not accept that a terrorist kills me, I do not accept either to kill a terrorist
By Tiziana Trotta, on 18 October 2016
Khachig Ghosn is a 22-year-old student of social work at the Lebanese University. Three years ago, he witnessed an explosion in Beirut. Despite this dramatic experience, he is against the use of the death penalty and he is convinced that capital executions have no deterrent effect on terrorism.Ghosn is aware that changes in his country take a very long time, but he has a positive long-term vision and hopes that the death penalty will be abolished.
2016
Lebanon
Murder Victims' Families
Terrorism
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/c7192b25b92649b9f504c70052445dc7_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
Guatemala abolishes the death penalty for ordinary crimes
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 31 October 2017
On October 24, the Constitutional Court of Guatemala has abolished the death penalty in civil cases.
2017
Guatemala
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/d9035f62f81b8f2a262a481e92e7dc8e_2-1.png)
Article(s)
Burkina Faso has joined the global trend toward abolition of the death penalty in Africa
By International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH), on 6 June 2018
On 31 May, the Burkinabe Parliament abolished the death penalty by adopting a new criminal code that excludes it from the arsenal of sentences regardless of crimes considered and circumstances in which they were committed. Thus, Burkina Faso become the 144th States in the World and the 40th African State abolitionist in law and in practice. Our organizations welcome this major step which strengthens the Burkinabe legal framework for the protection of human rights and is part of regional and international movement in favour of the abolition of this inhuman, ineffective and irreversible punishment.
2018
Burkina Faso
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/1aec62bab073be54f6b1b20c27260a96_2-1.jpg)
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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/873c919bc272d380d2eb96bb8caa6216_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Progressing towards abolition in East Africa
on 7 August 2011
On 24-27 July, 2011, World Coalition members Penal Reform International (PRI), Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) and the International Commission of Jurists-Kenya section (ICJ), jointly hosted a regional roundtable on “Death Penalty in East Africa: Challenges, Strategies and Comparative Jurisprudence”, with the Judicial Studies Institute (JSI) in Nairobi, Kenya.
2011
Death Row Conditions
Fair Trial
Kenya
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/837f98143cc22ec3eb62b12d9935945e_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Outrage as Iran’s execution figures explode
on 12 February 2011
Iran hanged 121 people in six weeks between 20 December 2010 and 31 January 2011, many of them after unfair trails and for crimes that did not result in a person’s death.
2011
Drug Offenses
Fair Trial
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Juveniles
Moratorium
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/1ae247624ecce6fe772ac7492db0a478_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Connecticut increases momentum for abolition
By Elizabeth Zitrin, on 13 April 2012
Lawmakers in the US State of Connecticut have abolished capital punishment and the State’s governor has said that he would sign the bill into law. Elizabeth Zitrin of the US NGO Death Penalty Focus chairs the World Coalition’s working group on the United States. She writes on the significance of this news for the wider abolitionist movement.
2012
Murder Victims' Families
United States
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/232656cf0b3bf3e348f3a6d236530862_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Suspension of Pakistan executions not enough – ADPAN
By Thomas Hubert, on 22 August 2013
The Anti Death Penalty Asia Network calls for the restoration of a formal moratorium after the government postponed a wave of executions under pressure from international abolitionists.
2013
Moratorium
Pakistan
Pakistan
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/11c162ba789ea6fd245d7005e85c82f1_2-1.png)
Article(s)
Death Penalty in India in 2017
By National Law University, Delhi, center of the death penalty, on 26 March 2018
A report describing the use of the death penalty in India in 2017 in comparison with 2016 was recently released by the National Law University’s Death Penalty Research Project (based in New Delhi).
2018
India
Article(s)
“Irreversible trend towards abolition” – OSCE
on 12 October 2010
The Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)’s Report entitled “The Death Penalty in the OSCE Area: Background Paper 2010” was published and discussed during the “Exchange of views on abolition of capital punishment”.
2010
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Russian Federation
Tajikistan
United States
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/981a5d1a2143cdd4e0b4382fce20f5fa_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
Critical expansion of the use of the death Penalty in India in 2018
By Project 39A, on 6 February 2019
In 2018 India followed a particularly repressive path by sentencing 162 people to death.
2019
India
Article(s)
Fighting to establish the unconstitutionality of the death penalty in the DRC
on 1 May 2008
Democratic Republic of Congo abolitionists have been leading a non-stop fight for two years to have the death penalty recognised as incompatible with their country’s constitution. Ongoing penal code reform is giving them a chance to defend their case.
2008
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Article(s)
Debate on California executions turned into abolitionist rally
on 4 July 2009
Hundreds of activists descended on Sacramento for a public review of the state’s lethal injection protocol, arguing that «the death penalty is killing California’s budget».
2009
Death Row Conditions
United States
Article(s)
Finance and Administration Manager
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 14 May 2020
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty recruits a Finance and Administration Manager for a full time permanent position starting as soon as possible.
2020
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/9a9f38bd6d45f4e602a588fdb28a78d9_2-1.jpeg)
Article(s)
Children and the death penalty in Sub-Saharan Africa: NGO Forum and the 65th ACHPR Session
By Connie Numbi and Bronwyn Dudley, on 9 December 2019
The NGO Forum and the subsequent 65th ACHPR Session (African Commission on Human and People’s Rights) was held in Banjul, the Gambia from 17th October to the 10 November 2019.
2019
Juveniles
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cacc4b4715f41e2d2d9485c431c24553_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
Algeria: it’s time to move from the moratorium to the abolition
By Florence Bellivier et Lorène du Crest, on 24 May 2017
Organized by the National Algerian Committee in partnership with the Boumerdes bar association, a seminar on the death penalty took place the 28th and 29th of April in Algeria. Gathering mainly academics, lawyers and representatives of the civil society, this seminar had the ambition to contribute to the “long process for the final abolition of the death penalty in Algeria”. The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty was represented by Florence Bellivier, Deputy Secretary General of the International Federation of the Leagues of Human Rights (FIDH).
2017
Algeria
Moratorium
Public Opinion
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/7e389136378b7f2922eec626b852740b_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Mental health seminar takes Malawi a step closer to resentencings
By Emile Carreau, on 28 January 2015
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) held a two-day seminar on mental health evaluations in preparation for the resentencing of nearly 200 individuals after their mandatory death sentences were deemed unconstitutional.
2015
Malawi
Malawi
Mental Illness
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/68ab83cf3cd6de4e812245fb9b28049d_2-1.png)
Article(s)
Joint statement from 48 coalitions, networks and human rights organizations from 12 Arab countries
By The Arab Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 6 January 2016
The statement strongly condemns the execution of Nimr Baqir al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia and renewed its demand for Saudi Arabia to support the United Nations resolution on a global moratorium on the death penalty and to abolish the death penalty in national legislation.
2016
Saudi Arabia
Article(s)
Abolitionists block Nigerian executions
on 9 July 2010
Legal action by local activists and pressure from international organizations have succeeded in stopping plans by Nigeria’s authorities to execute hundreds of death row inmates.
2010
Fair Trial
Innocence
Legal Representation
Moratorium
Nigeria
Nigeria
Terrorism
Article(s)
World Forum an opportunity to gather abolitionists
on 4 July 2008
As the World Coalition held its general meeting in Nantes at the end of June, discussions focussed on the involvement of corporations and local authorities.
2008
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/8b1dc530339b5c4e5921660649d18efd_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
5th World Congress Against the Death Penalty
By Thomas Hubert & Tiziana Trotta, on 27 June 2013
The 5th World Congress Against the Death Penalty took place in Madrid between 12-15 June 2013. During three days, it united members of international civil society, politicians, and legal experts to elaborate abolitionist strategies for the years to come at the national, regional, and international levels, and to send out a clear message to the world: that universal abolition is essential for a world where progress and justice must prevail.
2013
Spain
Article(s)
Joint Italian-Congolese effort against capital punishment
on 16 June 2009
World Coalition member organisation Hands Off Cain has launched a campaign targeting DRC’s opinion leaders. The government regards the renovation of the prison system as a prerequisite for abolition.
2009
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Italy
Moratorium
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/89d02cf605d8bda87f7d9fb741cc2c91_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Texas maintains distance from abolitionist trend after 500th execution
By Léa Macarez, on 4 July 2013
52 year-old black woman Kimberly McCarthy was executed on 26 June and became the 500th prisoner put to death since Texas restored the death penalty in 1982.
2013
United States
Women
![instrumentalisation of the death penalty - 8th world congress pannel](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/instrumentalisation-of-the-death-penalty-8th-world-congress.jpg)
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
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b9398641708d8f293fb79e11ac9b6870_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
The Supreme Court of Kenya declares the mandatory death penalty unconstitutional
By Thalia Gerzso, on 23 January 2018
On December 14, 2017, the Supreme Court of Kenya declared the mandatory death penalty unconstitutional. This landmark decision puts an end to several years of uncertainties and constitutes an additional step towards the abolition of the death penalty in the country.
2018
Kenya
Article(s)
Abolition in the US: what role for overseas activists?
on 3 February 2008
As part of its 2008 annual conference, the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NCADP) organised a brainstorming session to explore the question: “How can the international community support us in our efforts to abolish the death penalty in the US?”
2008
Clemency
Public Opinion
United States
Article(s)
Support grows for Davis as his execution is stayed
on 26 October 2008
Troy Davis’s execution was stayed on October 23, four days before he was scheduled to die, as activists took action on his behalf all over the world.
2008
United States
Article(s)
Mongolian president calls for abolition
on 18 January 2010
In a vibrant speech before the parliament on January 14, President Elbegdorj Tsakhia of Mongolia developed all the arguments put forward by the abolitionist community.
2010
Clemency
Mongolia
Moratorium
Article(s)
Take Action for World Day 2020!
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 10 September 2020
Take action now! The 18th 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. Organising an event for October 10? Tell us all about it and we will promote it on […]
2020
Fair Trial
Legal Representation
Article(s)
Speaking out in favour of a global moratorium on executions
on 25 October 2007
Together with filmmaker Tim Robbins, abolitionists launched an appeal from New York to support the proposed UN resolution imposing a freeze on executions. Five million people signed the petition supporting this initiative. Watch the video.
2007
Moratorium
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ea3c163608ab4b41ce9257d00f20d712_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Call for world lawyers to unite against the death penalty
By Thomas Hubert, on 15 June 2013
The Paris Bar Association (a World Coalition member) and its Beirut counterpart have called on lawyers worldwide to increase efforts to defend those facing the death penalty and to push for its abolition.
2013
Legal Representation
Moratorium
Spain
Article(s)
Take collective action: join the World Coalition
on 1 May 2007
Since 2002 about sixty non-governmental organisations, professional associations and public bodies working throughout the world in support of abolition of the death penalty have come together through the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.
2007
Article(s)
The Arab civil society calls for a moratorium on capital punishment
on 6 June 2008
Between 12-14 May, representatives from Arab civil society organisations gathered in Alexandria, Egypt at the invitation of the Swedish Institute to discuss the implementation of the UN moratorium on the use of the death penalty in the Arab world.
2008
Egypt
Moratorium
Article(s)
Fair and open investigation in Uyghur region
on 21 July 2009
Following the death penalty threats issued against protestors in Xinjiang, the World Coalition calls on China to respect its international committments and to guarantee fair trials.
2009
China
Fair Trial
Article(s)
Europe and Japan share “Reflections on life”
on 8 December 2009
Speaking at a symposium on the death penalty organised in Tokyo by the Swedish presidency of the European Union, a Japanese minister expressed his commitment for abolition.
2009
Innocence
Japan
Moratorium
Public Opinion
Article(s)
Portraits of the death penalty
on 26 February 2010
Since 2006, US-based French photographer Caroline Planque has been working on a series of portraits of indirect victims of the death penalty in the US State with the highest number of executions – Texas.
2010
United States
Article(s)
“We go to the prisoner’s village to question the witnesses”
on 28 February 2010
Caroline Muchuma, contributor to the round table on the vital role played by lawyers in defending those sentenced to death, describing her role as a lawyer and campaigner in Uganda.
2010
Legal Representation
Uganda
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/74e7c8a643ef9d250254f51f84d8dbf2_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Belarusian setback on the way to abolition
on 2 April 2010
After one year of encouraging signals from Belarus, the last European country with the death penalty has brutally resumed secretive executions and the harassment of abolitionist activists.
2010
Belarus
Belarus
Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment
Moratorium
Article(s)
UAE use of death penalty raises “grave concerns”
on 7 May 2010
In a letter to the United Arab Emirates’ justice minister, the World Coalition denounced the growing number of death sentences handed down in the country, especially after unfair trials or against juvenile offenders.
2010
Fair Trial
Juveniles
United Arab Emirates
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5e0dfc3a9e7f498d072a5366a90aba28_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Lawyers’ manual published in traditional Chinese
By Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty, on 30 November 2013
On the occasion of Cities for Life Day on November 30, the Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty (TAEDP) and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty are proud to announce the online publication of the Chinese version of Representing Individuals Facing the Death Penalty: A Best Practices Manual. This publication is intended for lawyers who defend people facing the death penalty around the world.
2013
China
Legal Representation
Taiwan
Taiwan
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ad139c7a79cd680378b01be9eb7958a2_2.jpg)
Article(s)
Calendar of events for World Day 2014
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 19 August 2014
On 10 October 2014, the 12th World Day Against the Death Penalty is drawing attention to people with mental health problems who are at risk of a death sentence or execution. Browse the schedule and the map to prepare and promote the events planned around the world on the big day.
2014
Intellectual Disability
Mental Illness
Article(s)
Project Manager – Regional and World Congress Against the Death Penalty
By ECPM, on 17 August 2017
Ensemble contre la peine de mort (ECPM – Together against the Death Penalty) is recruiting a project manager for its international Congresses : World Congress against the Death Penalty (Brussels – February 2019) / Regional Congress against the Death Penalty (Sub-saharan Africa 2018) – temporary contract.
2017
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2cbd096c373c056ac5544881e9771657_2-1.png)
Article(s)
Take Action for World Day 2018!
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 10 September 2018
Check what you can do for 10 October. Browse the calendar of events and the map to prepare and promote the events planned around the world on the big day.
2018
Death Row Conditions
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/6c85b0dc4bc46ee506da49485d0393de_2-1.png)
Article(s)
Take Action for World Day 2017!
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 12 September 2017
Check what you can do for 10 October. Browse the calendar of events and the map to prepare and promote the events planned around the world on the big day.
2017
Public Opinion
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ede0f8c15e964613e2e223b1c2847467_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
Take Action for World Day 2019!
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 1 October 2019
Check what you can do for the 10th October. Browse the calendar of events and the interactive map to prepare and promote the events planned around the world on the big day.
2019
Juveniles
![](https://worldcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/3f3d7b4ede4e17e89b689eb3fd74d017_2-1.jpg)
Article(s)
Take Action for World Day 2016!
By World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, on 3 October 2016
Check what you can do for 10 October. Browse the calendar of events and the map to prepare and promote the events planned around the world on the big day.
2016
Terrorism