On 9 October 2025, France paid a solemn tribute to Mr Robert Badinter with his interment at the Panthéon in Paris, honouring his exceptional legacy as a jurist, Minister of Justice, and unwavering champion of the abolition of the death penalty. The ceremony, presided over by President Emmanuel Macron, brought together leaders, judges, and human rights advocates from around the world.
As Minister of Justice, Mr Badinter was instrumental in the historic abolition of the death penalty in France in 1981. His moral clarity and legal vision not only shaped French history but also helped define the identity, principles, and mission of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP).
Mr Badinter was a Founding Commissioner of ICDP and remained an active and committed voice within the Commission throughout his life. France, a member of the ICDP Support Group, has long supported the Commission’s work.
ICDP was represented at the ceremony by Ibrahim Najjar, Vice President of ICDP and former Minister of Justice of Lebanon, together with Asunta Vivo Cavaller, Co-Executive Director of ICDP.
During its visit to Paris, ICDP delegation also met with Ambassador Isabelle Rome, French Ambassador on Human Rights at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
See link to the tribute article to Mr Badinter written by ICDP Vice President Mr Najjar:
https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1481645/badinter-au-pantheon.html
