ICDP EVENTS
ICDP mission to Indonesia
A delegation of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) led by Commissioners Gloria Magapagal Arroyo, Ruth Dreifuss and Marzuki Darusman concluded its mission to Indonesia.
ICDP mission to Malaysia
An ICDP delegation led by Commissioners Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former President of the Philippines, and Ruth Dreifuss, former President of Switzerland, visited Kuala Lumpur on 13 and 14 September to congratulate the Malaysian Government for abolishing the mandatory death penalty.
ICDP mourns the passing away of Commissioner Governor Bill Richardson
It is with profound sorrow that the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) announces the passing away, on 2 September 2023, of ICDP Honorary Commissioner Governor Bill Richardson.
Ghana parliament votes to abolish death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) warmly welcomes the momentous vote by Ghana's parliament to abolish the death penalty.
ICDP participates in the Regional Congress on the Death Penalty in Jordan
ICDP participated in the Regional Congress on the Death Penalty in Amman: Vice President Ibrahim Najjar participated with a pre-recorded message, which was broadcast during the opening ceremony on 11 July 2023.
Malaysia’s mandatory death penalty abolition comes into effect
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) warmly welcomes recent developments related to Malaysia ́s Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 (referred to as the Act 2023 hereafter) and the Revision of Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life
XVIII Meeting of Commissioners and launch of the report “Children, Youth and the Death Penalty”
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) held its 18th Meeting of Commissioners from 4-5 June in Geneva.
ICDP launches report on Children, Youth and the Death Penalty
ICDP announces the launch of its latest report: Children, Youth and the Death Penalty. The issue of how the death penalty affects children and youth is often ignored by policy makers.
Mission to South Korea
A delegation from the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP), led by Commissioner Tsakhia Elbegdorj
ICDP Commissioner Hanne Sophie Greve participates in a panel on the death penalty at the Council of Europe
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) welcomes the recent thematic discussion on the abolition of the death penalty by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
Malaysian Parliament votes to abolish the mandatory death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) welcomes the passage of a bill, on 3 April 2023, by the Dewan Rakyat – the lower house of Malaysia’s Parliament – to abolish mandatory death penalty.
ICDP delegation participates in the 13th International Congress of Justice Ministers on the issue of the death penalty organized by Community San´t Egidio in Rome
On 1 and 2 March 2023, a delegation of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP), led by ICDP Commissioner Martin O´Malley, participated in the 13th International Congress of Justice Ministers (Congress)
Third meeting in Geneva of ICDP Commissioners and representatives of countries of Central Asian region and Mongolia on moving towards becoming a death-penalty free zone
On 28 February 2023, the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) co-hosted a hybrid meeting of countries of the Central Asian region and Mongolia
Zambia abolishes the death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) warmly welcomes the abolition of the death penalty in Zambia´s law statutes on 23 December 2022 when President Hakainde Hichilema made history by signing the legislation, which was earlier voted in its Parliament.
Adoption of the ninth UNGA resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) welcomes the adoption of the ninth United Nations General Assembly resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
Minors in Iran could face death penalty on protest-related charges
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) is deeply concerned after hearing reports that suggest that three teenage protesters, who were arrested during the recent crackdowns on protests in Iran, face charges that carry the death penalty.
Kuwait resumes executions after more than five years by carrying out executions of seven persons
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) strongly condemns the executions of seven persons, including two women, carried out by authorities in Kuwait on Wednesday, 16 November 2022, after a five-year hiatus on executions.
ICDP Participates in the 8th World Congress against the Death Penalty
A delegation of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) participated in the 8th World Congress against the Death Penalty, which was held in Berlin from 14 to 18 November 2022.
ICDP Launches How States abolish the Death Penalty: A Supplement of Case-Studies
ICDP announces the launch of How States abolish the Death Penalty: A Supplement of Case-Studies. This publication briefly describes the experiences of 21 states as they moved towards the abolition of the death penalty.
Mission to Malawi
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) undertook a mission to Lilongwe, Malawi between 29 October and 3 November 2022
A Public Event to Commemorate the World Day against the Death Penalty in Madrid
On 10 October, on the occasion of the 20th World Day against the Death Penalty, Commissioner O’Malley participated in a well-attended public event at the Bolívar Hall in Casa de América featuring a panel co-organized by the ICDP, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation titled “The Death Penalty in the Americas”
Statement by ICDP President Navi Pillay on the World Day against the Death Penalty
On the occasion of the World Day against the Death Penalty, ICDP President Navi Pillay recorded the following statement commemorating the 20th anniversary of the World Day, calling on all countries and individuals to respect the most fundamental right: the right to life.
ICDP participates in the high-level side event at the UN General Assembly on Pathways to Moratorium on the Use of Death Penalty: Effective and Good Practices from Member States
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) participated in a high-level side event tititled 'Pathways to Moratorium on the Use of Death Penalty
Equatorial Guinea excludes the death penalty for ordinary crimes from its new Penal Code
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) welcomes Equatorial Guinea’s announcement of the abolition of the death penalty
Myanmar carries out four executions: the first in 34 years
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) strongly condemns the executions of four people by authorities in Myanmar on 25 July 2022
Webinar on Human Rights and Good Practices in Spain and Kyrgyzstan
On 22 July 2022, ICDP participated in a webinar on human rights and the promotion of good practices in Spain and Kyrgyzstan, organized by Casa Asia and the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. Executive Director Asunta Vivó discussed the events leading up to abolition in both countries
17th Meeting of ICDP Commissioners and General Assembly
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) held its 17th Meeting of Commissioners on 4 July 2022 in a hybrid format. This was the first in person Meeting of Commissioners for those Commissioners who were able to physically participate
Roundtable on Constitutional Reforms: Ensuring Human Dignity and Human Rights
The Permanent Missions of Uzbekistan in Geneva organized a roundtable on Constitutional Reforms: Ensuring Human Dignity and Human Rights on 4 July 2022 on the margins of the 50th session of the Human Rights Council. ICDP Vice President Ruth Dreifuss participated in the roundtable discussion
ICDP co-organizes a side event in Geneva at the sidelines of 50th Human Rights Council with Australia on “Youth and the Death Penalty”
On 29 June, ICDP co-organized with Australia a side event at the sidelines of the Human Rights Council consisting of a panel discussion with presentations of the international human rights legal framework providing for the abolition of the death penalty for those children
Roundtable discussion on lessons learned from national experiences abolishing the death penalty in Geneva in sidelines of the 50th Human Rights Council
On 24 June 2022, ICDP co-organized with Kazakhstan a side event at the sidelines of the 50th Human Rights Council consisting of a roundtable on lessons learned by countries from national experiences in the global campaign for a universal abolition of death penalty
ICDP participates in the International Congress against the Death Penalty
On 19 and 20 May 2022, the ICDP Secretariat was invited to the International Congress against the Death Penalty: Opinio Iuris and International Law, an event organized by the Network for the Abolition of the Death Penalty and Cruel Punishment
Singaporean authorities carry out the execution of 34-year-old intellectually disabled Malaysian national Nagaenthran Dharmalingam
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) strongly condemns the carrying out of the execution of 34-year-old Malaysian national Nagaenthran Dharmalingam by Singaporean authorities
Mission to the United States of America
On 26 April 2022, the Spanish Ambassador to the USA Santiago Cabanas hosted a meeting of Washington DC-based Ambassadors and senior diplomats of the ICDP Support Group and the EU Ambassador with an ICDP delegation led by ICDP Vice President Ruth Dreifuss and ICDP Commissioner Governor Martin O'Malley and the ICDP Secretariat comprising Executive Director Asunta Vivó and Director of Policy Rajiv Narayan. President Navi Pillay participated in the meeting remotely due to travel restrictions
Kazakhstan became the 90th State to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
ICDP warmly welcomes Kazakhstan´s ratification, on 24 March 2022, of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Second Optional Protocol), aiming at the abolition of the death penalty
81 executions carried out in one day by authorities in Saudi Arabia
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) strongly condemns the reported executions of 81 persons carried out in one day, 12 March 2022, by Saudi Arabian authorities
ICDP mourns the passing away of Renny Cushing a powerful victim-abolitionist advocate who led the efforts to successfully repeal the death penalty in New Hampshire in 2019
It is with great sadness that ICDP mourns the demise of the advocate for the abolition of the death penalty and our friend Renny Cushing
ICDP´s Honorary Commissioner Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero met with Ambassador Petri Fabrizio, Italy´s Special Envoy for Human Rights of LGBTIQ+ persons
On 15 February 2022, ICDP´s Honorary Commissioner Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero met with Ambassador Petri Fabrizio, Italy´s Special Envoy for Human Rights of LGBTIQ+
Papua New Guinea takes historic steps towards abolishing the death penalty
CDP warmly welcomes the vote of a bill to abolish the death penalty by the Parliament of Papua New Guinea on 20 January 2022. The historic vote follows the welcome announcement by Prime Minister James Marape
ICDP receives the 2020 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe at the Portuguese Parliament
On 9 December 2021, the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) received the prestigious 2020 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe. ICDP was represented by Commissioner Marta Santos Pais in person
Commissioner Hanne Sophie Greve participated in the Oslo Peace Days 2021 conference on the Efforts Towards the Abolition of the Death Penalty
On 8 December 2021, The Norwegian Centre for Human Rights and the Research Group on Human Rights, Armed Conflicts, and the Law of Peace and Security organized a conference on international, regional and national efforts towards ensuring the abolition
ICDP receives the 2020 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe in Lisbon
On 9 December 2021, the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) will receive the prestigious 2020 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe
ICDP participated in the conference on the death penalty organized by Helsinki Spain
On November 23, 2021, Executive Director Asunta Vivó participated in the Conference on the Death Penalty (Jornada sobre la pena de muerte) organized by Helsinki Spain
Commissioner Marta Santos Pais meets with CPLP Executive Secretary Zacarias Da Costa
On 2 November, ICDP Commissioner Marta Santos Pais had a productive meeting with Executive Secretary of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Dr. Zacarias da Costa
ICDP participates in the OSCE-ODIHR’s webinar ” The road to abolition of the death penalty in the OSCE region”
Executive Director Asunta Vivo Cavaller will participate in the OSCE- ODIHR's webinar "The road to abolition of the death penalty in the OSCE region"
Sierra Leone abolishes death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) warmly welcomes the signature by Sierra Leone´s President Julius Maada Bio, on 8 October 2021
Director of Policy Rajiv Narayan participated in the webinar “The Overlooked. She is the Vortex of Death Penalty”
On the occasion of the World Day against the Death Penalty, Director of Policy Rajiv Narayan participated at the Institute for Crime Justice Reform ( ICJR) Research Dissemination webinar
19th World Day against the Death Penalty focuses on “Women and the death penalty, an invisible reality”
On 10 October, ICDP commemorates the World Day against the Death Penalty. This year, the World Day against the Death Penalty focuses on a special and very relevant topic: “Women and the death penalty, an invisible reality”Sierra Leone Parliament votes a Bill abolishing the death penalty
On 23 July 2021, the Parliament of Sierra Leone, voted in favour of a Bill abolishing the death penalty. ICDP notes that this vote is the culmination of earlier commitments made by Government authorities
USA Attorney General orders halt to federal executions
On 1 July 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland ordered to halt federal executions in the USA
ICDP held the 16th Meeting of its Commissioners on 1 July 2021
On 1 July 2021, ICDP held the 16th Meeting of its Commissioners. The Meeting was held online due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic
ICDP Comissioner Marzuki Darusman participated in the report launch “Investigating attitudes to the death penalty in Indonesia”
ICDP Commissioner Marzuki Darusman participated in the two-part report launch "Investigating attitudes to the death penalty in Indonesia". The research was commissioned by The Death Penalty Project
ICDP welcomes former Governor Martin O´Malley as its new Commissioner
ICDP warmly welcomes former Governor of the US state of Maryland Martin O´Malley as its new Commissioner
ICDP Commissioner Marta Santos Pais participated in the international Conference on the death penalty organized by the Portuguese Presidency of the EU on 4 May
ICDP Commissioner Marta Santos Pais will participate in the International Conference on the Death Penalty organized by the Portuguese Presidency of the EU. The International conference will take place on 4 May
ICDP mourns the sudden demise of eminent human rights scholar and practitioner Professor Christof Heyns
It is with great sadness that the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) mourns the sudden demise of the eminent human rights lawyer, scholar, human rights defender, practitioner and our friend Professor Christof Heyns
Women and Death Penalty: Victims of a cruel and inhumane practice that has no place in the 21st Century
The International Commission against the Death Penalty warmly welcomes former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children Marta Santos Pais as its new Commissioner
Governor Northam signs into law the bill abolishing the death penalty making Virginia the 23rd USA state free of capital punishment
On 24 March 2021, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation abolishing the death penalty in his state. By doing so, Virginia has become the 23rd state in the USA to end capital punishment
ICDP welcomes former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children Marta Santos Pais as its new Commissioner
The International Commission against the Death Penalty warmly welcomes former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children Marta Santos Pais as its new Commissioner
Participation of ICDP Commissioner former President of Mongolia Tsakhia Elbegdorj in the UN Biennial high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty
ICDP Commissioner and former President of Mongolia Tsakhia Elbegdorj participated on 23 February in the biannual high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty during the 46th session of the Human Rights Council
ICDP Opinion Piece on “Executions of prisoners in the US as an electoral argument “
Opinion Piece by ICDP President Judge Navi Pillay, Founding President Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Honorary Member José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Commissioner Bill Richardson and Executive Director Asunta Vivó Cavaller
Kazakhstan ratifies the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
On 2 January, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. signed the law to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Eighth UNGA Moratorium Resolution : Record number of 123 member-states in favour, 38 against and 24 abstained
On 16 December 2020 , the eighth UNGA Resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty was voted at the UNGA plenary session by a record number of 123 member-states who voted in its favour, 38 member-states voted against the resolution, while 24 abstained
2020 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe award to ICDP
The Jury of the North-South prize of the Council of Europe decided to award the 2020 Prize to ICDP and to the Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change Network of the Union for the Mediterranean
The International Commission against the Death Penalty hosted a webinar on 14 December 2020
To celebrate Human Rights Day, the International Commission against the Death Penalty will host a webinar on 14 December 2020. The event will be special as 2020 marks the tenth anniversary for the Commission, which was founded in October 2010 in Madrid
Opinion Piece by ICDP President Judge Navi Pillay and Founding President Federico Mayor Zaragoza on occasion of the Human Rights Day 2020
ICDP President Judge Navi Pillay and Founding President Federico Mayor Zaragoza commemorate Human Rights Day 2020 with this opinion piece published in the Political Exterior Magazine
Director of Policy Narayan participated on the 10th of December to the Virtual Conference on the Death Penalty on Executions in the US
A week of live/interactive on-line panel discussions or events were organized by the USA NGOs death penalty action, Indiana abolition Coalition, Journey of Hope, Terre Haute death penalty Resistance and the Social justice Workers on the issue of “Human Rights in Crisis: The US Federal Execution Spree”Director of Policy Narayan will participate on the 10th of December to the Virtual Conference on the Death Penalty on Executions in the US
A week of live/interactive on-line panel discussions or events are organized by the USA NGOs death penalty action, Indiana abolition Coalition, Journey of Hope, Terre Haute death penalty Resistance and the Social justice Workers on the issue of “Human Rights in Crisis: The US Federal Execution Spree”
On the 30th of November “City for Life” was celebrated through a webinar with the participation of ICDP President Navi Pillay
On November 30 of each year, the Day of Cities for Life - against the Death Penalty commemorates the first abolition of the death penalty in 1786 by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Meeting of High-Level Representatives of the Support Group for the 10th Anniversary of the creation of ICDP
On the 13 October 2020, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of ICDP, a high-level meeting with respected personalities from the Support Group Member States took place virtually on the invitation of the Minister of Foreign European Union and Cooperation of Spain Arancha González Laya. The meeting was also an opportunity to celebrate and commend Kazakhstan for its recent accession to the Second Optional ProtocolOn the 30th of November “City for Life” will be celebrated through a webinar that will see the participation of ICDP President Navi Pillay
On November 30 of each year, the Day of Cities for Life - against the Death Penalty commemorates the first abolition of the death penalty in 1786 by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Vote at the UNGA Third Committee by a large majority in favour of the resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty
On 17 November 2020, the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) considered a draft resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
New publication “The Death Penalty Justice or Revenge”
On occasion of the 10th anniversary of ICDP and the annual meeting of Commissioners on 7 October, ICDP Commissioner Ioanna Kucuradi released the publication "The Death Penalty Justice or Revenge",
On 5 November, ICDP will participate in the webinar “Death penalty: from application to a universal moratorium”
On 5 November, ICDP will participate in the webinar "Death penalty: from application to a universal moratorium", organized by Ensemble Contre le Peine de Mort (ECPM)On 5 November, ICDP participated in the webinar “Death penalty: from application to a universal moratorium”
On 5 November, ICDP participated in the webinar "Death penalty: from application to a universal moratorium", organized by Ensemble Contre le Peine de Mort
On 23 October, ICDP participated in a Virtual Seminar on “La Pena de Muerte en las Américas: ¿Un Problema del Pasado?”, organized by PGA’s National Group and the Parliamentary Group on Human Rights in the National Assembly of Ecuador
On 23 October, Executive Director Asunta Vivo participated in a Virtual seminar on "La Pena de Muerte en las Americas: ¿Un Problema del Pasado?"
15th Meeting of the Commissioners and celebration of the 10th Anniversary of ICDP
On 7 October, ICDP hold its XV Annual Meeting of Commissioners under the leadership of President Judge Navi Pillay. The Spanish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and ...
XV Annual Meeting of Commissioners under the leadership of President Judge Navi Pillay
On 7 October, ICDP will held its XV Annual Meeting of Commissioners under the leadership of President Judge Navi Pillay. The meeting will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the creation of the International Commission against the Death Penalty.
Contra la pena de muerte y hacia un mayor respeto y protección del derecho a la vida
El 15 de junio de 2020, el Fiscal General William P. Barr ordenó a la Oficina Federal de Prisiones de EEUU (BOP) que programara la ejecución […]
Mission to Qatar
An ICDP delegation consisting of ICDP Vice President Ibrahim Najjar and Commissioner Bill Richardson, and ICDP Secretariat (Director of Policy Dr Rajiv Narayan), visited Doha, Qatar on 15-16 December 2019.
Mission to Zambia
ICDP delegation headed by Commissioner and former President of Mongolia Tsakhia Elbegdorj accompanied by ICDP Executive Director Asunta Vivo and Director of Policy, Rajiv Narayan visited Zambia on the occasion of the Human Rights Day.
Mission to Rome
ICDP was invited to participate in the 12th International Congress of Justice Ministers "Paving the Way: Defeating Hatred", organized by the NGO Community Sant´Egidio in Rome.
17th World Day against the Death Penalty
On the occasion of the 17th World Day against the Death Penalty, ICDP and the Embassies of Australia, Belgium, New Zealand and the UK in Spain […]
Mission to Thailand
An ICDP delegation comprising of Commissioner Hanne Sophie Greve and Director of Policy Rajiv Narayan visited Bangkok from 8 to 11 October to participate in events organized on the occasion of the World Day against the Death Penalty. The delegation also had meetings with other Bangkok based organizations, experts to understand the situation of the death penalty in Thailand and in Southeast Asia.
14th Meeting of the Commissioners and Side-event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR
ICDP held the 14th meeting of its Commissioners in Geneva between 1 and 2 July 2019. On 1 July, the Meeting of the Commissioners was held […]
High-Level Side Event at the UN on 30th anniversary of the Second Optional Protocol to ICCPR
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Commission Against Death […]
Mission to Maldives
ICDP was invited to participate in the 12th International Congress of Justice Ministers "Paving the Way: Defeating Hatred", organized by the NGO Community Sant´Egidio in Rome.
Mission to Sri Lanka
ICDP was invited to participate in the 12th International Congress of Justice Ministers "Paving the Way: Defeating Hatred", organized by the NGO Community Sant´Egidio in Rome.
New Hampshire becomes the 21st US state to abolish the death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty warmly welcomes the New Hampshire Senate´s historic vote on Thursday 30 May 2019 and the preceding vote by the […]
Governor Newsom´s order declaring moratorium on death penalty in California is a very welcome step moving away from the death penalty
ICDP warmly welcomes the Executive Order N-09-19 issued on 13 March 2019 by the Governor of US state of California Gavin Newsom which orders “(a)n executive […]
Mission to Cuba
A delegation of the International Commission against the Death Penalty, headed by its President Judge Navi Pillay, visited Havana, the Republic of Cuba, from 21 to 26 April 2019. The delegates included ICDP Executive Director Asunta Vivó, and ICDP Director of Policy Dr Rajiv Narayan.
ICDP welcomes former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark as its new Commissioner
ICDP warmly welcomes former Prime Minister of New Zealand and the former Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Rt. Hon. Helen Clark as its […]
ICDP participates in the 7th World Congress against the Death Penalty in Brussels
A delegation of the International Commission against the Death Penalty led by President Judge Navi Pillay participated in the Seventh World Congress against the Death Penalty […]
ICDP participates in the 2019 “Jornada Universitaria sobre la Pena de Muerte” by Helsinki Spain
ICDP will participate in the 2019 “Jornada Universitaria sobre la Pena de Muerte” organized by Helsinki Spain on Friday 22 February.. For further information, please see attached.
On the 7th World Congress against the Death Penalty ICDP organised a side event: “States abolish the death penalty: experiences and lessons learnt”
On the occasion of the 7th World Congress against the Death Penalty,the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP), is organising a side event, “How States […]
Mission to Vatican
On 17 December 2018, a delegation representing the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) had a private audience with His Holiness, the Pope Francis at the Vatican.
ICDP event on the 16th World Day against the Death Penalty
On the occasion of the World Day against the Death Penalty on 10 October, ICDP is organizing a panel discussion at Casa Arabe, Madrid at 19.30h […]
Six more executions carried out by authorities in Japan
ICDP strongly condemns the executions of six persons, all men, carried out by Japanese authorities on Thursday, 26 July 2018. The executions were carried out by […]
Seven executions carried out by authorities in Japan
ICDP strongly condemns the executions of seven persons, all men, carried out by Japanese authorities on Friday, 6 July 2018. They were all members of the […]
Launch of ICDP Publication, How States abolish the Death Penalty: 29 Case-Studies
ICDP announces the launch of its publication, how States abolish the Death Penalty: 29 Case-Studies. This publication briefly describes the experiences of 26 countries and 3 […]
13th meeting of the Commissioners in Madrid
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) held the 13th meeting of its Commissioners in Madrid between 27 and 29 May 2018. On […]
ICDP welcomes former President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj as its new Commissioner
The International Commission against the Death Penalty warmly welcomes former President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj as its new Commissioner. For further information, please read of our […]
Open Letter to Governor of Alabama MS Kay Ivey
ICDP President Navi Pillay, Vice- President Ruth Dreifuss and Commissioner Gov Richardson have written an Open Letter to the Governor of Alabama Ms Kay Ivey to […]
ICDP mourns the death of ICDP Commissioner Asma Jahangir
It is with great sadness that the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) announces the passing away, on 11 February, of ICDP Commissioner Ms. Asma […]
ICDP events on the occasion of the staging of the Opera “Dead Man Walking” in Madrid.
On 25 January 2018, the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) co-organized a round table panel discussion titled “Dead Man Walking: culture of […]
“Dead Man Walking: Culture of violence, death penalty and redemption”
On the occasion of the premiere of the opera of “Dead Man Walking” (26 Jan), the International Commission against the death Penalty (CIPM), in collaboration with […]
Mission to the Republic of Korea
A delegation of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) led by its President Judge Navi Pillay visited Seoul, Republic of Korea (South Korea or RoK) between 19 and 21 November. The delegates included the former President of the International Criminal Court and eminent professor Judge Song Sang-Hyun, ICDP Executive Director Asunta Vivo and ICDP Director of Policy Rajiv Narayan.
Statement by the International Commission against the Death Penalty on the occasion of the World Day against the Death Penalty Death penalty: a fatal, inhuman practice that discriminates against the poor
We observe today the 15th World Day against the Death Penalty. As of today, 105 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes. In the […]
12th meeting of Commissioners in Madrid
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) held the 12th meeting of its Commissioners in Madrid on 2 and 3 October 2017. ICDP […]
ICDP participates in the International Human Rights Summit in Madrid
ICDP President Federico Mayor Zaragoza participated at the closing ceremony of the Madrid Summit. This International Human Rights Conference organized by the WorldPride Madrid 2017 Organizing […]
Mission to Jamaica
ICDP Commissioner Michèle Duvivier participated in a mission to Kingston (Jamaica) on 5 and 6 April 2017 together with Mark Pritchard, UK Member of Parliament who represented the All Party Parliamentary Group against the Death Penalty.
Mission to Uganda
The delegates ICDP Commissioner Bossuyt and Lord Purvis from the UK All Party Parliamentary Group visited Uganda on 20-21 April. They met with the Attorney General of Uganda, Hon. William Byaruhanga. They met with Dr Johnson Byabashaija, the Commissioner General of Prisons, and visited the Luzire Prison.
Mr Marc Bossuyt and Mr Marzuki Darusman new ICDP Commissioners
The International Commission against the Death Penalty warmly welcomes Baron Marc Bossuyt and Mr. Marzuki Darusman as its new Commissioners. Baron Marc Bossuyt is emeritus professor […]
Mission to USA
A delegation of the ICDP consisting of former UN High Commissioner of Human Rights and ICDP Vice President Navi Pillay, former President of Switzerland and ICDP Vice President Ruth Dreifuss, former Prime Minister of Haiti ICDP Commissioner Michele Duvivier and former Governor of US state of New Mexico and ICDP Commissioner Bill Richardson visited New York between 14 and 16 May 2017.
Mission to Belarus
On 3 and 4 May, ICDP Executive Director was invited to Belarus to attend a meeting at the House of Representatives at the initiative of Mr. Naumovich, President of the Working Group on abolition of the Death Penalty, along with a delegate from the Death Penalty Project. The meeting was attended by over 40 Parliamentarians. There were also interviews with media.
Eight executions planned to be carried out by Arkansas authorities
Eight executions planned to be carried out by Arkansas authorities. The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) is deeply concerned about recent news […]
ICDP visits Belarus to participate in conference on the “Abolition of the Death Penalty and Public Opinion” in Belarus
ICDP Commissioner Hanne Sophie Greve participated at a conference titled ”Abolition of the Death Penalty and Public Opinion” which was organized by the Council of Europe […]Mission to Belarus
The Secretary General of the International Commission against the Death Penalty, Ms Asunta Vivo Cavaller, participated in an international conference titled “Death Penalty: Transcending the Divide” on 10 March 2016
Killing in the name of justice? The death penalty in the 21st century
To mark the World Day against the Death Penalty, ICDP Commissioner Ruth Dreifuss participated in an event organized by the EU Delegation to the UN in […]
11th meeting of Commissioners in Madrid and a meeting in Paris
ICDP held the 11th meeting of its Commissioners in Madrid on 10 and 11 October 2016. During the meeting, the Commission noted and discussed the main […]
Mission to China
On 20-21 August, Commissioner Greve accompanied by Executive Director Asunta Vivo participated in a conference titled “Death Penalty Reform: International Perspective and Chinese Practice” in Beijing, China. The conference was organized by the College for Criminal Law Science, Beijing Normal University.
Mission to Guyana
A high-level delegation headed by Ms Navi Pillay, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and current Commissioner of the International Commission against the Death Penalty, Mr Ivan Šimonović, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, and Professor Marc Bossuyt, Emeritus President of the Constitutional Court of Belgium visited Guyana between 19 and 21 July 2016 to discuss issues related to the death penalty in the country. For further information, please find attached the press release.
High-level Delegation visits Guyana to discuss issues related to the death penalty
A high-level delegation headed by Ms Navi Pillay, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and current Commissioner of the International Commission against the Death Penalty, […]
Four executions carried out by Indonesian authorities
The ICDP strongly condemns the executions of four men by Indonesian authorities on 29 July 2016. These executions mark the third set of executions carried out […]
Guyana: Judicial Colloquium on the Abolition of the Death Penalty
On 20 July 2016, the International Commission against the Death Penalty in partnership with the European Union Delegation to Guyana, the Chancellor of the Judiciary of […]
A Call to authorities in Republic of Maldives to halt an Imminent Execution
ICDP expresses its serious concerns at receiving reports that 23 year-old Maldivian national, Mr. Hussain Humaam Ahmed, is at risk of imminent execution by authorities in […]
6th World Congress against the Death Penalty in Oslo
From 21 to 23 of June, ICDP participated in the 6th edition of the World Congress against the Death Penalty that took place in Oslo, Norway. […]
Mission to Guatemala
Commissioner Horacio Verbitsky represented ICDP in Guatemala at the “Forum against the Death Penalty” organized by the Congress of Guatemala that took place on 24 May. The Forum was an initiative of the President of the Congress Mario Taracena. The Forum was also sponsored by the OHCHR and the Archbishop of Guatemala, among others.
Mission to Jakarta
ICDP was invited to attend a Regional Consultative campaign meeting on the abolishment of Death penalty in ASEAN which to place on 22-23 April in jakarta, Indonesia. The conference was organized by the NGO Indonesia Coalition on the Abolition of the Death Penalty ( ICA DP) with support from the PARTICIP.
Belarus carries out an execution
The International Commission against the Death Penalty strongly condemns the reported execution of Syarhey Iwanow that was carried out by the authorities in Belarus. The reports […]
Mission to Belarus
The Secretary General of the International Commission against the Death Penalty, Ms Asunta Vivo Cavaller, participated in an international conference titled “Death Penalty: Transcending the Divide” on 10 March 2016
Official Signature Ceremony of the Founding Act in Madrid
ICDP held, on 25 April 2016 in Madrid, the Official Signature Ceremony of the Founding Act of ICDP as an organization according to Spanish law. Participants […]Official Signature Ceremony of the Founding Act in Madrid
ICDP held, on 25 April 2016 in Madrid, the Official Signature Ceremony of the Founding Act of ICDP as an organization according to Spanish law. Participants […]
Three executions carried out by Malaysian authorities
On 25 March 2016, Malaysian authorities carried out the executions of three men. The three men, Gunasegar Pitchaymuthu, 35, Ramesh Jayakumar, 34, and his brother Sasivarnam […]
Two executions carried out by Japan authorities
On 25 March 2016 of two persons: 75 year old man Yasutoshi Kamata and 56 year old woman Junko Yoshida were executed in Japan. Executions in […]Mission to Guatemala
From 21 to 26 February 2016, the Secretary General of the International Commission against the Death Penalty, Ms. Asunta Vivó Cavaller, visited Guatemala at the invitation of the Office of Human Rights of the Archdioceses of Guatemala (ODHAG).
10th meeting of the Commission in Madrid
ICDP President Mr. Federico Mayor opened the meeting and welcomed three new Commissioners: Ms Navi Pillay, Ms Sylvie Kayitesi and Mr. Horacio Verbitsky. The Commissioners also […]
Mongolia abolishes the Death Penalty
On 3 December 2015, the legislators in Mongolia took a historic vote supporting the coming into effect of a new Criminal Code, which abolishes capital punishment […]
ICDP Commissioner Hanne Sophie Greve participates in 3rd Oslo International Symposium on Capital Punishment
On 6-8 December, the University of Oslo and the Universities against the Death Penalty Network is organizing the 3rd Oslo International Symposium on Capital Punishment and […]
ICDP Commissioner Ibrahim Najjar awarded with the Spanish Order of Isabella the Catholic: “No democracy without the abolition of the death penalty”
On 27 November Former Justice Minister of Lebanon was awarded with the Spanish Order of Isabella the Catholic by the Spanish Ambassador in Lebanon Milagros Hernando […]
Mission to Guyana
The European Union, in cooperation with the British High Commission and the International Commission against the Death Penalty,organized a Caribbean regional conference consisting of keynote speeches and a number of panel discussion on aspects of abolition of the death penalty.
Regional Conference in the Caribbean, Georgetown, Guyana
The European Union, in cooperation with the British High Commission and the International Commission against the Death Penalty,organized a Caribbean regional conference consisting of keynote speeches […]
ICDP’s message on World Day against the Death Penalty
On the occasion of the 13th World Day against the Death Penalty, the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) renews its commitment to fight for […]
Miss Zainabo Sylvie Kayitesi new ICDP Commissioner
Ms Zainabo Sylvie Kayitesi, a former Minister and a highly respected voice of human rights from Africa, is joining the Members of the ICDP in our […]
ICDP participates in conference on “Prospects for the international abolition of the death penalty” in Toledo, Spain
On 8 September 2015, ICDP President Mr. Federico Mayor, Honorary Commissioner Mr. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, President of ICDP Support Group Ambassador Vilardell and ICDP Secretary […]
Togo becomes 82nd State Party to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR
On 10 July 2015 by the government of the Togolese Republic acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, […]
138 executions carried out by Pakistan authorities since December 2014
As of 3 June, authorities in Pakistan have carried out at least 138 executions since the death penalty was resumed at the end of December 2014 […]
Nebraska (United States) abolishes the death penalty
Nebraska became the 19th state in the United States to abolish capital punishment when its unicameral Legislature, by a 30 to 19 vote, voted on Wednesday […]
Suriname abolishes the death penalty
On 13 April 2015 the criminal code in Suriname came into effect, which effectively abolishes the death penalty in that country. According to reports that ICDP […]
Eight executions carried out by Indonesian authorities
On 29 April, the Indonesian authorities carried out the executions of eight men, all found guilty of drug-related charges, included one Indonesian national, 50 year-old Zainal […]
Navanethem Pillay new ICDP Commissioner
ICDP warmly welcomes Ms Navi Pillay as its new Commissioner. Ms Navi Pillay, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and a highly respected voice […]
Two Indonesian nationals executed in Saudi Arabia
Two Indonesian nationals Siti Zainab Binti Duhri Rupa and Karni Binti Medi Tarsim were executed by Saudi Arabian authorities on 14 and 16 April 2015 respectively.Reports […]
ICDP President meets with Pope Francis
On 20 March 2015, ICDP President Mr Federico Mayor met Pope Francis in a private audience at the Vatican and discussed issues related to the abolition […]
ICDP Commissioners participate in the biennial high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty at the 28th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva
On 4 March 2014, ICDP Commissioners Mr Mohammed Bedjaoui and Ms Ruth Dreifuss participated in the first Biennial high-level panel discussion organized by the UN Office […]
Third session on the death penalty by Helsinki Spain
On 5 March, President Mayor participated in the “III Session on the death penalty” organized in Madrid by Helsinki Spain. Mr. Mayor spoke about “Abolition of […]
Indonesia carries out executions of six people
On 18 January, the Indonesian authorities carried out the executions of six people, including two women and four men, all of whom had been sentenced to […]
Mr. Horacio Verbitsky new ICDP Commissioner
The President of the ICDP Mr Federico Mayor announced on 22 January that Mr. Horacio Verbitsky accepted to become the new member of the Commission. Mr […]
3rd Jakarta Human Rights Dialogue on Rights to Life and Moratorium of Death Penalty in the ASEAN Region
ICDP Commissioner Ioanna Kucuradi participated at the 3rd Jakarta Human Rights Dialogue on Rights to Life and Moratorium of Death Penalty in the ASEAN Region (JHRD) […]
Increased vote at the UN General Assembly death penalty moratorium resolution- An important milestone in the path to global abolition of capital punishment
On 18 December 2014, a record number of countries – 117 – supported the fifth UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution (A/RES/69/186) calling for a global moratorium […]
9th meeting of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP), 24-25 November 2014
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP or Commission) held the 9th meeting of its Commissioners in Geneva on 24 and 25 November 2014. The […]
A new reported execution in Belarus
There is serious concern on the reports that the execution of 26 year-old Belarusian national, Alyaksandr Hrunou, was carried out by authorities in Belarus. According to […]
Execution of Reyhaneh Jabbari by authorities in Iran
On 25 October 2014 Iranian national Reyhaneh Jabbari was executed by authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran). On 7 July 2007, Reyhaneh Jabbari reportedly […]
Pope Francis calls for the abolition of the death penalty
Pope Francis made a strong call to abolish capital punishment during a speech on 23 October. In an audience with delegates from the International Association of […]
Executions of six men in Afghanistan: Open Letter by ICDP to new President Ghani
ICDP Commissioners wrote an Open Letter to the President of Afghanistan, Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, expressing their deep concern at the reported executions, by hanging, of […]
ICDP Commissioners participate in events commemorating the 12th World Day against the Death Penalty
ICDP Commissioners observed the World Day against the Death Penalty by participating in events organised in Geneva, Beirut and Madrid. Please read our statement. For further information:Article […]
Political leadership is key for a world moving away from the death penalty
On the occasion of the World Day against the Death Penalty, please find below an article by ICDP Commissioners. Article by ICDP Commissioners
Justice that kills – The death penalty in the 21st century
On the occasion of the World Day Against the Death Penalty, the EU Delegation and the Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN in Geneva will […]
ICDP at United Nations high-level event at UNGA, New York on “Moving Away from the Death Penalty: National Leadership”
On 25 September, the United Nations (UN)’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights held a high-level event during the 69th session of the UN […]
ICDP at United Nations high-level event at UNGA, New York on “Moving Away from the Death Penalty: National Leadership”
On 25 September, the United Nations (UN)’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights held a high-level event during the 69th session of the UN […]
Another “botched” execution in United States
On 23 July 2014 of Joseph Wood was executed by authorities in the US state of Arizona. Mr Wood, 55, was executed by lethal injection. The […]
Singapore executes two men and resumes executions after more than three years
On 18 July 2014 the Central Narcotics Bureau announced the executions of two men, Tang Hai Liang, 36, and Foong Chee Peng, 48. The executions were […]
Unprecedented ruling by US District Court Judge declares California’s death penalty system unconstitutional
On 16 July 2014, District Judge Cormac J. Carney passed a historic ruling by United States (US) declaring California’s death penalty system unconstitutional. Judge Carney of […]
Japan carries out first execution in 2014
Masanori Kawasaki, 68, was executed on 26 June 2014 at Osaka Detention Center. Mr. Kawasaki was found guilty and sentenced to death for the murder of […]
Egypt resumes executions amid mass death sentences
Seven persons were reportedly executed on 16 and 19 June 2014 by authorities in Egypt. According to reports reaching ICDP, three men and one woman were […]
ICDP mourns the death of Commissioner Rodolfo Mattarollo
It is with great sadness that the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) announces the passing away, on 18 June, of ICDP Commissioner Rodolfo Mattarollo. […]
Side-Event on the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
On 18 June 2014, the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) organized a high-level Side-Event on the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Second […]
Mission to Lebanon
The President of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP and Commission) Mr Federico Mayor, ICDP Commissioner and former Lebanese Minister of Justice Mr Ibrahim Najjar and ICDP Commissioner and former judge at the European Court of Human Rights Ms Hanne Sophie Greve were part of a delegation that discussed issues related to the abolition of the death penalty in Lebanon with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, parliamentarians, lawyers and important members of the civil society between 8-10 June 2014.
Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, a Sudanese national, sentenced to death for apostasy
Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, a Sudanese national, 27,was sentenced to death on charges of apostasy by a court in Khartoum, Sudan. According to Ms Ibrahim, she was […]
Two Palestinians executed as Israeli Spies
On 7 May 2014, two men were executed in the Palestinian Authority by the Hamas authorities in Gaza. Reports suggest that one man identified as AK, […]
Belarus carries out second execution in 2014: Ryhor Yuzepchuk
The exact date of Ryhor Yuzepchuk’s execution is not clear; the Mogilev regional court in western Belarus reportedly confirmed the execution after it became public knowledge […]
Taiwan: Five executions in four different prisons in one day
On 29 April 2014, five men were executed in four different prisons by authorities in Taiwan. According to reports reaching ICDP, Teng Kuo-Ling was executed in […]
683 death sentences in Egypt
On 28 April 2014, 683 individuals were sentenced to death following a trial held by the Criminal Court in Minya, Egypt. According to reports, the 683 […]
Execution of Pavel Selyun
Pavel Selyun (24) was executed by authorities in Belarus, the first execution since 2012.The exact date of Mr Selyun’s execution is not clear; his lawyer and […]
Imminent execution of Reyhaneh Jabbari
Reyhaneh Jabbari was sentenced to death by a Criminal Court in Tehran in 2009 for the alleged murder of Morteza Abdolali Sarbandi, a former employee of […]
Gabon and El Salvador’s official accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Gabon acceded to the Second Optional Protocol on 2 April 2014. The country had abolished the death penalty for all crimes in February 2010. El Salvador […]
Combatting Torture and Abolishing the Death Penalty in the OSCE Region: Two sides of the same coin?
ICDP Commissioner Ioanna Kuçuradi participated in the side event “Combatting Torture and Abolishing the Death Penalty in the OSCE Region: two sides of the same coin?” that took […]
Execution of Ramiro Hernández Llanas, in Texas, US
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) condemns the execution by lethal injection of Mexican national Ramiro Hernández Llanas (44) in Texas, United States of […]
Imminent execution of Ramiro Hérnandez Llanas
Ramiro Hérnandez Llanas, a Mexican national, is under imminent risk of execution by authorities in the US state of Texas. The execution, which is reportedly scheduled […]
Mass death sentences in Egypt
Following a trial held on 23 and 24 March 2014, 529 individuals were sentenced to the death by the criminal court in Minya, Egypt Please read our […]
Mission to Delaware, US
On 27 March Commissioner Bill Richardson visited the US State of Delaware to lend his and ICDP’s support to the efforts to repeal the death penalty in Delaware. He was accompanied by the ICDP Secretary- General Asunta Vivo Cavaller
High Level Panel Discussion on the Question of the Death Penalty
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) organized a High Level Panel Discussion on the Question of the Death Penalty, on […]
UN Human Rights Council event on International Actions with the view to abolishing the death penalty
On the occasion of the high-level segment of the Human Rights Council, the Permanent Missions of Algeria, Argentina, France, Italy, Mexico, Norway and Switzerland and the International […]
Mission to Suriname
Commissioner Ruth Dreifuss and British Member of Parliament, Greg Mulholland are visiting Suriname on the 12th and 13th of February to discuss issues related to the abolition of death penalty with the Surinamese government.
Washington State Governor declares moratorium on executions
On 11 of February Governor Jay Inslee declared a moratorium on executions in Washington State, USA (US), Governor Inslee said the moratorium would last for as […]
ICDP supports “Universities against the Death Penalty”
“Universities against Death Penalty” aims to be a global network of universities that use their voice and their symbolic power in the work against capital punishment. […]
Execution of Edgar Tamayo Arias, in Texas, US
The International Commission against the Death Penalty, condemns the execution of Mexican national Edgar Tamayo Arias (46) in Texas, United States of America (US) on 22 […]
Imminent execution of Edgar Tamayo Arias
Edgar Tamayo Arias, Mexican national, is scheduled to be executed in Texas on 22 January 2014 in Texas. Edgar Tamayo, 46, was sentenced to death without […]
More executions in Japan
Two men were executed in Japan on 12 December Mitsuo Fujishima, 55, who murdered his ex-wife’s aunt and a male company employee in 1986, was hanged […]
First execution for crimes committed during Bangladesh Liberation War
On 12 December, Abdul Quader Mollah was executed in Bangladesh Abdul Quader Mollah, 65, was executed at Dhaka Central Jail following his conviction by Bangladesh’s International […]
8th ICDP meeting in Brussels: Commissioners meet EU and Belgium government
The International Commission against the Death Penalty held the 8th meeting of its Commissioners in Brussels on 2 and 3 of December 2013. During the two-day […]
Indonesia – fifth execution in 2013
Muhammad Abdul Hafeez, a 44 year-old Pakistani national, was reportedly executed in secret on Sunday 17 November 2013 in South Tangerang. He was sentenced to death […]