ICDP EVENTS
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 […]
152 individuals sentenced to death following a mass trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) condemns the death sentences handed down to 152 individuals following a mass trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 5 […]
International experts welcome efforts toward the abolition of the death penalty in South East Asia; Bangkok, 23 October 2013
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Thailand organized an expert […]
Celebrating World Day Against the Death Penalty, 10 October: Parliamentarians, a critical force in promoting the abolition of the death penalty
Panel discussion: Parliamentarians, a critical force in promoting the abolition of the death penalty The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) jointly with the Inter-Parliamentary […]
Support grows for UN Protocol to abolish the death penalty – Guinea-Bissau and Angola
On 24 September 2013, Guinea-Bissau’s ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death […]
ICDP delegation participates in the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2013, Warsaw, Poland
An ICDP delegation was invited to participate by the OSCE on 2 October when it conducted a Working Session (Session 15) which focused on the Rule […]
India – death sentence for men convicted of gang-rape
On September 13 a court in New Delhi sentenced to death four men convicted of the gang-rape and murder of a young woman. For further information, […]
Japan: 73 year-old man executed
Tokuhisa Kumagai, aged 73, was hanged at Tokyo Detention Center on 12 September 2013. Tokuhisa Kumagai was initially sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder and […]
China: ICDP hosts meeting on the death penalty
In July 2013 ICDP Commissioner Ruth Dreifuss met with a delegation of Chinese academics and legal practitioners led by Mr. Song Yinghui, Vice Dean, College for […]
Support on calls for retrial on the case of Pablo Ibar, Florida , USA
Pablo Ibar, a 41 year-old man, who is a national of the USA and Spain, is on death row in Florida State Prison, USA. He was […]
Bolivia accedes to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR
On 12 July 2013 the Plurinational State of Bolivia acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), aiming […]
Nigeria resumes executions after 7 years
Four men were hanged in Benin City Prison in Edo State on 24 June 2013. A fifth man is reportedly at imminent risk of execution. These […]
Roundtable “Belarus – Religion and Death Penalty”, Minsk, 21 June 2013
The Council of Europe organised a roundtable on ‘Belarus – Religion and Death Penalty’ in Minsk on 21 June 2013 as part of the discussions to […]
5th World Congress against the Death Penalty concludes in Madrid
Hundreds of people met in Madrid, 12-15 June 2013, to review death penalty developments and agree abolitionist strategies. The four-day Congress brought together international experts, campaigners […]
ICDP and the 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty, 12-15 June 2013
ICDP’s delegation was led by its President Federico Mayor and included Commissioners Robert Badinter, Hanne Sophie Greve and Rodolfo Mattarollo. In addition to participating in Roundtables […]
Statement by the International Commission against the Death Penalty: 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty – Madrid, 12-15 June 2013
The 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty will take place in Madrid from 12 to 15 June 2013. More than 1,500 people from over 90 […]
International Network of Academics for the Abolition of Capital Punishment’s preparatory conference for the 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty, Madrid
The International Network of Academics for the Abolition of Capital Punishment has organized a conference on 11 June to prepare for the 5th World Congress against […]
Mission to Tajikistan
ICDP Commissioner and former President of the Swiss Confederation, Ruth Dreifuss, undertook a mission to Tajikistan to learn about developments leading to abolition of the death penalty in Tajikistan. During the mission she met with President Emomali Rahmon and with senior state officials including the Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Constitutional Court, the General Prosecutor, the Ombudsman the chairpersons of the Upper and Lower Houses of the Parliament and members of the Working Group on the Death Penalty. There were also meetings with representatives of the United Nations, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and leaders from civil society.
World Congress against the Death Penalty, Madrid 12-15 June 2013
The 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty will take place in Madrid from 12 to 15 June 2013. More than 1,500 people from over 90 […]
Maryland, USA, abolishes the death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) warmly welcomes the abolition of the death penalty in Maryland on 2 May 2013. Eighteen U.S. states have […]
Support to the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR
The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty is the only international treaty […]
Two more executions in Japan
On 26 April 2013 Japan carried out two more executions bringing the total so far this year to five. More than 130 remain persons on death […]
More executions in Iraq
On 16 April 2013, 21 executions were carried out in Iraq. The latest executions bring the number of persons executed in 2013 to 50. In 2012 […]
7th Meeting of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) 15-16 April 2013
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) held its 7th meeting in Oslo on 15 and 16 of April 2013. During the meeting, ICDP released […]
How States abolish the death penalty
Today (15 April 2013) ICDP launched its report in Oslo City Hall. The publication reviews processes towards abolition of capital punishment through studying the experiences of […]
Executions in Saudi Arabia
On 9 April 2013 Talal Bin Fayez Al Shammari was executed by beheading after he was convicted of intentionally causing the deaths of three people during […]
Executions in Iraq continue
According to reports, Iraq has already executed 22 prisoners in March and April and there are fears that more hangings could be imminent. Four men were […]
Kuwait resumes executions
Three men – a Pakistani national, a Saudi national and a Bidoon (person without nationality)-were executed in Kuwait on Monday (1 April) morning. The executions were […]
Maryland (USA) close to abolishing the death penalty
Following the vote in the Senate last week, the House of Delegates also voted to repeal capital punishment on 15 March.The Governor is expected to sign […]
Indonesia resumes executions
On 14 March 2013 Indonesia carried out its first execution since November 2008. Adami Wilson, reported to be a Nigerian national, was arrested in 2003 for […]
Mission to Commonwealth Caribbean
The International Commission against the Death Penalty participated in mission to Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica organised by the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on the Abolition of the Death Penalty. Madame Ruth Dreifuss and Baroness Scotland visited the three countries for discussions about the death penalty. During the mission they met with state officials including government ministers, law officers, Members of Parliament and senior judges as well as members of the diplomatic community. There were also a number of media interviews and public events on the death penalty.
21 people sentenced to death in Egypt
On 9 March 2013, the New Cairo Criminal Court confirmed the death penalty on 21 people for their involvement in the February 2012 Port Said riot. […]
UN Human Rights Council event calls for global abolition of the death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) held a high-level side event with senior representatives from the government’s of Norway and Spain, the UN Deputy […]
Stepping back from capital punishment, New York Times
An article on capital punishment by ICDP Members Mohammed Bedjaoui, Ruth Dreifuss and Federico Mayor was published by the New York Times / International Herald Tribune […]
University conference on the death penalty organized by Helsinki Spain, 22 February Madrid 2013
On the 22 of February, Helsinki Spain in organizing a university conference on the death penalty in Madrid. The President of the ICDP Mr. Mayor will […]
Three prisoners on death row executed in Japan on 21 of February
Three men Masahiro Kanagawa (29), Keiki Kanoh (62) and Kaoru Kobayashi (44), were hanged in the early hours of 21 February according to the Japanese Ministry […]
Second execution in India in just three months
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) deeply regrets the execution of Mr. Mohammad Afzal Guru on 9 February 2013. Click here to view our PDF with […]
Use of the death penalty in the USA continues to decline.
The number of death sentences in the USA continues to decline. According to a December report issued by the Washington-based Death Penalty Information Center, seventy-seven people […]
Rizana Nafeek, a Sri Lankan housemaid,executed in Saudi Arabia.
The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) condemns execution of Rizana Nafeek, a Sri Lankan housemaid, in Saudi Arabia. She was beheaded in Dawadmi province […]
UN vote an opportunity to consign death penalty to history
On 20 December 2012, the 67th General Assembly adopted the resolution calling on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty in its plenary session […]
ICDP report: Roundtable on the abolition of the death penalty; Madrid, 8 October 2012
The International Commission against the Death Penalty invited academics, lawyers, representatives from intergovernmental organizations, non governmental organizations and governments to a Roundtable in Madrid to review […]
10 December “Time to abolish the Death Penalty” ICDP event in Padua
On the occasion of the International Day of Human Rights and in the framework of the 30th Anniversary of the Human Rights Centre of the University of […]
Dramatic surge in executions in Iran
According to official and unofficial reports Iran has executed 81 prisoners in the last 10 days of this month.The number of executions this year is now […]
Execution of Mr Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, first execution in India since 2004
On the 21 of November India executed Mr Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab. The hanging took place at 7.30am (India time) in Yerawada prison, Pune, India after […]
UN Call for moratorium on death penalty gathers strength
On 19 November the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee in New York adopted the resolution on Moratorium on the Use of the Death Penalty by 110 […]
First execution in Pakistan since 2008
On Thursday 15 November, Mohammad Hussain, a Pakistani soldier, was executed. The hanging of Mohammed Hussain is the first execution since 2008. He was sentenced to […]California vote shows tide turning against death penalty in the USA
On 6 November Californian voters chose by a narrow margin to retain the state’s death penalty. The result of the vote is disappointing but the fact […]
Commissioners urge voters to repeal the death penalty in California
Members of the International Commission against the Death Penalty issued a statement urging Californian citizens to vote ‘yes’ on Proposition 34 on 6th November 2012. Proposition […]
Mr Rodriguez Zapatero former Prime Minister of Spain is Honorary Member of the ICDP
Mr Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, former Prime Minister of Spain, becomes an Honorary Member of the Commission. Mr. Zapatero was the driving force behind the 2010 […]
Risk of imminent executions in Nigeria
The International Commission against the Death Penalty called for a halt to the planned executions of Daniel Nsofor and Osayinwinde Agbomien in Edo State, Nigeria. The […]
Californian voters can show global leadership on death penalty
The International Commission against the Death Penalty called on voters in California to reject the death penalty in a public vote on 6 November 2012. A […]
ICDP public event on occasion of World Day, 9 October 2012 Madrid
On the 9th of October, on the occasion of the World Day against the Death Penalty (10 of October), ICDP hosted a public debate with members […]
6th Meeting of the International Commission against the Death Penalty, 8-9 October 2012 Madrid
The International Commission against the Death Penalty gathered in Madrid on 8th October 2012 for its 6th meeting. The meeting was the occasion for a productive […]