At the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council, Aminata Niakaté, President of ECPM, expressed gratitude for the high-level panel’s convening. She highlighted that by the end of 2024, a remarkable 122 nations will have abolished the death penalty entirely or for ordinary crimes after a recent resolution saw 130 UN member states advocating for a moratorium on its use.
However, Niakaté raised alarm over the resurgence of executions, particularly citing Iran, where 975 executions were reported in 2024, which she deemed unacceptable. Moreover, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a troubling 300% surge in death sentences has occurred following the announcement to resume executions, showcasing the fragility of moratoriums in practice.
She emphasised that the death penalty often targets the most vulnerable in society, including marginalised groups, minorities, and those with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities. ECPM has plans for the 9th World Congress against the Death Penalty, set for 2026 in Paris, sponsored by France and supported by Switzerland.
Leading up to the Congress, a Regional Congress will be held in Tokyo in November 2025, emphasising ECPM’s commitment to uniting voices against capital punishment. Through these events, ECPM urges UN Member States to engage actively and hopes for significant political commitments favouring the universal abolition of the death penalty.
Aminata Niakaté of ECPM addressed the Human Rights Council, noting that by the end of 2024, 122 states will have abolished the death penalty. She warned of alarming situations in countries like Iran and the DRC. ECPM plans a World Congress in Paris and a Regional Congress in Tokyo to further push for the universal abolition of the death penalty, urging UN member states to participate.
The speech by Aminata Niakaté underscores a critical movement towards the abolition of the death penalty, despite setbacks in some countries. The upcoming global congresses aim to rally support and encourage political commitment to this vital cause, showcasing a growing international consensus against capital punishment that seeks to protect the most vulnerable in society.
Original Source: www.ecpm.org
