Description

Decades of studies have demonstrated there is no relation between the severity of criminal penalties and the reduction of violence: capital punishment does not deter crimes. Yet, the acceleration of security concerns has led to a resurgence of public discourse calling for the reinforcement or even the reintroduction of the death penalty.

This factsheet, prepared for the World Day Against the Death Penalty, details the notion of security and reminds that it must always be aligned with international human rights law and best practices. It illustrates how governments have used “security” as a political tool to justify executions, and provides parliamentarians with clear arguments to counter these false narratives. It also sets out practical actions tailored to parliamentarians in abolitionist, abolitionist in practice, or retentionist countries, to assist them in their efforts towards universal abolition.

World Day Against the Death Penalty 2024/2025, celebrated annually on 10 October, underscores the truth that “the death penalty protects no one,” and reinforces why parliamentarians worldwide — whether from abolitionist or retentionist countries — have a crucial responsibility to advocate for approaches to justice that truly safeguard individuals.