Since the 1980s, there has been a global trend towards the abolition of the death penalty, which continues to this day. 16 countries had abolished the death penalty in law for all crimes in 1977. Today two-thirds of countries (140) are now abolitionist in law or in practice.
However, despite this global trend towards abolition, many governments have in recent years resorted to use of the death penalty following terrorist attacks on their countries, in the name of protecting their countries and peoples.
In the last ten years, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria,Tunisia and others have adopted laws that expanded the scope of the death penalty, adding certain terrorist acts to the list of crimes punishable by death. More recently, Pakistan and Chad resumed executions in the name of the fight against terrorism, putting an end to moratoriums that had lasted for years.
This trend must be stopped! We urge you to join this campaign. Share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or any other social medium.
Read more about the campaign and background here
World Day Against the Death Penalty – quick stats:
• 104 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes;
• 6 countries have abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes;
• 30 countries are abolitionist in practice;
• 58 countries and territories are retentionist;
• 25 countries carried out executions in 2015;
• The 5 top executioners in 2015 were China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the USA;
• 65 countries and territories retain the death penalty for terrorism. Of these:
– 16 countries are abolitionist in practice;
– 1 country is abolitionist in law for ordinary crimes.
To know more about the death penalty:
All over the world: read the facts & figures
And terrorism: read the leaflet, the detailed factsheet