Council of Europe Condemns Global Death Penalty Backsliding

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe reiterated its total opposition to the death penalty during its meeting of October 7 in Strasbourg, calling for its universal abolition amid increasing numbers of executions across the world. The intergovernmental organization representing 46 member states expressed serious concern over backsliding worldwide, pointing to increases in capital punishment across multiple nations and regions.

Global Backsliding and Regional Concerns in Strasbourg

Member states particularly deplored the situation in Iran, the resumption of executions in Japan, their increase in the United States, and the expansion of the scope of the death penalty by Israel, according to decisions adopted at the October 7 meeting. The Committee also expressed concern regarding debates on the possible reintroduction of capital punishment in countries that have previously abolished it. In the face of rising global death penalty executions, the Council of Europe calls for immediate action to promote universal abolition.

The Status of Belarus and European Milestones

The Committee of Ministers called again on Belarus, which remains the last European country to apply the death penalty, to suspend all executions pending abolition and to apply alternative legislative penalties. Highlighting international cooperation and youth awareness, the Committee welcomed the abolition of capital punishment in Lebanon.

World Congress Against the Death Penalty Scheduled for 2029

Morocco announced it would host the World Congress against the Death Penalty in 2029, a development welcomed by the Committee of Ministers as part of ongoing international efforts. The Committee's decisions highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts to raise awareness and facilitate cooperation on a global scale as member states prepare to commemorate three decades without executions in Europe in 2027.