Organised by ECPM – Together Against the Death Penalty, sponsored by France (the host country), and co-sponsored by the European Union and Switzerland, this major event for the international abolitionist movement will take place from 30 June to 2 July 2026 at the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique and then at the Hôtel de Lassay.
Over three days, politicians, civil society organisations, judges, journalists, artists and young activists will come together to discuss a common goal: to move towards the universal abolition of the death penalty.Here is a focus on the objectives and the rich programme of this 9th edition
A global gathering to move towards abolition
The last World Congress in Berlin – © Photo : Christophe Meireis
Participant of the last World Congress in Berlin – © Photo : Christophe Meireis
Opening ceremony of the 8th World Congress in Berlin – © Photo : Christophe Meireis
For over 25 years, ECPM has been bringing together the international abolitionist movement by organising World Congresses Against the Death Penalty. Since the first Congress was held in Strasbourg in 2001, these triennial events have provided unique opportunities for dialogue, mobilisation and advocacy.
This 9th edition will pursue several key objectives:
- To bring together abolitionists from around the world.
- To encourage concrete progress and commitments towards universal abolition.
- To support cooperation between political leaders and civil society.
- To raise awareness of the realities of the death penalty.
- To support young people who are actively involved in the campaign for abolition.
- To fight discrimination, prevent the resurgence of the death penalty and protect fundamental rights.
Particular attention will be paid to the vital role of judges, with a view to strengthening the commitment of these key players to the application of the death penalty, as well as to the mobilization of young people to encourage and ensure their active participation in the long term.
Following on from the Tokyo Regional Congress, this edition will also place significant emphasis on the specific dynamics and challenges of East Asia.
How can I take part?
Entrance to the Congress is free and open to all, upon registration via the “ECPM – 9th World Congress” app, available on the App Store and Google Play, as well as via the web version on the ECPM website.
The app provides access to all the information about the Congress: the full programme, session details, venue maps, a news feed and much more, so stay tuned!
Three days of debates, exchanges and mobilisation
With a diverse programme featuring plenary sessions, round-table discussions, workshops, side events organised by the abolitionist civil society, and cultural activities, the Congress will provide a unique forum for dialogue for all those involved in the abolition movement.
Designed as a real space for discussion, the Congress will bring together all those campaigning against the death penalty to share expertise, personal experiences and common strategies.
Culture and art in support of abolition
This 9th edition highlights culture and art as an essential link between the abolitionist cause and the public! Thanks to a rich programme, both in content and form, the Congress will be driven by the perspectives of socially engaged artists. Through exhibitions, screenings, storytelling, performances and discussions, the Congress will give a voice to those at the forefront of the abolition movement: former death row inmates, people currently in detention, socially engaged artists, young activists and participants from around the world.
Over the course of these three days, these cultural events will build on the discussions held during the Congress and create spaces for meaningful dialogue that are accessible to all.
The exhibition “The Faces of Abolition”, recounting the stories of several former death row prisoners, will also be on display in Paris from 5 June to 15 July 2026. Most of the figures featured in this exhibition will be attending the Congress!
ECPM is getting ready ahead of the Congress
Raising awareness with young participants from a civic service – Défenseur des Droits, Paris – 9 March 2026
Initiative Marianne – French Ministery of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Paris – 3 April 2026
Brief to ambassadors – Paris – 14 April 2026
Stay informed and get involved
To stay informed and get involved before, during and after the Congress, follow ECPM on social media:
[PICTOS CLICABLES] Instagram – Facebook – LinkedIn – X
Or by subscribing to our newsletter Together.
Would you like to get involved with ECPM for the Congress? Join us as a volunteer by signing up HERE! Our teams will be in touch with you shortly.
Press
PRESS CONTACTS
Aurélie Chatelard · Press Officer · achatelard@ecpm.org
Laura Crépin · Communications Manager · lcrepin@ecpm.org · 06 01 78 50 15
To learn more about the 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Berlin
