Regional Congresses: moving forward locally to progress globally
To ensure the best possible preparation for the World Congresses, a Regional Congress is held to focus attention on a particular region of the globe : in 2012 in Rabat (Morocco), in 2015 in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), in 2018 in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), in 2023 in Amman (Jordan) and in 2025 in Tokyo (Japan).
While 151 countries worldwide have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, and a decreasing number of retentionist countries carry out executions, the abolition of capital punishment is now a global trend. In fact, fewer and fewer countries still carry out executions.
World Congresses: an unmissable meeting
ECPM’s World Congresses aim to take stock of progress towards universal abolition and the difficulties encountered along the way. They are a unique opportunity to assemble actors working for abolition at the local, regional and international levels, who are in a position to contribute effectively to the elimination of the death penalty from judicial and legislative arsenals: activists, lawyers representing death row prisoners, political leaders and diplomats, parliamentarians, former death row prisoners and victims’ families.
Over the past twenty years, the World Congresses have become the essential meeting place for abolitionists from all over the world. Every three years, they come together in a different city to advance the cause of universal abolition: in 2004 in Montreal (Canada); in 2007 in Paris (France); in 2010 in Geneva (Switzerland); in 2013 in Madrid (Spain); in 2016 in Oslo (Norway); in 2019 in Brussels (Belgium); and in 2022 in Berlin (Germany).
The 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty took place in Paris from 30 June to 2 July 2026: more than 1,300 participants from around 100 countries gathered in the capital for the most significant gathering of abolitionists. Over the course of three days, politicians, activists and committed citizens debated key issues concerning the state of the death penalty around the world.
About the 9th World Congress in Paris
This major triennial gathering undoubtedly contributes to promoting the sense of being part of a global movement, especially for the most isolated members of civil society, who are most often active in retentionist countries. Many of them testify to the impetus generated by the Congresses to pursue their efforts, drawing on the advice and good practices collected within the abolitionist community, which is structured as an interactive network.
The 9th World Congress topics include focusing on the role of magistrates and stakeholders of the judicial chain in the process of abolishing the death penalty and mobilising young people worldwide, among others.
Opening ceremony of the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty – © Photo credits: Christophe Meireis
Address by the President of the Republic at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty – © Photo credits: Christophe Meireis
Ahmed Haou’s testimony to the young ambassadors – © Photo credits: Christophe Meireis
The “Draw, Resist” exhibition in partnership with Cartooning For Peace – © Photo credits: Christophe Meireis
The Abolition Agora which gathered all associative partners of ECPM – © Photo credits: Christophe Meireis
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