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 took 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 were brought 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 8th World Congress Against the Death penalty organised in Berlin – © Photo : Christophe Meireis
Former Foreign Affairs Minister of Germany, Annalena Baerbock, during the opening ceremony of the 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty 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 has been 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 has placed significant emphasis on the specific dynamics and challenges of East Asia.
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 provided a unique forum for dialogue for all those involved in the abolition movement.
Designed as a real space for discussion, the Congress bourght 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 highlighted 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 was driven by the perspectives of socially engaged artists. Through exhibitions, screenings, storytelling, performances and discussions, the Congress gave 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 built on the discussions held during the Congress and created spaces for meaningful dialogue that are accessible to all.
The exhibition “Arts and Death Row” at the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique – © Photo credits: Christophe Meireis
The exhibition “Draw me the abolition” at the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique – © Photo credits: Christophe Meireis
The dance collective KrumpFest which gave a performance during the closing ceremony of the Congress – © Photo credits: Christophe Meireis
The artist Gilles Viandier performed a collective march with his artwork Pantone
The exhibition of press cartoonings drawings in partnership with Cartooning For Peace, at the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique
The exhibition “The Faces of Abolition”, recounting the stories of several former death row prisoners, was displayed in Paris from 5 June to 15 July 2026. Most of the figures featured in this exhibition were attending the Congress!
The Faces of Abolition exhibition at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris – © Photo: Christophe Meireis
The Faces of Abolition exhibition at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris – © Photo: Christophe Meireis
The Faces of Abolition exhibition at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris – © Photo: Christophe Meireis
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
Informing and inviting the diplomacy to the Congress, at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs – Paris – 14 April 2026
Stay informed and get involved
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