Our arguments

There is a universal trend towards the abolition of the death penalty as has already been recognised by the twothirds of countries around the world that no longer apply it. Since to oppose the death penalty is to maintain our humanity and dignity in the face of barbarism, since to refuse a State the right to kill those it is supposed to take care of is to preserve the basis of our freedom, ECPM has put together 10 arguments of the abolitionist struggle.

10 reasons to abolish the death penalty (2025)

We are in favour of abolition because the death penalty is…

A violation of human rights

The death penalty is first and foremost an infringement of the right to life – a fundamental right enshrined in several international conventions.

Not a deterrent

The death penalty is ineffective in combating crime and does not make societies safer. There is no scientific consensus that the death penalty has a more dissuasive effect on crime than other penalties.

Revenge, not justice

The death penalty perpetuates a cycle of violence and suffering, whereas justice aims to repair society.

Irreversible

Miscarriages of justice exist – the death penalty kills innocent people around the world. A lack of resources, expertise and independence of law enforcement and justice systems are among the main causes of wrongful convictions.

Torture

From arrest to execution, the death penalty process is inevitably marked by physical and psychological suffering, both for those sentenced to death and for their loved ones.

Discriminatory

Discrimination exists in law and in practice. It may be enshrined in law (in grounds for conviction), or inherentin legal proceedings.

A tool of political repression

The death penalty is used as a tool of oppression, repression of the population and diplomatic leverage. In some countries, merely expressing an opinion can lead to a death sentence

Traumatic

The death penalty creates other victims. From arrest to execution, suffering and trauma extend to the families and loved ones of those sentenced to death, lawyers, judges, etc. involved in the case.

An obstacle to the truth

The right to the truth is the right to know the absolute and whole truth about the offences committed, the circumstances surrounding them, the people involved and their motives.

Incompatible with rehabilitation

The death penalty denies the principle of a second chance. Yet one of the objectives of justice is to rehabilitate and reintegrate the perpetrators of offences, in order to restore balance and peace in the community.

Learn more

To better understand the issues related to the death penalty in the world, ECPM and the artist Marty Planchais have produced a video, an excerpt of which is shown below, which is also shown in classrooms during school presentations.