World Day against the Death Penalty – Statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (10 October 2020)

On the occasion of the 18th World Day against the Death Penalty, France reaffirms its strong opposition to the death penalty everywhere and in all circumstances. It calls on all states that apply the death penalty to establish a moratorium with a view toward its definitive abolition and encourages all states to sign and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.

The death penalty, which has no deterrent effect and means that any judicial error is irreversible and irreparable, often disproportionately targets women, the poor and economically vulnerable, and persons belonging to minorities. Despite a global trend toward the abolition of the death penalty, it continues to be applied in several countries.

In this respect, France underscores the importance of the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a universal moratorium on the death penalty, adopted in 2018 by a historic 121 states. France encourages all states to support its ongoing work within the framework of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly to ensure the adoption of a new resolution.