World Day Against The Death Penalty is annually observed on October 10 to bring attention to the necessity of eliminating capital punishment from our criminal justice systems. The primary objective of the campaign is to inspire and strengthen global public sentiment and the support of public policymakers in their efforts to eradicate the practice. Numerous international organizations and governments, such as Amnesty International, the European Union, and the United Nations, provide support.
The background of World Day Against The Death Penalty
The death penalty, officially known as capital punishment, consists of the sanctioned execution of an individual in retaliation for an offense that person has committed. Almost every society on the planet has implemented the practice of capital punishment for criminals and dissidents since its inception.
Human civilizations have attempted to abolish the death penalty throughout history, only to witness its resurgence within a few years. Illustrative instances encompass Japan in 724 A.D., where Emperor Shomu imposed a ban that lasted only a few years; China in 747 A.D., where Emperor Xuanzong of Tang prohibited it and substituted exile or scourging—again, a ban that lasted only twelve years.
The death penalty violates human rights, according to Amnesty International, specifically the right to life and the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment or treatment. The 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human liberties safeguards both of these liberties.
In 1977, when Amnesty International was founded, only sixteen nations had abolished the death penalty. As of now, that quantity has escalated to 108, which is greater than half of the nations in the globe. An annual theme is selected. Access to legal representation, juvenile death sentencing, living conditions on death row, poverty, and justice have been among their areas of interest.
As time passes, an increasing number of member states across all regions recognize that the death penalty is detrimental to human dignity and that its abolition is a step toward the advancement and improvement of human rights.
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ENLIGHTENING 5FACTS ABOUT THE WORLD COALITION AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY
Since May 2002, the coalition has been institutionalized.
Eleven members comprised the inaugural steering committee of the World Coalition, which was elected upon its inception and tasked with delineating its political strategy.
Trade unions, non-governmental organizations, bar associations, and local governments comprise this international alliance.
It is an association comprised of over 180 organization members.
2008 marked its registration as an association in accordance with French law.
WORLD DAY AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | October 10 | Tuesday |
2024 | October 10 | Thursday |
2025 | October 10 | Friday |
2026 | October 10 | Saturday |
2027 | October 10 | Sunday |