France Hosts 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Berlin

Global Gathering for Abolition

The 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty is currently underway, running from June 30 to July 2, 2026. While the event is organized by the French non-governmental organization Ensemble contre la peine de mort (ECPM), this year's edition is being held in Berlin, Germany. The congress serves as a major international platform for human rights defenders, legal experts, and government representatives to coordinate strategies for the global abolition of capital punishment.

Focus and Objectives

The congress aims to maintain momentum in the international movement against the death penalty. Participants are engaging in high-level discussions regarding the legal, ethical, and practical challenges of ending state-sanctioned executions. Key themes of the 2026 event include:

• Strengthening international legal frameworks against capital punishment.
• Sharing best practices for abolitionist advocacy in retentionist countries.
• Supporting victims and families affected by the death penalty.
• Addressing the intersection of human rights and criminal justice reform.

Organizing Efforts

ECPM, the Paris-based organization behind the congress, has been a leading voice in the abolitionist movement for decades. By facilitating this triennial event, the organization seeks to bridge the gap between civil society and political decision-makers. Organizers have emphasized that the congress is a critical space for 'fostering dialogue and building a unified global front' against the practice of execution, which remains legal in several jurisdictions worldwide.

Conclusion

As the congress continues through July 2, attendees are expected to produce a series of recommendations and action plans intended to influence international policy. The event underscores the ongoing commitment of international stakeholders to promote the right to life and the universal abolition of the death penalty as a fundamental human rights objective.