World Day 18th World Day Against the Death Penalty: Access to counsel - A matter of life or death On 10 October 2020, the World Day Against the Death Penalty will be dedicated to the right to effective legal representation for individuals who may face a death sentence.

Without access to effective legal representation during arrest, detention, trial and post-trial, due process cannot be guaranteed. In a capital case, the consequences that can arise from a lack of effective legal representation can be nothing less than the difference between life and death.



On the national and international levels, the right to legal representation is enshrined in most constitutions and human rights instruments. Unfortunately, justice systems around the world repeatedly violate this right and fail to give those charged with a crime adequate legal representation.



While working towards the total and complete abolition of the death penalty worldwide for all crimes, it is crucial to alert civil society and the international community to the necessity that, at all stages of the legal proceedings, those facing the cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment of execution should at least have access to effective legal representation. Such legal aid can provide the basic protection of either avoiding the sentence or appealing the verdict.





The Death Penalty in Practice

• 106 countries abolished the death penalty for all crimes

• 8 countries abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes only

• 28 countries are abolitionist in practice

• 56 countries are retentionist

• In 2019, the 5 countries that carried out most executions were China , Iran , Saudi Arabia , Iraq , and Egypt .



Find out more about the death penalty all over the world - read our facts & figures sheet.



10 Things* YOU can do to end the death penalty

(and for more, check out our Mobilization Kit )



1. Organize a demonstration .

2. Organize a gathering on a videoconference platform . It can take the shape of a webinar, remote workshop, conversation, a public debate or even a virtual film screening to create awareness.

3. Coordinate a letter / email writing campaign .

4. Participate in a TV show or with a community radio station .

5. Organize an art exhibition (of artwork made by people sentenced to death, of photographs of death row, of drawings or posters) or a [virtual] theatre performance.

6. Join the events prepared for the abolition of the death penalty worldwide.

7. Donate to a group working to end the death penalty.

8. Follow the social media campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: #nodeathpenalty

9. Mobilize the media to raise awareness on the issue of the death penalty.

10. Participate in “Cities Against the Death Penalty/Cities for Life” on 30 November 2020.



Call for initiatives:

Wherever you are… in Africa, America, Asia, Europe or Oceania

Whoever you are… artists, citizens, lawyers, local representatives, parliamentarians, NGOs, religious leaders, reporters, teachers

Whatever your plans are… debates, concerts, press conferences, demonstrations, petitions, educational and cultural activities….



Take action against the death penalty, on 10 October 2020!



Join hundreds of initiatives organized worldwide. Last year, there were over 700 events worldwide!





*Important note on the COVID-19 Pandemic:

Since the beginning of 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced how the abolitionist community is able to advocate and defend the abolition of capital punishment. Thousands of those sentenced to death, along with their families and support networks, are left vulnerable as prison and judiciary systems around the world grapple with the implications of the COVID-19 crisis. It is now more important than ever to stay active and vigilant for abolition of the death penalty! With any activity you undertake this year, please make sure it is compatible with your local and/or national government’s regulations regarding public health and safety. Use good sense in planning activities with the aim of reducing transmission rates. This is particularly important as policies and regulations have been changing to adapt to the COVID-19 threat and may continue to change until 10 October.





Get in touch with the World Coalition to tell us about events scheduled on 10 October 2020.







World Day 17th World Day Against the Death Penalty: Children, Unseen Victims On 10 October 2019, the 17th World Day Against the Death Penalty aims at raising awareness on the rights of children whose parents have been sentenced to death or executed. Campaign published on July 10th, 2019

World Day 16th World Day Against the Death Penalty: Living conditions on death row On 10 October 2018, the 16th World Day Against the Death Penalty aims at raising awareness on the inhumane living conditions of people sentenced to death. Campaign published on June 10th, 2018

World Day 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty: Poverty On 10 October 2017, the 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty aims at raising awareness about the reasons why people living in poverty are at a greater risk of being sentenced to death and executed. Campaign published on June 12th, 2017

World Day 14th World Day Against the Death Penalty: Terrorism On 10 October 2016, the 14th World Day Against the Death Penalty is raising awareness around the application of the death penalty for terrorism-related offences, to reduce its use. Campaign published on June 10th, 2016

World Day 13th World Day Against the Death Penalty: Drug Crimes On 10 October 2015, the 13th World Day Against the Death Penalty is raising awareness around the application of the death penalty for drug-related offences, to reduce its use. Campaign published on June 10th, 2015

World Day 12th World Day Against the Death Penalty: Mental Health On 10 October 2014, the 12th World Day Against the Death Penalty is drawing attention to people with mental health problems who are at risk of a death sentence or execution. While opposing the death penalty absolutely, abolitionists are also committed to see existing international human rights standards implemented. Among these is the requirement that persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities should not face the death penalty. Campaign published on May 21st, 2014

World Day 11th World Day against the Death Penalty: Greater Caribbean On 10 October 2013, the 11th World Day Against the Death Penalty is dedicated to the Greater Caribbean where few executions take place, but where a core of countries remain strongly opposed to abolition. Campaign published on May 31st, 2013

World Day 10th World Day against the Death Penalty Significant progress to end the death penalty has been made over the past 10 years. Global momentum continues to build toward complete abolition, but work remains to be done to end capital punishment. Campaign published on June 10th, 2012