During its April 2026 plenary session, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) held a debate on the universal abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. As recalled by the PACE General Rapporteur on the abolition of the death penalty, Ms. Gala Veldhoen, this notably aimed at contributing to the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, scheduled to take place in Paris from 30 June to 2 July 2026.
On 22 April, the debate began with speeches from external guests. Ms. Antoinette Chahine, a former death row prisoner in Lebanon, delivered a moving testimony calling for abolition in all places and all circumstances, and for raising awareness among young people. Her presence symbolically marked the 25th anniversary of the World Congress Against the Death Penalty, as she was a key figure of the first edition, held in Strasbourg in 2001, partly in the paneuropean hemicycle.
Ms. Barbara Lochbihler, Commissioner at the International Commission Against the Death Penalty (Madrid), outlined inter alia global trends regarding capital punishment, highlighting that an increasing number of countries support abolition, but that the number of executions is rising due to a small group of states.
Parliamentarians then discussed the draft resolution and the draft report, prepared by the General Rapporteur and examined beforehand in sessions of PACE’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights. The debate focused in particular on the situation in Israel, leading the Assembly to strongly urge the country "to repeal or invalidate the new law that expands the use of the death penalty in a discriminatory manner without further delay, and to refrain from implementing it in the meantime, in accordance with its obligations under the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights […]"
In its resolution, the Assembly also reaffirmed the Council of Europe's opposition to the death penalty in all places and circumstances, specifying that reintroducing the death penalty would be incompatible with a State’s continuing membership of the Council of Europe. PACE also emphasized the importance of involving young people in the abolitionist movement, encouraging the pursuit of initiatives of the Council of Europe with young people, including from Belarus and Morocco, and through the network of young ambassadors against the death penalty that is being set up.
- Resolution: Res. 2651 - Resolution - Details tab
- Report : Doc. 16375 rev - Report - Details tab
- Learn more about the debate: PACE condemns new law in Israel which expands the death penalty ‘in a discriminatory way’
In addition, on 20 April, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs addressed the Assembly, and mentioned a few times the abolition of capital punishment, recalling the Council of Europe’s pioneering role and that it is a prerequisite for joining the Organisation. He stressed that, faithful to the legacy of Robert Badinter, France would host the 9th World Congress in Paris. He also tackled the situation in Israel.
- Minister’s address: Verbatim of Monday 20 04 2026, Afternoon
Finally, throughout the week, an exhibition of the best posters from the "Draw Me the Abolition" competition, organized by Ensemble contre la peine de mort (ECPM) and the RIEA (International Network for Education on the Abolition), was on display next to the hemicycle. This contest, held every three years, encourages young people around the world to get involved against the death penalty. The exhibition was inaugurated on 22 April by Ms. Veldhoen, PACE General Rapporteur on the abolition of the death penalty, Mr. Pap N’Diaye, Permanent Representative of France to the Council of Europe, and Ms. Savey, representing ECPM.
Coordinator for the Abolition of the death penalty
