World and European Day against the Death Penalty
On 26 September 2007, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to declare 10 October as the "European Day against the Death Penalty", which takes place every year. The Council of Europe has pioneered the abolition process in Europe, making it a death penalty-free zone since 1997. This day is a European contribution to the World Day against the Death Penalty, which is held every year on the same day.
2022
The death penalty is an inhuman and degrading treatment, contrary to human dignity. It does not serve as a deterrent to crime. No legal system is safe from judicial errors, which may lead to the loss of innocent lives. We will not stop advocating until the death sentence is no longer applied.
Joint Declaration by the Council of Europe Secretary General and EU High Representative
Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law