The Global Consortium for Death Penalty Abolition was launched in July 2024, bringing together 25 organisations, including PRI, to strengthen the global movement against capital punishment. Funded by the European Union and led by the World Coalition against the Death Penalty, this civil society initiative seeks to enhance the influence of the abolitionist movement, promote transparency in retentionist countries, and support the ratification of abolitionist treaties. The Consortium aims to coordinate efforts and empower organisations worldwide to advocate more effectively for the abolition of the death penalty, emphasising that it is not justice but an act of revenge.
We work to see the death penalty abolished worldwide. On the path towards full abolition, we seek to progressively restrict the use of the death penalty in law and in practice. This might involve working with states to reduce the number of death penalty applicable offences, to implement a moratorium on sentencing and on executions, to observe fair trial guarantees, and to respect human rights standards and norms for prisoners on death row.
- We work collaboratively with governments, policymakers, inter-governmental organisations, civil society and the media to advocate for an end to the use of the death penalty worldwide and the implementation of humane alternative sanctions in its place.
- We advocate at an international and regional level for the abolition of the death penalty and the introduction of humane alternatives.
- We develop resources and provide guidance to governments, policymakers, parliamentarians, members of the judiciary, legal representatives and prison staff to undertake legal and policy reforms to support abolition and the introduction of humane alternative sanctions.
- We support the many government and civil society voices calling for an end to the death penalty for drug-related offences, and raise awareness that it is neither an appropriate nor legitimate response to terrorist threats and actions.
- We work with local civil society organisations and the media to build their capacity to develop and carry out effective advocacy and media campaigns promoting the abolition of the death penalty in their own countries.
- We advocate for humane prison conditions for people on death row (including women) in line with international standards, and organise training sessions for prison authorities to raise awareness about the relevant standards.
- We support UN human rights bodies, such as the Special Rapporteur on Torture, the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions and the Committee Against Torture, and seek to contribute to the development of international law relating to the death penalty and alternative sanctions.