Mobilising for universal abolition of death penalty

2016_word_day_ag_death_penalty

The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, an alliance of more than 150 NGOs, bar associations, local authorities and unions, was created in Rome on 13 May 2002. It was founded as a result of the commitment made by the signatories of the Final Declaration of the 1st World Congress Against the Death Penalty organised by the French NGO Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) in Strasbourg in June 2001.
The aim of the World Coalition is to strengthen the international dimension of the fight against the death penalty. Its ultimate objective is to obtain the universal abolition of the death penalty. To achieve its goal, the World Coalition advocates for a definitive end to death sentences and executions in those countries where the death penalty is in force. In some countries, it is seeking to obtain a reduction in the use of capital punishment as a first step towards abolition.
The World Coalition is striving to achieve these aims in the following ways:

  • by supporting national and regional abolitionist forces;
  • by organising international campaigns, including the World Day Against the Death Penalty;
  • by lobbying international organisations and States.

Complementing the action of members
The World Coalition gives a global dimension to the sometimes isolated action taken by its members on the ground. It complements their initiatives, while constantly respecting their independence.
In conformity with the commitment made by its founders, the Coalition has also made 10 October the World Day Against the Death Penalty. The first occurrence of this annual event took place in 2003. It is also a partner of the World Congress Against the Death Penalty, which is held every three years.
The Coalition promotes international action taken by its members, such as the “Cities Against the Death Penalty” operation launched by the Sant’Egidio community.

The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care has issued the following letter to Volunteers and Advocates of Restorative Justice in the Philippines about the celebration of The World Day Against Death Penalty on October 10, 2016.

Dear friends

October 10 has been marked by the international community as World Day Against Death Penalty.

While we still don’t have death penalty in our country, there are now bills filed in both houses of Congress to revive it. In fact the current administration has made it a priority bill.

The CBCP-ECPPC will lead the gathering of the anti-death penalty and restorative justice advocates to observe the day and reiterate our option for Life.

We will have a Eucharistic celebration on OCTOBER 10, 2016, MONDAY AT 11:30 AM AT THE CBCP CHAPEL IN INTRAMUROS, MANILA. This will be followed by a brief program and a simple lunch where we can discuss our future plan of actions.

We pray and hope that your organization will be with us. Kindly hold the same activity in your respective mission area.

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