Press Release: European and World Day against the Death Penalty – EU underlines commitment to universal abolition

The 10 October 2013 marked the World and European Day against the Death Penalty. Consistent with its strong and principled policy against the death penalty, the EU is undoubtedly one of the most prominent international players and lead donors in the abolitionist cause worldwide.

The fight against the death penalty is at the heart of the EU's Human Rights policy and a personal priority for the HR/VP. The EU uses all tools available in order to promote its abolitionist policy, according to the relevant EU guidelines. In the course of 2012 and during the first half of 2013, the EU has issued 54 Statements/Declarations and carried out 30 démarches, thus mapping the capital punishment situation worldwide.

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, and Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, issued a joint declaration to mark the occasion.

Council of the European Union: Press Release: PRES/13/408: Joint Declaration by Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Catherine Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2013 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/cfsp/138947.pdf

Spiegel Online International, 10.10.13: Lethal Exports: EU Riled by US Death Penalty Drug Controversy http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/us-plans-to-use-propofol-for-lethal-injection-could-bring-eu-sanctions-a-927228.html

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