October 10, 2017 - 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty : Poverty & Justice

On October 10, 2017,  the 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty will focus on “ Poverty & Justice: a Deadly Mix, “ aiming at raising awareness of discrimination which is continuously and inextricably linked to the imposition of capital punishment.

Throughout the world, social and economic inequalities affect access to justice for those who are sentenced to death. Defendants may lack resources (social and economic, but also public and political connections) to defend themselves and will in some cases be discriminated against because of their social status.

As a lawyers’ organisation, the UIA is well aware that an effective fight against the death penalty and executions requires an efficient and universal legal aid system, as well as appropriate training for lawyers.

The UIA would like to express solidarity with those brave lawyers who are engaged in the defence of persons facing the death penalty, and the UIA calls upon all bar associations to deploy all necessary means to support these colleagues.

The UIA offers its expertise and experience in these matters, particularly with respect to international law, to its members who are committed to defending death penalty defendants.

To know further about the death penalty...

... all over the world: please see the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty Facts & Figures below,

... and poverty: please see the World Coalition leaflet as well as the detailed factsheet below.

Please visit the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty Website.