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What we do

We fight on behalf of those whose right to life, to a fair trial and to humane treatment is at stake.

Photo credits: James Guthrie
Gates of Belize Central Prison

We are prepared to work everywhere the death penalty is imposed - we will never turn a death penalty case down

Our Activities

We deliver practical and targeted training to judges, lawyers, medical professionals and those working within the criminal justice system on human rights law and issues relating to the death penalty.

For the criminal justice process to be fair, it must function effectively. Gaps in the implementation of human rights and inconsistencies in how the death penalty is applied can lead to miscarriages of justice.

We work with local partners to identify the most neglected and misunderstood issues within the criminal justice process to increase human rights protections. Following successful legal challenges, we provide training on the impact of the judgment, to ensure that the law is applied properly. We also engage members of the judiciary in dialogue around key issues and facilitate international exchange and knowledge-sharing. To accompany our training initiatives we produce practical professional resources to assist those involved in capital cases.

We commission and publish original research and resources to address knowledge gaps and deepen understanding on the death penalty.

In many countries there is a lack of publicly available information and data about the death penalty and how it is applied in practice. Myths about the death penalty often go unchallenged, leading to misinformed policymaking and public debate. For example, perceived public support for the death penalty is frequently claimed to be a barrier to abolition, but there is often little data to back this up.

We commission and publish academic research and targeted reports to increase knowledge and understanding on the death penalty. Covering thematic issues such as public opinion, conditions of detention and the implementation of human rights law, these resources are developed in close consultation with local partners to respond to specific needs. Our publications are used by NGOs, lawyers and policymakers around the world as tools to effect lasting change in policy and practice.

We engage governments and all key stakeholders in dialogue on the death penalty.

Abolition of the death penalty requires strong political leadership. However, a lack of information and polarised opinions on capital punishment can make constructive political debate hard to achieve.

We provide expert information and assistance to governments and advice to the diplomatic community. We bring together key stakeholders including members of the judiciary, legal professionals, the media and civil society organisations to facilitate dialogue on the death penalty. Through sustained engagement, we question entrenched positions and raise awareness of human rights issues to create an environment for criminal justice reform.

Where We Operate

We work in over 30 countries around the world, with a particular focus on the Commonwealth. We are prepared to work wherever the death penalty is imposed. Partnership working is at the heart of what we do. Wherever we operate, we always work with dedicated local partners and other stakeholders. We will never work in a country without an invitation.

Our latest news and events

Read the latest news on The Death Penalty Project and our work from around the world

PRESS RELEASE: DNA expert evidence relied on by prosecution to convict a man of murder over 10 years ago was fundamentally flawed
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PRESS RELEASE: Constitutional Court sets Taiwan on an irrevocable path to abolishing the death penalty
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PRESS RELEASE: British National sentenced to death in DRC
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PRESS RELEASE: Catalogue of errors leads to a miscarriage of justice in St Kitts and Nevis
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Strengthening the Abolitionist Movement: Launch of the Global Consortium for Death Penalty Abolition
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PRESS RELEASE: British National at risk of the Death Penalty in DRC
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PRESS RELEASE: Privy Council overturns murder and armed robbery convictions in 2015 joint enterprise trial in The Bahamas
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PRESS RELEASE: Systemic failures in DNA testing leads to release of Bermudan man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for more than 10 years
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DW: Will Taiwan abolish the death penalty this year?
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PRESS RELEASE: Future of the death penalty in Taiwan to be determined by historic legal challenge
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The Telegraph: Will Africa be the next continent to abolish the death penalty?
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Privy Council quashes murder convictions in Jamaica, highlighting the importance of fair trial rights
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Focus on Africa podcast - Why African countries are saying no to the death penalty
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Zimbabwe's Cabinet backs proposed legislation to abolish the death penalty
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Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty: Dignity. Justice. International Symposium on the Right to Life - Taiwan Death Penalty Prison Interview Project
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BLOG: Human Rights Day 2023 – Challenging the myth of public support for the death penalty
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Life After Death Row: interview with Wenceslaus James
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Sunshine Today T & T: "I heard my cell mate executed"
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Attorney to Government: Make up your mind about the death penalty
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Longest serving death row prisoner in T&T released by High Court
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