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End the Death Penalty
The death penalty in 2012
Although the global trend towards abolition remained strong, 2012 saw a disappointing resumption of executions in some countries. The total number of confirmed executions was 682, two more than in 2011. Executions were recorded in 21 countries, the same number as 2011. The number of countries where death sentences were imposed fell from 63 to 58.
Read more about the death penalty in 2012 on our website or read the full 2012 death penalty report (PDF 5MB).
Why Amnesty International opposes the death penalty
We oppose the death penalty in all cases without exception regardless of the nature of the crime, the characteristics of the offender, or the method used by the state to kill the prisoner.
- It violates the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- There is no evidence that it is any more effective in reducing crime than other punishments and it has no place in a modern criminal justice system.
Read more
- Death Sentences and Executions: An Amnesty International report on the death penalty, 2012 (PDF, 5MB)
- Press release: Death penalty, 2012
Resources
- Animated Video: Juvenile executions in Iran
- Troy Davis Youth Dialogue - An Amnesty International resource to guide discussion on the critical events regarding the Troy Davis case and execution.