Statement of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the occasion of World Day Against the Death Penalty

On the occasion of World Day Against the Death Penalty, observed this year under the theme “Humanising People Affected by the Death Penalty,” the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the right to life, human dignity, and fundamental fair trial guarantees, as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This year’s theme calls for recognition of the human realities behind every death sentence and the suffering it causes to persons sentenced to death, victims of crime, and the families of those sentenced. To humanise means recognising every person's dignity, without denying the gravity of crimes committed or the suffering of victims. It also means recognising that every person, regardless of their past or legal situation, remains entitled to fundamental human rights. The Commission emphasises that persons sentenced to death are often subjected to harsh conditions of detention, isolation and the constant anguish of execution. Prolonged detention on death row may cause profound psychological suffering and raise concerns under the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment

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