Tokyo Congress Marks Decisive Step Towards Worldwide Death Penalty Abolition
Tokyo, Japan – November 8, 2025 – The 5th Regional Congress on the Death Penalty in East Asia concluded in Tokyo today, November 8, with participants hailing the event as a pivotal moment in the global movement towards universal abolition. Held November 7-8, the congress brought together advocates, policymakers, and experts from across the region to address the continuing use of capital punishment and strategize for its complete elimination.
The congress arrives at a critical juncture, as East Asia remains a important outlier in global trends. While over two-thirds of the world’s countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, several nations in the region continue to actively employ it. This congress sought to build momentum for change, focusing on legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, and international cooperation. The event’s significance lies in its potential to galvanize regional efforts and accelerate the shift away from capital punishment, impacting the lives of those facing execution and upholding fundamental human rights.
The congress officially launched on Friday, November 7, featuring an opening address by Aminata Niakate. Throughout the two-day event,discussions centered on the evolving legal landscapes surrounding the death penalty,the psychological impact on those involved in executions,and the disproportionate submission of capital punishment to vulnerable populations.
Visual documentation of the congress, including images from both the opening and closing ceremonies, highlights the collaborative spirit and dedication of attendees. The event underscored a shared commitment to building a future free from state-sanctioned killing.
