France’s Emmanuel Macron Condemns Global Surge in Executions
France s Emmanuel Macron speaks out against – On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a compelling address at the ninth World Congress against the Death Penalty, highlighting the alarming increase in executions worldwide. The event, hosted by the NGO Together Against the Death Penalty in Paris, brought together advocates for human rights to discuss the growing use of capital punishment. Macron emphasized that despite global efforts to abolish the death penalty, it remains a stark reality in many regions, with the number of executions reaching a peak since 1981.
Record Executions in 2024
According to data from the congress, the number of executions carried out in 2024 hit an unprecedented high, with 2,707 individuals put to death by authorities in just 17 countries. Macron noted that this surge underscores the urgency of the issue, particularly in nations where the death penalty is still enforced. Among these countries, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq accounted for the majority of executions, with Iran alone accounting for over 1,639 cases. This figure marks the highest number of executions in the country since 1989, reflecting a persistent trend in its application of capital punishment.
“The death penalty still remains, in many regions of the world, a reality,” Macron stated during his speech. He warned that the current pace of executions indicates a global reluctance to abandon the practice, despite its longstanding presence in historical contexts.
Macron also criticized recent legislative actions in the Sahel region and Israel, which he argued threaten to revive the use of the death penalty. In March, the Israeli parliament passed a bill that allows the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terror-related offenses, a move that has sparked international debate. Meanwhile, the military junta in Burkina Faso reintroduced capital punishment in December 2024, signaling a shift in its legal framework. These developments have raised concerns about the potential for authoritarian measures to justify executions in politically charged environments.
Abolition Progress and Reform Efforts
While acknowledging the challenges, Macron praised recent progress toward abolishing the death penalty. He specifically mentioned the successful abolition in Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as ongoing reforms in other countries since the previous World Congress held in Berlin in 2022. “These decisions remind us that no people are permanently bound by fate to the death penalty,” he said, emphasizing that abolition is a tangible goal rather than an unattainable dream.
“Abolition was never a given,” Macron added, stressing the importance of continued advocacy. “It’s crazy to think the death penalty deters crime—it has never made a society safer, and that fact is supported by data and observation.”
The French president further argued that the death penalty fails to act as a deterrent, a claim he attributed to the lack of empirical evidence. “It does not act as a deterrent. It’s crazy,” he said, pointing out that authorities who defend the practice often overstate its effectiveness. Macron’s critique aligns with broader discussions in the human rights community about the psychological and societal impacts of capital punishment.
International Advocacy and UN Engagement
On the eve of the congress, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. During the meeting, Barrot reaffirmed France’s dedication to advancing human rights globally, stating that the country remains committed to “documenting human rights violations and fighting impunity.” The foreign ministry highlighted that Barrot also endorsed the High Commissioner’s office, which plays a critical role in monitoring human rights conditions worldwide.
“He reaffirmed his full support for the work of the High Commissioner’s office, in Geneva and in the field, to document human rights violations, fight impunity and ensure the effective implementation of international human rights law,” the ministry said. Barrot further welcomed the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights, a collaborative initiative aimed at protecting fundamental rights across borders.
Barrot’s engagement with Türk comes amid growing tensions over multilateralism and the universal nature of human rights. The minister expressed France’s resolve to support the alliance, which seeks to promote concrete actions in favor of fundamental rights, human dignity, and the rule of law. This move reflects a strategic effort to strengthen international partnerships in the face of rising challenges to human rights protections.
Context and Global Implications
The World Congress against the Death Penalty, organized by Together Against the Death Penalty, serves as a vital platform for nations and organizations to share strategies for ending capital punishment. Macron’s speech not only underscored the current crisis but also called for renewed commitments to global human rights standards. His remarks resonated with delegates who are working to curb the use of the death penalty in regions where it has been steadily increasing.
France’s position as a leader in the fight against the death penalty is well-established. The country has maintained a consistent stance against capital punishment, with Macron himself advocating for its abolition during his presidency. However, the recent rise in executions in key regions has prompted a reevaluation of international strategies, with Macron urging a more aggressive approach to safeguarding human rights.
The minister’s meeting with Türk highlights the French government’s active role in global human rights discourse. By aligning with the UN High Commissioner’s office, France aims to amplify its influence in addressing systemic issues that perpetuate the use of the death penalty. This collaboration is particularly significant as the alliance seeks to counteract movements that prioritize punitive measures over rehabilitative justice.
Looking Ahead
Macron’s address at the congress has reignited debates about the future of capital punishment. While some nations continue to enforce it, the president’s emphasis on abolition as a viable option offers hope to advocates worldwide. “No people are permanently bound to the death penalty,” he reiterated, underscoring that change is possible with sustained political will and public support.
The French leader also called for international cooperation to combat the spread of capital punishment. His remarks suggest a growing recognition that the death penalty is not only a national issue but a global challenge requiring collective action. By highlighting the work of NGOs and the UN, Macron positioned France as a key player in this movement, advocating for policies that prioritize life over death in legal proceedings.
As the world grapples with the implications of rising executions, Macron’s speech serves as both a warning and a rallying cry. The data presented during the congress paints a clear picture of the current state of affairs, but the president’s vision offers a roadmap for future progress. With the support of allies like the UN High Commissioner, France aims to lead the charge in reducing the death penalty’s global footprint and ensuring its eventual elimination.
These efforts are part of a broader campaign to uphold human rights as universal principles. Macron’s emphasis on reforms and abolition aligns with the congress’s mission to keep the conversation alive and push for meaningful change. By highlighting the successes of countries that have abolished the death penalty, he encourages others to follow suit, reinforcing the idea that the practice can be phased out with determination and collaboration.
