The death penalty is an inhuman and degrading form of punishment. It represents the ultimate denial of human dignity and violates the right to life enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Even though the number of countries that apply the death penalty is at an all time low, the number of executions remains alarmingly high. According to Amnesty International, at least 1518 people were executed in 2024 – the highest number since 2015. The actual figure is likely to be significantly higher. Many of these people paid with their lives because they stood up for freedom, democracy and human rights. My thoughts are with them and their families especially today.

Every human being has the right to life. That is why Germany opposes the death penalty, whatever the circumstances. Together with our partners in the European Union and the United Nations, we continue to campaign around the world to ensure that it is outlawed and abolished once and for all.