As the global abolitionist movement united yesterday for the World Day Against the Death Penalty, Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) has opposed the punitive measure in all cases. 
   
The group also convened a technical consultation with key justice sector stakeholders, in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Legal Defence Assistance Project (LEDAP) to mark this year’s celebration.
 
Speaking at the event themed: “The Death Penalty Protects No One,” Country Director of ASF France in Nigeria, Mrs Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, reiterated the organisation’s stance and dedication to fighting  the misconception that the death penalty can make societies safer.
 
According to her, the measure “is a blatant violation of the fundamental right to life, as recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).” 
She noted that death penalty has no place in a modern and progressive justice system. 

Uzoma-Iwuchukwu stressed that the consultation with key justice sector stakeholders, including government officials, institutions, policymakers, legal practitioners, and human rights advocates, provided a platform for strategic engagement on how Nigeria could transition towards a justice system that values reformative and restorative approaches over retribution.
 
She urged the Nigerian government to establish an official moratorium on executions as a crucial step towards the complete abolition of the death penalty. Her words: “It is not only a violation of the right to life, but also an ineffective tool for justice. 
 
“We urge the Nigerian government to join the 27 African countries that have completely abolished the death penalty, and work towards a more just society.

“This day mobilises civil society, political leaders, lawyers, and the general public to advocate for the universal abolition of capital punishment.”

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of France to Nigeria, Jean-François Hasperue in his remarks, said: “The theme of this year’s event says it all; the death penalty protects no one,” emphasising the fact that the death penalty does not serve as a deterrent, and is an ineffective tool for justice.