Statement on World Day Against the Death Penalty

October 10, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“The death penalty is cruel and inhumane. It is an affront to human rights as well as an ineffective deterrent to crime. Canada is strongly opposed to its use in all cases, everywhere.

“This year, Canada joined the Support Group of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty (ICDP), a diverse group of 23 countries led by Spain. The ICDP’s aims are to stop planned executions, establish a universal moratorium on the use of the death penalty and ultimately abolish this barbaric form of punishment in all regions of the world.

“The World Day Against the Death Penalty is an opportunity for all to take a stand. Today, Canada renews its pledge to work for the end of capital punishment everywhere.”