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A sign against the death penalty: A carillon plays a selection of songs on a thematic theme.
As the City of Darmstadt announces, the city will once again participate in the international day of action "Cities for Life – Cities Against the Death Penalty" organized by the Sant'Egidio Community on Sunday, November 30. At noon, a selection of musical pieces dealing with death and dying will be played in the carillon of the Darmstadt Palace.
Official information about the City of Darmstadt can be found at www.darmstadt.de
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Mayor Benz: "Darmstadt is sending a clear signal for human rights"
Mayor Hanno Benz emphasized the importance of the day of action: Many people are still subjected to arbitrary executions, and tendencies toward the reintroduction of the death penalty are increasing. Given the global political situation, a clear commitment to human rights is more important than ever. Darmstadt therefore supports the international Sant'Egidio alliance for the abolition of the death penalty.
Global developments: hope and setbacks
Some political advances give cause for optimism. For example, in December 2024, the UN General Assembly renewed its moratorium on the worldwide suspension of the death penalty – with 130 votes in favor, the highest level of support to date. Furthermore, Pakistan (July 2024) and Vietnam (June 2025) have abolished the death penalty for certain offenses.
At the same time, according to Amnesty International, the number of executions carried out rose again in 2024 to at least 1,518. In several countries, including Sudan and Uganda, death sentences were reinstated after a hiatus. In Myanmar, criticism of the regime can lead to a death sentence. In some cases, even minors are executed – a clear violation of international law.
Background to the day of action
The Sant'Egidio Community has been working with the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty since 1998 to oppose the death penalty worldwide. November 30th was chosen as the day of action because the Grand Duchy of Tuscany became the first state in the world to abolish torture and the death penalty on that date in 1786. Today, Cities for Life is the largest international urban movement for human rights; around 300 municipalities in Germany participate.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
