Abolish the Death Penalty Blog
We Are the World: Global Anti-Death Penalty Conference Gathered in Geneva February 18, 2010
Abolitionists, human rights activists, death row exonerees, attorneys, murder victims’ family members, students and NGOs (non-government organizations) gathered Geneva, Switzerland, site of the Fourth World Congress against the Death Penalty. The event took place from February 24-February 26, 2010 in Geneva’s International Conference Center. The Congress is organized by the French organization Ensemble Contre la Peine de Mort under the patronage of the Swiss Confederation and in partnership with the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.
The Congresses bring individuals and organizations together to devise strategies for ending capital punishment around the world. This year the focus was on participants from retentionist nations, with a special appeal to them to work to rid their respective countries of the punishment.
Anti-death penalty activists from several countries participated in the gathering, including Sister Helen Prejean, author of the book “Dead Man Walking.” New Mexico State Representative Gail Chasey, who authored her state's repeal bill, also attended.
Because the gathering was in Geneva, a city known for championing human rights internationally, the event also focused on the international diplomatic community, especially participants in the session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Along with meetings and sessions, the Fourth World Congress included scientific and cultural programs, such as street entertainment. On February 24, the theatre evening took place at La Comédie with a premiere performance of a Victor Hugo book “The Last Day of a Condemned Man.” This stage version of the book takes viewers into the mind of a man on his way to the gallows who will soon be executed. On February 25 a plenary session entitled “Words of the Victims – Voices of Experience” was held at the Bâtiment des Forces Montrices, a former 19th century hydraulic factory which distributed water from the Rhône River throughout Geneva. The building was later converted into a theatre. Death row exonerees, murder victims’ family members, execution witnesses and others shared their stories with the audience. British-French singer Emily Loizeau, who became involved in the abolition movement through her activist father, hosted the evening.
A street demonstration against capital punishment took place on the last day of the gathering on February 26 at CICG Place des Nations.
posted by Margaret Summers (updated March 3, 2010) at 4:12 PM
Diann on "Make it Plain" November 2, 2009
 Recently, NCADP Executive Director Diann Rust-Tierney was a guest on a segment of Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s “Make It Plain” hosted by Mark Thompson (Matsimela Mapfumo), a political, human rights and breaking news talk and call-in program. Diann discussed the Death Penalty Information Center’s report on the costs of capital punishment to states, and our “Shouting from the Rooftops” campaign, among other issues. “Make It Plain” airs Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Channel 146.
You can listen to the audio by clicking here.
posted by Margaret Summers at 4:25 PM
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