“Undeniably, constant and in some States considerable progress has been made… We abolitionists have become a large majority within international bodies, and in State after State. The number of abolitionist nations has continued to grow… Yet we must not be swept by euphoria, and believe that things will move forward very quickly all by themselves… When one analyses the international situation with lucidity, it is clear that some major powers, among the most powerful in the world, still support the death penalty or retain it in their legislative arsenal…

Our solidarity with activists in these States must be stronger than ever. We must support them absolutely, just as we must make our voices heard about every execution, each of which is a crime against humanity.

…The task is therefore both incomplete and difficult. Activists must work even more energetically. I thank them with all my heart, and especially those who are fighting the scourge of capital punishment where it is still practised… I am convinced that the movement will only grow and become stronger. But it depends on you – you who fight the abomination of the death penalty every day. Never forget: it remains the absolute negation of the first human right – the right to life.