Justice with Dignity: Reflections on Laos’ 30 Years Without Executions

(KPL) Every year on 10 October, the international community marks the World Day Against the Death Penalty. It is a moment of reflection on the meaning of justice, on the value of human dignity, and on the ways societies across the globe are evolving in their approaches to punishment and reconciliation.

In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, no executions have taken place for more than three decades. This quiet but meaningful fact speaks to a commitment to restraint and respect for life. While capital punishment remains in the law, the choice not to apply it in practice for over 30 years reflects an approach aligned with the global trend towards more humane forms of justice.

Recognising that justice is not only about punishment, but also about compassion, forgiveness, and the sanctity of life, countries around the world are increasingly asking what kind of justice best serves their people. Many have chosen to abolish the death penalty, like Mongolia in 2017 or Zimbabwe most recently in 2024. Others have reduced the number of crimes carrying the death penalty as mandatory punishment, such as Malaysia in 2023 and Vietnam in 2025. Laos has set it aside in practice, relying instead on other forms of punishment. What unites these different paths is a common search for justice that balances accountability, fairness, and humanity.

The EU’s own experience has shown that moving away from capital punishment strengthens public trust in justice systems, reduces the risk of irreversible mistakes, and affirms society’s belief in human dignity.

As the world observes this day, the European Union pays tribute to Laos for its long-standing de facto moratorium on executions. It is a quiet achievement, but one of real significance. It demonstrates that justice can be done without resorting to the ultimate and irreversible punishment. The Lao PDR’s example over the past three decades offers not only an achievement to recognise, but also a thoughtful and inspiring contribution to the global conversation on the future of justice and accountability, and related needs in the Lao PDR.

Co-signed by: European Union Delegation to Lao PDR and the Embassies of France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Hungary, and the Swiss Cooperation Office.

KPL