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The European Union (EU) and several European diplomatic missions have recognised the Lao PDR’s more than three decades without executions, describing the country’s long-standing de facto moratorium as a significant contribution to international discussions on justice, human dignity and the death penalty.
In a joint opinion article issued to mark the World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10, 2026, the EU Delegation to the Lao PDR and the Embassies of France, Germany, Luxembourg and Hungary, together with the Swiss Cooperation Office, highlighted Laos’ continued non-application of capital punishment despite its retention in national law.
The article, entitled “Justice with Dignity: Reflections on Laos’ 30 Years Without Executions”, said the country’s record reflected restraint and respect for human life, while noting the global trend towards abolishing the death penalty or reducing the number of offences punishable by death.
The diplomatic missions also highlighted amendments to the Lao Penal Code that reduced the number of offences subject to the death penalty from 18 to 12, as part of efforts to maintain deterrence against the most serious crimes.
The article noted that Buddhist teachings, which emphasise compassion and mercy, form an important part of the country’s social and cultural context. It stressed that justice involves not only punishment but also respect for human dignity and the value of life.
The EU and its partners cited developments in other countries, including Zimbabwe’s abolition of the death penalty in 2024 and Ghana’s move in 2023, as well as reforms in Malaysia in 2023 and Vietnam in 2025 to reduce the scope of capital punishment. The article also referred to Lebanon’s reported abolition of the death penalty in August 2026.
Drawing on the EU’s experience, the authors said moving away from capital punishment could help strengthen public confidence in justice systems, reduce the risk of irreversible miscarriages of justice and reinforce respect for human dignity.
The diplomatic missions concluded that Laos’ more than 30 years without executions represented an important example in the global debate on justice, accountability and the future of capital punishment.
The World Day Against the Death Penalty is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness of issues surrounding capital punishment and promote international dialogue on criminal justice and human rights.
Co-signed by: European Union Delegation to Lao PDR and the Embassies of France, Germany, Luxembourg and Hungary, and the Swiss Cooperation Office.
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