Ref: NCTP/STATEMENT/2026/DP-0811
Date: August 11, 2026
** Welcoming Lebanon’s Historic Decision to Abolish the Death Penalty and Calling for Global Emulation**
The Norwegian Council for Tolerance and Peace (NCTP) warmly welcomes the historic step taken by the Lebanese Parliament in passing the legislative proposal to abolish the death penalty. This landmark decision marks a significant milestone for human rights, human dignity, and the rule of law in the Middle East and globally.
While noting that the vote was adopted by a majority with constitutional amendments and despite opposition from certain parliamentary blocs, we firmly believe that the abolition of capital punishment reflects a progressive commitment to universal human rights standards and the inherent right to life.
In light of this historical precedent, the Norwegian Council for Tolerance and Peace:
1. Commends the Lebanese Republic, its parliament, and civil society actors whose tireless efforts made this historic reform possible.
2. Urges all nations that still retain the death penalty to follow Lebanon’s commendable lead by establishing an immediate moratorium on executions as a decisive step toward full legal abolition.
3. Reaffirms that the right to life is absolute and that justice is best served through rehabilitation, fair trial guarantees, and legal frameworks rooted in human tolerance rather than retribution.
We call upon the international community and international bodies to support legislative reforms worldwide that prioritize human dignity, justice, and peace.
Norwegian Council for Tolerance and Peace (NCTP)
Oslo, Norway
