Armenia Joins Ranks as 45th Member State to Abolish Death Penalty in All Circumstances

23-10-2023

Sofía Medina Sánchez 

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence 

On the 19th of October, Ambassador Arman Khachatryan, permanent representative of Armenia to the Council of Europe, deposited the ratification instrument, thus finalising the process of ratification of Protocol No.13 to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This protocol refers to the abolition of the death penalty under all circumstances. 

In this way, Armenia has become the 45th Member State of the Council of Europe to ratify this protocol. The Protocol unequivocally outlaws the death penalty in any situation, even during times of war or imminent threat of war. No exceptions, derogations, or reservations are permitted under Protocol No. 13.

This treaty serves as a complementary accord to Protocol No. 6 of the ECHR, which mandates the abolition of the death penalty under all circumstances, except during wartime. Protocol No. 6 has been ratified by all Member States. The decision to accede to both Protocols remains a voluntary commitment by states, signaling their dedication to the complete abolition of the death penalty both in law and practice.

The year 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of Protocol No. 13 coming into force. In a recent joint statement, issued on the European and World Day against the Death Penalty observed on October 10th, the Secretary General and the High Representative, representing the European Union, expressed their appreciation for the ratification of Protocol No. 13 by Armenia's National Assembly and the signing of the protocol by Azerbaijan. They urged both Member States to promptly complete the ratification process.

Sources and further Reading: 

Council of Europe, Newsroom, Armenia becomes 45th member state to abolish the death penalty in all circumstances, 19 October 2023: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/armenia-becomes-45th-member-state-to-abolish-the-death-penalty-in-all-circumstances

Protocol No. 13 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances (ETS No. 187), Vilnius 3rd May 2002: https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=signatures-by-treaty&treatynum=1