Joint Op-ed to mark International Day against the Death Penalty in Laos

Justice with dignity: reflections on Laos’ 30 years without executions

Every year on October 10, the international community marks 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 meaningful fact speaks to a commitment to restraint and respect for life. While capital punishment remains in 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.
Many countries have chosen to abolish the death penalty, like Lebanon most recently in August 2026, Zimbabwe in 2024 and Ghana in 2023. Others have reduced the number of crimes carrying the death penalty as mandatory punishment, such as Malaysia in 2023 and Vietnam in 2025.
In Laos, where the majority of the population adheres to Buddhist teachings that emphasise mercy and compassion, the taking of life is regarded as a grave sin. These values emphasise that justice is not solely about punishment, but also about compassion, forgiveness, and respect for the sanctity of life.
While capital punishment remains reserved under the law, the Penal Code has been amended to reduce the number of offences subject to the death penalty from 18 to 12 with the purpose of serving as a deterrent to the most serious crimes.
The European Union’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.
Laos’ example over the past three decades is not only an achievement to be recognised, but also a thoughtful and inspiring contribution to the global conversation on the future of justice and accountability, and related needs in Laos.
Co-signed by the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR and the Embassies of France, Germany, Luxembourg and Hungary, and the Swiss Cooperation Office.
(The views don’t necessarily reflect those of Vientiane Times).

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update October 16, 2026)