We believe that the human race must evolve, and the abolition of the death penalty is not only an individual need that strengthens the inviolability of the person, but also a vital, universal need. It is the ultimate goal of the 20th century; the meeting point of different civilizations.

Human systems can make mistakes. People can be falsely accused. Innocent people have been convicted and sentenced to death. Hands Off Cain is a league of citizens and parliamentarians for the abolition of the death penalty worldwide. It was founded in Brussels in 1993. Hands off Cain stands for justice without vengeance. The death penalty is not an issue of religious belief. The Koran and the Bible should not be used to justify it and do not mark a dividing line between retentionists and abolitionists. In fact, not all Islamic countries practice capital punishment whilst a number of Christian countries do. 98% of the total executions worldwide are carried out in illiberal countries such as China, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Hands Off Cain believes the definitive solution to the death penalty problem is to be found in these countries, and more than the death penalty itself, concerns democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

Human rights
Moratorium on executions