From June 3 to 6, 2025, Strasbourg served as the epicenter for the next generation of human rights defenders. Arayik Grigorian, Vice-President of Themis International Human Rights Association, participated in the third edition of the international workshop: “Death is Not Justice – Youth Advocacy and Awareness-Raising for the Abolition of the Death Penalty.”
Held at the European Youth Centre, this high-level summit was organized by the Council of Europe (CoE) in partnership with ECPM (Ensemble contre la peine de mort) and the German Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. The event brought together 47 young professionals and activists from across the globe to consolidate a transnational network of “Young Ambassadors” dedicated to the universal abolition of capital punishment.
The “Themis” Perspective: From Armenia to the Council of Europe
For Themis International, this workshop held deep institutional significance. Our organization has a long-standing history of working directly with former death row prisoners in Armenia, focusing on the complex legal and social challenges of reintegration and resocialization.
During the sessions, Arayik Grigorian contributed to the dialogue by highlighting the Armenian experience, moving from the 2003 ratification of Protocol No. 6 to the current necessity of judicial reform grounded in human dignity. This workshop reinforced our core philosophy: true justice is restorative, not retributive. It is about protecting life rather than taking it.
Methodology and Capacity Building
The workshop was designed for practical empowerment. Participants engaged in diverse pedagogical activities, including:
- UN Resolution Simulation: A sophisticated role-play where participants took on the roles of NGOs and Government representatives to debate and vote on a universal moratorium on the death penalty.
- Film Debates: A technical case study centered on Mo Harawe’s short film, “Will my parents come to see me,”designed to provide activists with a “toolbox” for organizing awareness-raising events in their own countries.
- Institutional Networking: Beyond the workshops, the network of Young Ambassadors is already seeing a surge in academic and social initiatives, from university conferences across Europe to specialized legal research on capital appeals.
Personal Encounters and Human Impact
One of the most profound aspects of the workshop was the opportunity to meet and hear from those directly impacted by capital punishment systems. The participants met with Saman Yasin, a Kurdish-Iranian rapper who had been sentenced to death in 2022. Engaging with individuals like Yasin, who have faced the ultimate systemic injustice, provided a stark, human context to the legal theories discussed throughout the week. For Themis, these encounters reinforce our belief that the death penalty is not merely a legal issue, but a profound violation of human dignity.
Reception at the Permanent Representation of France
A highlight of the week was the official reception hosted at the Permanent Representation of France to the Council of Europe. This event allowed the Young Ambassadors to engage directly with Ambassador Pap Ndiaye and other high-level diplomats. This bridge between grassroots advocacy and formal diplomacy is a key pillar of our strategy. Read more about our exchange at the Permanent Representation of France to the Council of Europe here.
Conclusion: A Rising Generation
As Themis International Human Rights Association looks toward the World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris (2026), our commitment remains unwavering. We are part of a rising generation that refuses to accept the death penalty as a solution to social or legal problems.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Council of Europe, ECPM, and the German Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty for fostering this vital space. Together, we continue to champion a world where justice is synonymous with human rights and the protection of life.
Because death is not justice.