Why do no member states of the ECHR have the death penalty?

The reason no member states of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) have the death penalty relates to the fundamental belief in the Right to Life. This principle emphasizes that every human being has the inherent right to life and that this right should be protected by law. The ECHR was established to safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the abolition of the death penalty is viewed as a critical part of upholding the right to life.

In this context, member states are committed to ensuring that laws and practices reflect this commitment to human dignity and life. The abolition of capital punishment is also consistent with broader European values, where there is a strong consensus against the death penalty, reflecting a commitment to human rights that includes the belief that even those accused or convicted of crimes retain their right to life.

While considerations regarding costs, effectiveness, and rehabilitation may influence discussions about criminal justice, the overarching legal and ethical framework of the ECHR is primarily focused on protecting the Right to Life, making this the most relevant and accurate rationale for the absence of the death penalty among its member states.