In a resolution adopted at the concluding session of the 126th IPU Assembly in Kampala, the IPU membership expressed its solidarity and sympathy for the Syrian people whose democratic freedoms and human rights were being systematically and brutally undermined by their own government.
The IPU resolution called for an immediate end to the violence and abuses in Syria and expressed full support for international and regional efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.
It urged parliaments to provide all necessary humanitarian assistance to those affected by the violence, including to those in neighbouring countries. It also called for an inclusive political process addressing the legitimate democratic aspirations of the Syrian people to begin.
It stressed the pivotal role that the IPU can play in assisting emerging democracies, fostering political reconciliation and in upholding the principles of representative democracy and human rights.
Also issuing a statement on Mali where a military coup d'état on 22nd March overthrew a democratically elected government, the 119 national parliaments participating at the 126th Assembly expressed profound concern over the action.
It demanded that the military junta honour its solemn declaration of 1st April aimed at effectively restoring the Malian Republic's institutions and to relinquish power. It called upon the international community to back the decisions taken by ECOWAS Heads of State to restore peace, democracy and the rule of law and the integrity of its territory.
A resolution on good governance called upon all member parliaments that have not ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to do so. It urged the IPU membership to lend support to the democratization process in the Middle East and North Africa and donors to honour their aid promises to the Arab Spring countries. Another resolution on the redistribution of power included a demand for the reform of the UN Security Council; recommended an open and transparent process in the appointment of the UN Secretary General and called for sustainable development to be given the highest political priority.
A final resolution on securing access to health for women and children urged parliaments to ratify various international covenants and MPs to closely monitor the domestic implementation of international, regional and national human rights instruments. It also called upon parliaments to ensure adequate domestic financial resources are allocated for sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health.
The final day of the IPU Assembly also saw two new parliaments, that of Myanmar and South Sudan, being admitted as members. It brings the IPU membership up to 162.
For full details on agenda, please go to: http://www.ipu.org/conf-e/126agnd.htm
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