MPs from around the world have called for concerted parliamentary measures to make the world a safer and more peaceful place at the close of IPU’s 130th IPU Assembly in Geneva.
With multiple on-going crises in the world, IPU’s renewal of its commitment to peace and democracy as it marked its 125th anniversary during the 16-20 March event was particularly apt.
In a resolution on the crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR), IPU Members strongly condemned the continuing violations of international humanitarian law and widespread human rights abuses by armed groups, whilst underscoring the need for perpetrators to be held accountable. IPU member parliaments have been called to pressure their governments to respond to appeals for humanitarian action to help the large and growing number of displaced people.
Urging the transitional authorities in CAR to disarm and demobilize those behind the violence, IPU is also stressing the importance of dialogue between all parties as a key first step to national reconciliation. It is a fundamental message of the Organization that was echoed in concerns expressed on the conflict in Syria and the growing crisis in Ukraine.
“Conflict will not end in CAR, Syria or Ukraine unless there is a negotiated political solution among all those concerned. After three years of bloodshed and immense suffering, Syria underlines again why conflicts must be resolved peacefully through dialogue - with everyone involved sitting at the table,” says IPU Secretary General Anders B. Johnsson.
In another resolution, IPU called on Members to commit to a series of actions to make the world nuclear weapons free. Noting the existence of at least 17,000 nuclear weapons that constituted a serious threat to international peace and security, IPU urged parliaments to ensure those States that have not signed and ratified the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), should so without delay or conditions. MPs also needed to work with their governments to ensure full compliance with the NPT and all commitments made at the 2000 and 2010 NPT Review Conferences.
The resolution also highlighted the importance of securing the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. It called on States to refrain from conducting any nuclear weapon test and recommended parliaments to urge governments to begin negotiations on a nuclear weapons convention.
In a third resolution, IPU Members also called for parliaments, especially in countries experiencing armed conflict, to amend legislation to prevent and punish those who recruited children to become child soldiers. In the resolution which focused on the protection of children, particularly migrant children, during conflict, IPU urged parliaments to enact specific legislation to protect girls from human trafficking, sexual exploitation and gender-based violence.
Separated or unaccompanied children fleeing illegal recruitment by armed forces by crossing borders should be able to request asylum and not be returned back home where their life would be at risk.
In a lengthy resolution with 37 action points, IPU also urged governments to consider minors recruited illegally into armed forces and who are accused of crimes under international law, be considered as victims rather than perpetrators and be provided the necessary support.
With growing attention on a new sustainable development agenda to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) after 2015, IPU also expressed deep concern at the mounting risks of disasters worldwide and the need to put in place stronger policies to mitigate their impact.
Noting that poorly planned and unmanaged urbanization, endemic poverty and weak governance were important drivers of risk, IPU called for all MPs to take immediate action to review existing legislation on reducing risk from disasters.
The Organization invited the United Nations to formalize the principle of reparations for victims of natural disasters and damage caused by States whose development strategies run counter to recommendations of the Rio Conference on Sustainable Development.
The resolution also urged governments to integrate population growth, family planning and demographic dynamics into policies on sustainable development. In addition, Governments and the United Nations should ensure the post-2015 development agenda reinforces a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction that is also being worked upon. More than 700 MPs from 147 countries, including 48 Speakers of Parliament and 215 women MPs participated in the 130th IPU Assembly.
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Picture Editors can access photos from the Assembly from: http://www.ipu.org/130pics
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