The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has been elected President of the African Geopolitical Group at the ongoing Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) 135th Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
In her role as the leader of all African Parliaments that are members of IPU, she will coordinate pertinent and emergency matters on the African continent.
After her election at a meeting of the African Geopolitical Group, Kadaga urged world leaders to address issues force Africans to migrate to Europe. She cited migrants from different African countries who attempt to cross high seas in search of greener pastures but end up drowning.
“We have to mitigate the effects of migration. The African people continue to be trafficked, they continue to be killed, they continue to be drowned by the transporters,” she said adding, “the Mediterranean Sea is now the grave yard of the African people. We should put more effort to see what is really happening to the African people.”
The IPU which comprises all United Nations member mtates is meeting in Geneva under the theme, “Human Rights Abuses as Precursors of Conflict – Parliaments as Early Responders.”
The Speaker is leading a delegation of MPs from Uganda that includes Raphael Magyezi (NRM, Igara West), Mourine Osoru (NRM, Arua district), Latif Sebaggala (Ind., Kawempe North) and Francis Mwijukye (FDC, Buhweju) and the Clerk to Parliament Jane Lubowa Kibirige.
Key meetings scheduled
In Geneva, the IPU’s Committee on the Human Rights is also marking its 40th anniversary, providing an opportunity to reflect upon its achievements with regards to human rights around the globe.
Among the issues to be considered by the 135th Inter-Parliamentary Union is a Resolution by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, on “The freedom of women to participate in political processes fully, safely and without interference: Building partnerships between men and women.”
The Standing Committees on Peace and International Security will hold a hearing on “The role of Parliament in preventing outside interference in the internal affairs of sovereign States” and panel discussions on “Promoting democratic accountability of the private security sector” and “Comprehensive Disarmament”.
The Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade is faced with a debate on “Promoting enhanced international cooperation on the SDGs, in particular on the financial inclusion of women as a driver of development”.
In addition, the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs is to scrutinize “Funding the United Nations” and “The UN response to allegations of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers”.
The 135th Assembly’s Forum of Women Parliamentarians, has scheduled a panel debate on “Securing the rights and future of women and girls during war and conflict” and a parity debate on harassment and violence against parliamentarians.
