IPU urges members to address terrorism, protect human rights

Member parliaments of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) have been urged to make every effort to stem the spread of terrorism and extremism and to continue protecting human rights, including those of women.

Expressing deep concern at the spread of terrorism in the world at the close of the 131st IPU Assembly in Geneva today, the IPU Executive Committee, which oversees the Organization's work, condemned all forms of violence and terror and the political instability and destruction they bring.

In a statement to IPU Members, the Executive Committee called upon MPs as opinion shapers to play an active role in dispelling myths surrounding extremist ideologies that could trigger terrorist acts.

Referring to IPU's mandate to promote democracy, human rights, peace and international security, the statement deplored the formation and proliferation of terrorist groups and organizations and the disastrous consequences their actions were having on countries and the entire region.

It was one of several outcomes of the IPU Assembly, which earlier in the day saw the election of Bangladesh MP Saber Chowdhury as the new president of the 125-year-old Organization.

With many parliamentarians killed recently in countries such as Iraq, Mexico, Syria and Venezuela, IPU Members were reminded of the human rights abuses of MPs the world over. IPU's Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, which met during the Assembly, examined 31 cases involving 143 MPs in nine countries (Cameroon, Colombia, DR Congo, Israel, Malaysia, Oman, Palestine, Turkey and Zambia) and held 11 hearings.

Resolutions on cases concerning 84 parliamentarians adopted by IPU highlighted that violations of MPs' freedom of expression were the most prevalent type of human rights abuse. Cases included five opposition MPs in Malaysia who face charges or are being investigated under the country's Sedition Act.

Death threats such as those against opposition MPs in Colombia were of serious concern. Ivan Cepeda, whose own father, a vocal parliamentarian who had been assassinated, is of particular worry.

One of several resolutions on Palestinian MPs again expressed concern at the continued administrative detention by Israel of 26 Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the re-arrest of its Speaker Aziz Dweik. It is his third spell in prison in eight years without formal charges.

The Assembly, which brought together a record number of Speakers and Deputy Speakers among the more than 720 MPs attending, also saw Members commit to making all possible effort to eradicate gender inequality.

The achievement of gender equality and ending violence against women had been the main focus for debate during the four-day IPU Assembly. With no country in the world exempt from gender-based violence, IPU Members from 145 countries attending the event identified both the need for comprehensive legislation that criminalizes all forms of violence against women and its effective and practical implementation.

The targeting of women in conflict situations required urgent action at national, regional and international levels to protect and support women. Successfully ending all types of violence against half the global population would go a long way to ensuring peace, security and human rights in the world.

Nearly 20 years after the launch of the Beijing Platform for Action, the landmark agenda for women's empowerment, IPU Members pledged to meet the challenge and make gender equality a reality within a generation.