Oct 28-30, 2024: The National Assembly of Pakistan and Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, hosted the Parliamentarians for Global Action 45th Annual Forum and 13th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians on the International Criminal Court and the Rule of Law (CAP-ICC), at PIPS campus, Islamabad on the 28 and 30 October 2024 that saw participation of more than 100 MPs from 24 countries.
The conference focused on advancing domestic and international criminal justice, promoting global peace and the rule of law, climate change, upholding human rights and other important global issues. The PGA 45th Annual Form/13TH CAP-ICC inaugural session was attended by more than 250 participants, including 46 Honorable Parliamentarians from 24 countries including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ecuador, Eswatini, Gambia, Honduras, Jamaica, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Afghanistan, Namibia, Nepal, The Netherlands, Portugal, Suriname, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. The conference was also attended by more than 50 Hon. Senators and Members of the National Assembly from Pakistan, officials from the ICC, ambassadors of 17 states in Pakistan, PGA secretariat officials, government officials from Pakistan and the attendant States, intellectuals, representatives from international and members of local civil society Organizations in Pakistan as well as a large gathering of local and international media personnel.
The conference began with recitation of verses from Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan. In the inaugural session, Ms. Mónica Adame,Secretary-General, Parliamentarians for Global Action, thanking the National Assembly and PIPS for their warm hospitality, highlighted the PGA’s role in mobilizing legislators as champions of human rights, rule of law, democracy, human security, and climate justice and gender equality. She underscored the vital role of parliamentarians and civil society in combating impunity for international crimes and promoting accountability for war crimes, noting that the PGA serves as a bridge to reduce global polarization. Ms. Monica Adame highlighted the CAP-ICC as a platform for sharing best practices and reaffirmed the ICC’s unique role in prosecuting war crimes and genocide. She expressed hope for collective efforts to ensure that constituents’ rights are upheld and that we engage in meaningful bilateral dialogue to address violence and human rights violations.
Hon. Senator Sherry Rehman and the Chairperson of the PGA Pakistan National Group, highlighted the turbulent and polarized state of the world, where war crimes and genocide are on the rise, and the impunity for these crimes poses significant challenges to peace and security. She added that climate change is a serious threat to the future of humanity. She emphasized the need to build bridges between parliaments and civil society and stressed the importance of working together to advance the fight against impunity for international war crimes. Senator Sherry Rehman lamented the ongoing war crimes in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, noted the ICC’s lack of independence, and stressed the need for laws to be applied impartially and fairly.
Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar (Member National Assembly Pakistan) and President Parliamentarians for Global Action, welcomed the dignitaries from all regions of the world. Syed Naveed Qamar in his special remarks underscored the importance of revitalizing Pakistan’s stature as a vibrant nation advocating global rights, democracy and justice. He said that as parliamentarians, we need to contemplate ways to make the world a better place for those that we represent. He hoped for an open dialogue in the two-day gathering and an honest review of the gains and losses in order to chart a course for the future that serves humanity at large. He added that there is a need to mobilize PGA in Asia and Europe and work together to address issues such as climate change which cannot be resolved by the efforts of one country alone. He urged the delegates to initiate the process to learn from each other’s experiences and failures and return to their countries with a to do list of actions they can take to
Hon. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, warmly welcomed the delegates to Pakistan. He emphasized that parliamentarians are accountable to their constituents and must strive to serve the people they represent. Expressing deep concern over the alarming situation in Palestine, he highlighted the targeting of innocent civilians and strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli brutality and aggression. He urged the international community to take a stand against these human rights violations and work toward a just and lasting peace.
The inaugural session followed with a Special Session with Officials of the International Criminal Court, covering various aspects and role of the Rome Statue and the ICC. Thereafter the conference consisted of seven panels on topics under discussion, namely:
Oct 28, 2024:
Oct 29, 2024:
Oct 30, 2024
On the concluding data a roundtable on Death Penalty was held in PIPS followed by PGA Board meeting led by the Hon Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA from Pakistan and present President of PGA. The delegates also attended a reception and cultural show at the Parliament House Lawns on 28th Oct hosted by the Hon Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly. Hon Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan and the President PIPS BoG hosted the dinner for all delegates on 29th Oct., 2024. Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday highlighted the crucial role of parliamentarians in promoting peace, democracy, and justice on a global scale. While addressing participants of the Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) gathered in Pakistan for the 45th PGA meeting, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani praised the organisation’s four-decade legacy in advocating for human rights, international justice, and sustainable peace. He highlighted the significant impact PGA has had on shaping global policy and advancing grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering justice and equality worldwide.
Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA and President Parliamentarians for Global Action,in conclusion, extended his heartfelt appreciation to PIPS for their exemplary organization in hosting the 13th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians on the International Criminal Court and the Rule of Law. He read the final declaration which was endorsed with unanimity by over 100 Members of Parliament at the eve of 29th Oct., 2024 at jampacked PIPS auditorium. He expressed that this assembly has highlighted the shared responsibility of parliamentarians worldwide to promote accountability, human rights, and the rule of law, transcending borders. With grave challenges such as war crimes, genocide, and climate crises, parliamentarians here have committed to a future based on cooperation and strengthened international justice. As we return to our home countries, let us carry forward the knowledge, insights, and shared resolve from this forum, striving to forge a world where justice and peace prevail. Together, our collective action can bridge divides, promote impartial accountability, and contribute to a global rule of law that honors the dignity and security of all humanity.
Ms. Mónica Adame,Secretary-General, Parliamentarians for Global Action, presented a vote of thanks on Oct 29, 2024 evening eulogizing the President PGA and Hon Speaker, National Assembly for their close cooperation. She acknowledged that Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) is centre of excellence, which provided all professional support to make the forum meeting a rousing success.