Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Bakare Majeed
Published on 2024-03-28 12:23:22
The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, is currently at the 148 IPU General Assembly in Switzerland and has suggested changes to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly rules to allow for more emergency items to be considered. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Mr. Kalu proposed amending section 11.1 of the IPU rules to permit each continent to present at least one emergency item for consideration.
Under the current rule, only one emergency item can be proposed and must receive a two-thirds majority of all members. The proposed amendment aims to ensure that urgent matters from all continents are given the opportunity for debate and consideration in the Assembly.
At the ongoing Assembly, five emergency items were put forward for consideration, including proposals on the conflict in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, peace in Palestine, and human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These proposals highlight the pressing global issues that parliamentarians are seeking to address through the IPU.
Mr. Kalu expressed concern that the existing rules do not adequately represent Africa’s urgent needs, which often require emergency interventions. He advocated for each continent to have the opportunity to present an item at every Assembly to ensure a more inclusive and diverse consideration of pressing issues globally.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of gender equality and inclusion in governance, noting the underrepresentation of women in parliament as a barrier to progress. He highlighted the need to harness the talent and perspectives of women in decision-making processes to achieve a more equitable and effective government.
In his plea for reforming the IPU rules, Mr. Kalu stressed the need to address multiple urgent issues and ensure that the Assembly reflects the diverse needs of the world. He pointed out the ongoing conflicts in Africa, such as those in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Sahel region, which have significant humanitarian consequences and global implications.
By calling for greater flexibility in addressing emergency items and promoting gender equality in governance, the Deputy Speaker advocates for a more inclusive and responsive parliamentary diplomacy that can effectively address the complex challenges facing the world today.
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