Parliaments can only perform their functions in a democratic system of government if the rights of the elected parliamentarians are respected. But all over the world, parliamentarians are prevented from doing their work: through unfair criminal proceedings, intimidation and threats to them and their families, kidnapping, and even assassination. The deprivation of parliamentary rights may come from government or parliamentary majorities against opposition parliamentarians, or they may result of a general atmosphere of violence and crime.
Launch on the International Day of Parliamentarism
How can we help parliamentarians who are met with such resistance in their daily work? Because of the time I spent working for the German Bundestag, I already knew about its programme “Parliamentarians protect Parliamentarians” – and it was clear to me that the European Parliament should also launch such an initiative!
Today, on the International Day of Parliamentarianism, this idea becomes reality: After months of preparation and steering from the Greens/EFA Group, the European Parliament launches its own twinning programme “Solidarity with Parliamentarians”. The programme is a new tool within the EP’s global democracy support strategy, and is organised by the Parliament’s Democracy Support and Elections Coordination Group.
The aim of the programme is to support elected representatives worldwide who are confronted with threats and harassment – in addition to the above-mentioned examples, for example, parliamentarians who have been unjustly deprived of their mandate, members of legitimate parliaments who are not convened, or MPs who are serving prison sentences following unfair judgments. Geographical, political and gender diversity will be aimed for.
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More Information"In defense of democracy"
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More InformationToday, at 3pm, I will present the programme at a public event called “In defence of democracy”, organised by the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group and the Subcommittee on Human Rights. Boutayna Lamharzi from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, David Donat Cattin from Parliamentarians for Global Action and Philippine MP Sarah Elago, member of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, are also invited. You can watch the livestream here.
I am pleased that my efforts – and those of the Green/EFA group – have borne fruit and that the programme is now up and running. Of course, I will keep you updated on its progress!
