Theparliamentarian

100 years of publishing 1920-2020 TheParliamentarian

Journal of the Parliaments of the Commonwealth 2020 | Volume 101 | Issue Three | Price £14

SPECIAL REPORT: UNITED NATIONS AT 75: The relationship between the Commonwealth and the UN PAGES 218-247

PLUS The new CPA Insights into being Decriminalising the Parliamentary Secretary-General’s the Minister of Electoral System in expressions & first View article Education in Canada India: Reforms by the practices in the Judiciary Commonwealth PAGE 204 PAGE 248 PAGE 252 PAGE 255 IN TIMES LIKE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE THESE The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) exists to connect, develop, promote and support Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance, and PARLIAMENTS implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. Calendar of Forthcoming Events NEED Updated as at 24 August 2020

Please note that due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic, many ALL THE IN TIMES LIKE events, conferences and activities have been postponed or cancelled. Please check online or email [email protected] for the latest information. THESE 2020 RESOURCES PARLIAMENTS NEED August th ALL THE Published 2020 17-18 August 2020 13 Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, Vienna, Austria (IPU Conference online) THEY CAN GET! 19-21 August 2020 Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, Vienna, Austria (IPU Conference online) RESOURCES 18-22 August 2020 Mid-Year meeting of the CPA Executive Committee, London/online THEY CAN GET! MODEL LAW FOR September INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS 15 September 2020 International Day of Democracy DOWNLOAD ESTABLISHING PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE COMMISSIONS FOR CPA’S NEW COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURES 23-25 September 2020 CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference – online meeting DOWNLOAD PUBLICATION NOW 2021 CPA’S NEW www.cpahq.org th PUBLICATION www.cpahq.org August 2021 65 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada NOW THE CPA MODEL LAW FOR The following events have been postponed to next year (2021) with final dates to be confirmed: INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS • 51st CPA Africa Regional Conference, Abuja, Nigeria www.cpahq.org/cpahq/modellaw • 49th CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference, Valletta, Malta Based on the important values laid down in the Latimer House Principles and the • 58th CPA Canada Regional Conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Doctrine of the Separation of Powers, the CPA has created a th MODEL LAW FOR INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS. • 45 CPA Caribbean, Americas & Atlantic Regional Conference, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos th This draft legislation is aimed at Parliaments to use as a template to create financially • 39 CPA Pacific and Australia Regional Conference, Kiribati and administratively independent institutions. Specifically, the Model Law enables Parliaments to create Parliamentary Service Commissions and to ensure Parliaments • CPA Pacific and Australia Region Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference (POCC), Fiji across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to function effectively without • Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Kigali, Rwanda including: Commonwealth Youth Forum; the risk of executive interference. www.cpahq.org Commonwealth Women’s Forum; Commonwealth People’s Forum; and Commonwealth Business Forum

The CPA calendar fosters the exchange of events and activities between CPA Regions and Branches. For further information on THE CPA MODEL LAW FOR any events, please contact the CPA Branch concerned or the CPA Headquarters Secretariat. CPA Branch Secretaries are asked to send notices of CPA events to [email protected] in advance of the publication deadline to ensure the calendar is accurate. INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS

Based on the important values laid down in the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles and the Doctrine of the Separation of Powers, the Commonwealth Parliamentary CPA Small Branches Climate Change Toolkit for Association (CPA) has created a MODEL LAW FOR INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS. Parliamentarians • Strengthening Parliamentarians as effective actors in the This draft legislation is aimed at Commonwealth Parliaments to use as a template to climate change agenda. create financially and administratively independent institutions. Specifically, the Model Law enables Parliaments to create Parliamentary Service Commissions and to ensure • Accessible introduction to the key issues facing Parliaments across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to function Legislatures at the frontline of climate change. effectively without the risk of Executive interference. • Practical guide for Parliamentarians to further progress at www.cpahq.org the domestic and international level. Visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/SBclimatechange to download a copy or email [email protected] Updated February 2020 CONTENTS: THE PARLIAMENTARIAN 100 years of publishing CONTENTS 2020: ISSUE THREE The Parliamentarian 1920-2020

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The Parliamentarian: VIEWS & COMMENT NEWS & PHOTOS SPECIAL REPORT: SPECIAL REPORT: FEATURE ARTICLES PARLIAMENTARY Annual subscription: Four Journal of the Parliaments of UNITED NATIONS UNITED NATIONS REPORTS issues including supplements: the Commonwealth AT 75: THE AT 75: THE UK: £44 inc. postage. Volume 101 COMMONWEALTH COMMONWEALTH Worldwide: £46 surface post 2020: Issue Three AND THE UN AND THE UN £52 airmail The Parliamentarian ISSN 0031-2282 Price per issue: Editor’s Note CPA News Editorial: The Reflections on the UN Insights into being the Parliamentary Report UK: £14 cover price plus UK Issued and published by UN at 75: The Commonwealth News reports include: Commonwealth and at 75 and the work of Minister of Education postage | Worldwide: Cover the United Nations: the UN Associations Featuring legislative reports the International Secretariat and the United Nations • New CPA Secretary-General A view from Canada from Canada, Trinidad price plus £5 surface post or Working together to UK Parliamentarian and of the Commonwealth Page 196 appointed Page 248 and Tobago, the United £8 airmail tackle today's global Chair of the UNA-UK Parliamentary Association • Anguilla House of Assembly issues Kingdom, New Zealand, Page 237 (CPA), CPA Headquarters View from the CPA benefit from CPA’s first ever Page 218 Decriminalising the Australia and India Disclaimer Secretariat, Richmond Chairperson virtual Post-Election Seminar The importance of Electoral System in Pages 262-279 Opinions and comments House, Houses of Parliament, Celebrating International • Botswana virtual workshop The Commonwealth Youth Engagement India: Reforms by the expressed in articles and and the United London, SW1A 0AA, United Day of Parliamentarism and on effective parliamentary with Parliaments: View Judiciary reviews published in The Nations: 75 years of from the UN Secretary- Kingdom. marking the 75th anniversary oversight international symbiosis Page 252 CPA DIRECTORY Parliamentarian are those of • CPA Masterclass videos on General’s Envoy on of the United Nations International diplomat Sir Youth the individual contributors and remote working for MPs CPA Organisational Tel: +44 (0) 20 7799 1460 Page 198 Peter Marshall Page 240 Parliamentary should not be attributed to the • Virtual graduation ceremony Structure Email: [email protected] Page 220 expressions & practices Secretariat of the Association. www.cpahq.org View from the for Commonwealth The Power of Women's Second of a three-part CPA Executive Committee Twitter @CPA_Secretariat Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians with McGill The United Nations Leadership for a more series on the language and Members, CWP and CPA Contributors Facebook.com/CPAHQ University and its impact in Inclusive, Collaborative practices in Westminster Small Branches Steering Thank you to all contributors Parliamentarians (CWP) Future • CPA launches its Model Law Commonwealth Parliaments Committees and CPA for this issue. Financial Inclusivity for Women countries: A View from Executive Director of UN Mr Stephen Twigg for Independent Parliaments Page 255 Regional Secretaries in the Commonwealth the Speaker of India Women CPA Secretary-General • Promoting biodiversity in Pages 280 Printed in: United Kingdom Page 200 Page 226 Page 243 Small Island Developing States by Warners Midlands, PLC. Mr Jeffrey Hyland View from the CPA Small at CPA and UNESCO webinars Making the UN UN Women’s 10th Editor, The Parliamentarian Branches Chairperson • Importance of the SDGs more effective: anniversary, the future Limited print run - contact [email protected] th highlighted to Commonwealth A parliamentary of gender equality and [email protected] for Celebrating the 75 anniversary perspective Scholars the empowerment details of print copies for of the United Nations IPU Secretary General Main images: CPA Pages 206-216 of women in the CPA Branches. Page 202 Page 230 Headquarters Secretariat Commonwealth Page 246 and Shutterstock. Additional View from the CPA Commonwealth Women 'The Future We Want, images: CPA Branches and Secretary-General Parliamentarians News the UN We Need: Members. Front cover image: The UN’s SDGs are at the and Events Reaffirming our Shutterstock/1091235845/ Collective Commitment heart of the Commonwealth Reports from CWP activities to Multilateralism' Alexandros Michailidis. Parliamentary Association's around the Commonwealth A view from UNDP mission Pages 260-261 Page 234 Page 204

The United Nations Headquarters is located in New York, USA in a building designed by a board of architects led by Wallace UN AT 75: THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE Harrison and architectural firm Harrison & Abramovitz. It has served as the UN Headquarters since its completion in 1952. UNITED NATIONS The Editor’s Note Image: Shutterstock_488226595_credit_Osugi

In 2020, the United Nations is commemorating its 75th anniversary, The CPA is delighted to publish an article by eminent former marking the anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter on 26 diplomat Sir Peter Marshall who has worked both with the June 1945. This year, the UN will mark this anniversary on UN Day Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations as he examines on 24 October 2020 and through observance 75 years of international symbiosis between the ceremonies in New York, with a one-day high-level Commonwealth and the United Nations. meeting of the UN General Assembly planned for The Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha in the Monday 21 September 2020 on the theme of 'The Parliament of India, Hon. Shri Om Birla writes Future We Want, the UN We Need: Reaffirming our about the impact of the United Nations in Collective Commitment to Multilateralism'. Commonwealth countries and in particular, about The United Nations is marking its 75th anniversary at the relationship between India and the UN. a time of great disruption for the world, compounded The Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary by an unprecedented global health crisis with severe Union (IPU), Mr Martin Chungong writes about economic and social impacts. COVID-19 is a stark making the United Nations more effective and the reminder of the need for cooperation across borders, need for greater inclusion of Parliamentarians in its sectors and generations. Jeffrey Hyland, Editor decision making and policy processes. Throughout their shared histories, the The Parliamentarian, The United Nations Development Programme relationship between the United Nations and the Commonwealth Parliamentary (UNDP) has carefully focused on the delivery of Commonwealth has been co-operative and the Association the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in common goals of both organisations has been its global work and in their joint article, Mr Charles apparent. The UN Sustainable Development Goals Chauvel, UNDP Global Lead, Inclusive Processes and the Commonwealth Charter have many shared aspirations. and Ms Agata Walczak, UNDP Parliamentary Project Manager Patrick Rouble gives an insight into his experience of the role. Australia and UK highlight ‘shadow pandemic’ of domestic abuse; There are many global issues that require a response from both examine 'The Future We Want, the UN We Need: Reaffirming our Reforms by the Judiciary have resulted in the decriminalising Commonwealth Women Speakers at 13th Global Summit of Women organisations including climate change, global inequality, gender Collective Commitment to Multilateralism'. of parts of the electoral system in India and this is examined by Mr Speakers of Parliament; CWP New Zealand supporting multi-Member equality, justice and human rights, youth engagement, technological United Kingdom Parliamentarian, Lord Stewart Wood of Anfield Vivek K. Agnihotri, former Secretary-General of Rajya Sabha at the Bill on FGM that is set to become law and new sculpture project development and population growth. reflects on the United Nations at 75 and looks at the institution from Parliament of India. commemorating women MPs at the New Zealand Parliament. This issue of The Parliamentarian marks the 75th anniversary the perspective of an academic, a Parliamentarian and as the Chair In the second of a three-part series for The Parliamentarian, The Parliamentary Report and Third Reading section in this issue of the United Nations and explores the relationship between the of a UN Association (UNA-UK). Parliamentary Consultant at the Lok Sabha Secretariat at the includes parliamentary and legislative news from Canada Federal; Commonwealth and the UN. The importance of youth engagement with Parliaments is critical Parliament of India, Mr Ravindra Garimella, looks at the origins and Trinidad and Tobago; India; New Zealand; United Kingdom; and In this issue of The Parliamentarian, the Chairperson of the to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals history of some of the parliamentary expressions and practices used Australia Federal. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Executive (SDGs) and the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on in Commonwealth Legislatures and focuses on the different colours The CPA Headquarters Secretariat would also like to thank Committee, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP (Cameroon) in her Youth, Ms Jayathma Wickramanayake gives her perspective. used in the architecture of many Commonwealth Parliaments. Dr Jayadev Sahu, Director at the Lok Sabha Secretariat for his View article shares her message celebrating International Day of Both the UN and the Commonwealth have highlighted gender CPA news reports in this issue include: the appointment of the new dedication and commitment as the parliamentary correspondent Parliamentarism in June 2020 and also marks the 75th anniversary of equality in their global goals and in this issue of The Parliamentarian, CPA Secretary-General; the Anguilla House of Assembly benefiting for the Parliament of India for The Parliamentarian for the last 20 the United Nations. United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director from the CPA’s first ever virtual post-election seminar; the Parliament years and for his parliamentary service to the Lok Sabha Secretariat The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka writes about the power of Botswana virtual workshop on effective parliamentary oversight; the on his retirement. His parliamentary reports and articles about the (CWP), Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan), writes about of women’s leadership and its importance for a more inclusive and launch of CPA Masterclass videos on remote working for MPs; a virtual Parliament of India for the last 20 years have provided a record financial inclusivity for women in the Commonwealth and asks is this collaborative future. graduation ceremony for Commonwealth Parliamentarians with McGill of events for future generations and a source of interest for other the ultimate challenge and barrier in the post-COVID-19 world? The future of gender equality and the empowerment of University in Canada; the CPA launching its Model Law for Independent Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures who want to share The CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker women in the Commonwealth as well as marking UN Women’s Parliaments; promoting biodiversity policies in Small Island Developing their experiences of parliamentary democracy. of the Parliament of the Cook Islands writes about celebrating the 75th 10th anniversary and the work of the Commonwealth Women States at the CPA Small Branches and UNESCO joint webinars; and the We look forward to hearing your feedback and comments anniversary of the United Nations and the recent work of the CPA Small Parliamentarians (CWP) is highlighted in an article by the CPA importance of the SDGs highlighted to Commonwealth Scholars. on this issue of The Parliamentarian, on the issues affecting Branches network with UNESCO to highlight global biodiversity policy Headquarters Secretariat’s Ms Bénite Dibateza. This issue also features news and reports of Commonwealth Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth and to receiving your in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through a series of webinars. In addition to celebrating the UN at 75, this issue of The Women Parliamentarians (CWP) activities including the CWP future contributions to this publication. The new CPA Secretary-General, Mr Stephen Twigg in his first Parliamentarian also examines other current issues in the Chairperson joining a UN Women Pakistan webinar on supporting View article for The Parliamentarian focuses on the United Nations’ Commonwealth. women entrepreneurs; the CWP reaffirming its core priority of Jeffrey Hyland Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and outlines that they are at the The Education portfolio is one of the most important in promoting gender equality in Parliaments as it releases new Editor, The Parliamentarian heart of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's global mission. government. A former Education Minister from Yukon, Canada, Mr three-year strategic plan; CWP members from Pakistan, Western [email protected]

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PARLIAMENTARISM AND MARKING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS

View from the CPA Chairperson

The International Day of Parliamentarism is and secure environments for their countries and celebrated every year on 30 June. The Day was constituencies. To succeed in this endeavour, established in 2018 through a United Nations Parliamentarians and our Parliaments have had General Assembly Resolution. to embrace rapid and uncertain change in the Celebrating an international day for form of technical, social and cultural adaptions; Parliamentarians and Parliaments is a from how we communicate and travel to the ways unique opportunity for organisations like the in which we legislate, represent and scrutinise Commonwealth Parliamentary Association governments. As such, adapting to new ways of (CPA). With our membership of over 17,000 working is essential. Parliamentarians spread across 180 Legislatures, If we are to be adaptive, innovative and have we must use this opportunity to take stock of the Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, all the tools needed to overcome the challenges importance of parliamentary democracy and its MP, Chairperson of the CPA we face today and in the future, we must have The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) is the second-largest of the four major office sites of the United Nations. It is located in the Palais value to our societies and our global community. Executive Committee and a diversity of voices and people sharing ideas, des Nations building constructed for the League of Nations between 1929 and 1938 at Geneva in Switzerland, and expanded in the early 1950s I would like to use this important day to focus on Deputy Speaker of the National building networks and learning from one another. and late 1960s. adaption and diversity. Adaption was a key theme Assembly of Cameroon When one voice is stifled, we are all weakened. for our recent Commonwealth Parliamentary Recently, I have been struck by the Black Lives remind us what our duties are as Parliamentarians and to those we impacts and the role that international organisations can play. We Conference held in Uganda in September last Matter movement that was started in the United serve. must ensure that we continue the international dialogue, and when year. At that time, over 500 Parliamentarians we able to come States and has now spread across the globe - a movement that at its As the United Nations celebrates its 75th anniversary and we we can come together again, that we discuss our priorities as a together to share ideas, build networks and learn from one another. heart is about tackling racism and division. What this has reinforced mark the UN’s many successes, we are also reminded of the global family and how we can build a better future for all. But now the Commonwealth is facing one of its greatest challenges in me, is that nobody should be left behind and nobody should great disruption for the world at present, compounded by an The global COVID-19 pandemic is a clear reminder of the need in tacking the COVID-19 global pandemic. be silenced because of the colour of their skin, their gender, age, unprecedented global health crisis with severe economic and social for international cooperation across borders, sectors and even Parliamentarians are now focusing their minds on creating safe ethnicity, religion, language, culture, sexuality or abilities. generations. The global response will determine how fast the world These values are at the heart of what the Commonwealth recovers, whether the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are stands for. This was reflected in this year’s Commonwealth Day achieved, and how well the global community combats the many “As Parliamentarians, we are the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, challenges that we face; from the climate crisis to future pandemics, representatives of our communities, and Transforming’. The message is clear; together we are stronger, and inequalities in our societies and new forms of violence, and the huge as such, we must speak for all those who together we can overcome our greatest challenges. changes in technology and population growth. Within the CPA, we champion these principles in enabling The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association encourages the might be at a potential disadvantage women and disabled Parliamentarians to work collaboratively greater engagement of Parliaments and Parliamentarians in UN because of their perceived differences and through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and decision-making processes and in the work of the UN agencies, Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) networks and the CPA Headquarters Secretariat is further facilitating this the negative prejudices of others. Even if as well as those from small jurisdictions via the CPA Small Branches through its networks. For example, the Commonwealth Women we as representatives are not reflective network. Parliamentarians (CWP) is working with UN Women in many areas of of the diversity of our people, we must As Parliamentarians, we are the representatives of our gender equality and the CPA Small Branches network is partnering communities, and as such, we must speak for all those who might be with UNESCO’s Small Islands and Indigenous Knowledge Section as Parliamentarians still speak for all and at a potential disadvantage because of their perceived differences on a number of new initiatives including biodiversity and climate ensure their views, ideas and knowledge and the negative prejudices of others. Even if we as representatives change. are not reflective of the diversity of our people, we must as The CPA will continue to promote international partnerships can be voiced in the Chambers of our Parliamentarians still speak for all and ensure their views, ideas and and to support Parliaments and Parliamentarians to play their role Parliaments, in the meeting rooms of knowledge can be voiced in the Chambers of our Parliaments, in the in the global dialogue. In many countries, public trust in traditional meeting rooms of government departments or on the streets of our institutions like Parliaments is in decline and across the world, government departments or on the streets constituencies. In my view, that is what being a Parliamentarian is for relations between different countries have been tested. It is clear of our constituencies.” and why we should use this day, not to celebrate ourselves, but to that the need for collective action is needed more than ever.

1. Access: This refers to the availability of formal financial products Lack of collateral: Overall, women may find it more challenging to FINANCIAL INCLUSIVITY FOR WOMEN IN THE COMMONWEALTH: and services (savings, credit, insurance, mobile banking, etc.) provide collateral and personal guarantees and may have weaker credit 1 and includes the physical proximity of these services, as well as histories (‘reputational collateral’). Husbands’ adverse credit histories may THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE AND BARRIER POST-COVID-19? their affordability. also affect women as they might need to repay a husband’s debt or could 2. Usage: This is the extent to which women make use of the be denied future credit based on the husband’s credit history. products and services on offer, the rate and frequency of use, Anticipation of rejection: Studies show that women may be View from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson and the length of time that they continue to use the service. discouraged from applying for credit because of the anticipation of 3. Quality: Have the financial products and services been rejection. The rejection rate for loan applications has tended to be Financial inclusion refers to efforts to make financial particularly when mobile phone ownership of women innovatively developed to meet the specific needs of the wide higher for women-owned businesses in the developing world, as for products and services accessible and affordable is low.6 range of women clients, from entrepreneurs to farmers, and instance, in one Commonwealth member where the rejection rate to all individuals and businesses, regardless of Financial inclusion is important for women to from women in salaried employment to poor women or women for loans to women-owned businesses is 2.5 times higher than that their personal net worth or company size. Financial access loans, credit and to make transactions, engaged in the informal economy?13 for men (Goldman Sachs, 2014). inclusion strives to remove the barriers that exclude but it is also essential to save money and build Risk aversion: Women, especially in lower income groups, tend people from participating in the financial sector and assets in a safe place, which can in turn take them Barriers and constraints that women face in seeking to access to be more cautious than men about the amount of financing and using these services to improve their lives. It is also out of poverty. Savings interventions increase financial products and services14 business risk they are willing to take on. called inclusive finance.2 women’s business earnings. Women seek savings The second and third parts of this article will focus on the strategies and Globally, it is not lack of intention or legislation vehicles, and use personal savings to invest in practical results achieved by nations in the Commonwealth before and It is clear that there are many challenges to closing the gender but often social norms that constrain women’s their businesses.7 Evidence on savings also shows more importantly, during COVID-19 for improving financial inclusion. gap in financial inclusion and the current COVID-19 pandemic capacity to access and meaningfully use financial impacts on women empowerment8 and positive However, for any framework, these must be derived from addressing has certainly increased these challenges. However, it is clear that services. Greater access to financial services for Commonwealth Women household welfare impacts.9 Studies show that country-specific constraints and gaps. The following is a brief outline of greater financial inclusion for women can act as an enabler of women is considered a key enabler for ‘Gender Parliamentarians (CWP) even poor women are eager to save if given these constraints. individual countries’ development and it can have an impact on Equality and Women Empowerment’, i.e. SDG Chairperson, Hon. Shandana appealing interest rates, a conveniently located Legal and regulatory barriers: Legal obstacles include economic growth, the reduction of inequality, greater business 5, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan) facility, and flexible accounts - with bankers in inheritance laws that disfavor daughters and wives, property rights development and social inclusion for women. (SDGs) and Agenda 2030 of the United Nations. Indonesia, rural Mexico and South Asia finding that that fail to protect women’s ownership and formal restrictions on The momentum for financial inclusion of women is increasing rapidly; convenience generally beats interest rates.10 women’s ability to open bank accounts and access credit. Among References: the World Bank’s 2018 Global Findex database reveals that although In short, closing the gender gap in financial inclusion can act as cultural norms is the requirement that a husband or male family 1 The Author has relied principally on the research and compilation by Gerry Finnegan access to financial services for women has sharply increased since an enabler of countries’ development, economic growth, inequality member co-sign a loan. According to the IFC, of 143 countries in his discussion paper for the Commonwealth Secretariat titled 'Strategies for 2011, the financial inclusion gender gap in developing economies is still reduction, business evolution, and social inclusion. However, greater studied almost 90% have at least one legal difference between Women’s Financial Inclusion in the Commonwealth' unchanged. It is also clear that full financial inclusion will not be possible women’s financial inclusion requires a more gender inclusive financial women and men that restricts women’s economic opportunities. 2 https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/financial-inclusion.asp without including women into the formal financial system. system that addresses the specific demand - and supply-side barriers Among these economies, 28 have ten or more legal gaps and in 15 3 World Bank Global Findex 2011 women face as well as an inclusive regulatory environment.11 of them, husbands can prevent their wives from accepting jobs. 4 Strategies for Women’s Financial Inclusion in the Commonwealth-Discussion Paper- The Importance of Gender Equality Access to education and training: Less-educated women are October 2015- by Gerry Finnegan Gender equality is both the ‘right thing’ and the ‘smart thing’ for all Some positive developments in the Commonwealth12 less likely to start their own business, and lower levels of education 5 Wodon, Quentin T.; de la Brière, Bénédicte. 2018. Unrealized Potential: The High Cost of countries. In addition, the Commonwealth has been a strong advocate Africa is now the world’s second fastest growing region after Asia, with may contribute to lower survival rates among women- owned Micro, Gender Inequality in Earnings. The Cost of Gender Inequality. Washington, DC: World Bank. through its Declaration on Gender Equality and Plan of Action on Gender annual GDP growth rates in excess of 5% over the last decade. However, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Women may have less access 6 https://www.finextra.com/blogposting/15148/womens-financial-inclusion-the-paradigm-shift Equality and Women’s Empowerment. The gender gap varies widely despite the good economic growth shown, this has not translated into to financial literacy, which can make it harder for them to navigate 7 Aldana and Boyd, 2015 across economies and regions among Commonwealth countries, the shared prosperity and better livelihoods for the majority of the population. the loan market due to limited or no credit history, incomplete or 8 Holloway, et al. 2017; Trivelli and de los Rios, 2014 gender gap (with women being less likely to have accounts than men) Growth has to be inclusive to be socially and politically sustainable. missing financial statements, limited savings etc. 9 Karlan et al. 2016 was the highest for India, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius and The recent growth of mobile money (including forms of ‘branchless Culture and traditions: Female entrepreneurs might choose 10 Morduch, J., 1999, Trivelli & Montenegro, 2011 Uganda. There is no significant gender gap in account penetration in banking’) and digital financial services have allowed millions of people to enter less capital-intensive industries that require less debt. 11 https://www.g20-insights.org/policy_briefs/financial-inclusion-for-women-a-way-forward/ some Commonwealth countries like New Zealand and Singapore.3 who are otherwise excluded from the formal financial system to Additionally, as women-owned MSMEs tend to be smaller, banks 12 Strategies for Women’s Financial Inclusion in the Commonwealth-Discussion Paper- But the question arises as to why financial inclusivity is important perform financial transactions relatively cheaply, securely, and reliably. may incur higher administrative costs relative to loan sizes, which October 2015-by Gerry Finnegan for women in the Commonwealth? According to research by Mobile money has achieved the broadest success in Sub-Saharan reduces the incentive for them to lend to these women. In some 13 Strategies for Women’s Financial Inclusion in the Commonwealth- Policy Brief-October 2015 the McKinsey Global Institute advancing gender equality could Africa, where 16% of adults report having used a mobile phone in the countries, women may find it challenging to obtain national 14 Strategies for Women’s Financial Inclusion in the Commonwealth-Discussion Paper- unlock US$12 trillion of incremental GDP in 2025 with financial, and past 12 months to pay bills or send or receive money. identification documents often required for opening an account. October 2015-by Gerry Finnegan particularly digital inclusion, being among the key enablers for making In Kenya, where the pioneer M-Pesa service was commercially progress on gender equality.4 Moreover, according to the World launched in 2007, 68% of adults report using mobile money and Bank, advancing gender equality by addressing the gender wage gap M-Shwari, which in 2015 boasted having some 10 million account CWP Chairperson speaks about supporting women globally could unlock US$160 in lifetime earnings.5 holders. In East Africa, more than 35% of adults report using mobile entrepreneurs at UN Women webinar Do these considerations still remain valid in the times of COVID- money, and commercial banks such as Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited, The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson, 19 as the pandemic remains and will remain a significant health Co-operative Bank of Kenya and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) are Hon, Shandana Gulzar Khan, MLA has spoken about supporting cost for so many in the Commonwealth? also very active players in this market. women entrepreneurs and women in leadership positions at a UN Financial literature shows that closing the gender gap in financial Women Pakistan webinar on the ‘Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s inclusion could have positive effects in smoothing consumption, Dimensions of women’s financial inclusion Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities’. The CWP Chairperson providing security, increasing saving and investment rates, and facilitating What are then three key pillars of this magic pill which will enable was speaking alongside a number of key speakers from the Asia Region new business opportunities. Yet, despite dramatic successes in digitizing millions of families across the Commonwealth to work their way out in an event supported by the African Development Bank and the Islamic basic financial products in some parts of the world, women still face of poverty and the recent pandemic-influenced difficulties affecting Development Bank. To view the webinar visit: https://bit.ly/39fSc6m. significant hurdles to accessing and using digital financial services both finances and greater access to health services?

CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS: VIEW FROM THE CPA SMALL BRANCHES

View from the CPA Small Branches Chairperson

At the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the where those already suffering are falling deeper United Nations Charter this year and as the CPA into despair. If, however, the global pandemic Small Branches Chairperson, I am honoured has shown us anything positive, it is of our inter- on behalf of the CPA Small Branches network connectedness and ability to communicate and to acknowledge, recognise and applaud the cooperate across, and irrespective of, geography significance of the United Nations within the or time-zones – more so than perhaps thought international community, especially among the previous possible. It is through these strengths most vulnerable communities. The UN Charter that the United Nations can be a leading force that was agreed on 26th June 1945, that calls in ensuring that the spirit of collaboration is The impact of the United Nations can be at its greatest in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) especially for the UN to maintain international peace and strengthened as the world overcomes and in the areas of education, energy independence, ocean management, climate change and food security. security; promote social progress and better recovers from the current pandemic. standards of life; strengthen international laws as Hon. Niki Rattle, Chairperson The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable well as to promote human rights, is as relevant of the CPA Small Branches Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by CPA Small Branches can bring voice to these challenges and give Branches encapsulated in the SDGs, including education; energy today as it was 75 years ago. and Speaker of the all United Nations Member States in 2015, greater impetus for collective action to redress the imbalances. independence; ocean management; climate change; and food The current COVID-19 pandemic has further Parliament of the Cook provides a plan to address global challenges In particular, the Small Islands Developing States Accelerated security, to name a few. heightened the absolute need for the UN Islands including poverty, inequality, climate change, Modalities of Action Pathway (SAMOA Pathway) was adopted by And it is stimulating to see the agenda of the Small Branches Charter’s fundamental principles to be adhered environmental degradation, peace and justice. the UN and its Member States, as a result of the Third International network to continue to progress, despite the disruptions caused to, as thousands of lives around the world have Many of these were also pertinent 75 years ago Conference on Small Island Developing States, held from 1-4 by the pandemic. As recently as July 2020, as the CPA Small been lost and thousands more continue to be threatened. Many of on the signing of the UN Charter in San Francisco, USA. Every September 2014, in Apia, Samoa. The SAMOA Pathway identifies Branches Chairperson, I made an address at the opening session the difficulties adhering to the principles of the UN Charter prior to Branch within the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, key priority areas that have been strongly aligned with the SDGs, of the first in a series of webinars between the CPA Headquarters the pandemic have in many respects been exacerbated to a point including the CPA Small Branches network, also play a key role with particular relevance for SIDS. Its preamble provides that “small Secretariat and UNESCO for Parliamentarians and policy in the implementation of the SDGs, both at the national and islands developing states remain a special case for sustainable makers within the CPA Small Branches network, on the topic of international level. Significantly, Parliaments can provide crucial development in view of their unique and particular vulnerabilities” biodiversity. The webinar has enabled these important issues to oversight towards ensuring governments make the necessary and also recognises “the ownership and leadership of small island continue to be kept at the forefront of the global agenda and in “Coming from a small jurisdiction - the progress in meeting their national and international sustainable developing states in overcoming these challenges, but stress that continuing to connect Parliaments, decision-makers and other Cook Islands - and in my role as CPA Small development commitments, and that importantly, any actions in the absence of international cooperation, success will remain stakeholders, to share knowledge and strengthen the spirit of benefit all levels of society. Parliament also plays a role in ensuring difficult.”1 cooperation. It is evident from these activities that both the CPA Branches Chairperson, I value the work that national budget decisions and the allocation of resources In the Pacific region, many national Parliaments have and the UN, through its various bodies, remain committed to this done by the United Nations towards to ministries align with the SDGs. Importantly, the goals are inter- established partnerships with the United Nations Development process. I would like to especially acknowledge the UNESCO connected and as Member States and Parliaments work towards Programme (UNDP) office that provide Parliaments, Section for Small Islands and Indigenous Knowledge for their key securing the sustainable development of their implementation, a holistic approach with rigorous monitoring, Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff with much needed contribution alongside the CPA Small Branches network in making those nations commonly labelled small evaluation and reporting mechanisms is essential to ensure that capacity building support. The framework of the SDGs provides these webinars a reality. ‘no one is left behind’ and that they are achieved by the stated an important component of these programmes in addition to the As the CPA Small Branches network continues its work island developing states (SIDS). Despite goal of 2030. various CPA workshops that have also been held in the region. alongside its member Legislatures, it is imperative that the strategy being among the smallest nations with Coming from a small jurisdiction - the Cook Islands - and in my The visibility of the SDGs within multilateral activities give strength of the network remains aligned with many of the very same role as CPA Small Branches Chairperson, I value the work done by to their overarching importance to all aspects of sustainable principles of the UN Charter of 75 years ago. To this end, I am the smallest populations, SIDS and other the United Nations towards securing the sustainable development development. The CPA Small Branches network is also in a perfect delighted to be involved in the development of the Network’s new Small Branches are among the most of those nations commonly labelled small island developing states situation where Parliamentarians can be active in ensuring the Strategic Plan, ensuring that commitments to continued challenges (SIDS). Despite being among the smallest nations with the smallest implementation of the SDGs. To that end, I was proud, as CPA and agendas are strengthened and reaffirmed but also enabling affected by many of the world’s most populations, SIDS and other Small Branches are among the most Small Branches Chairperson, to be involved in the CPA Small the Network to be proactive to new and evolving ones, in what is a critical challenges, including climate affected by many of the world’s most critical challenges, including Branches Workshop on Sustainable Economic Development, rapidly transforming global environment. climate change, economic crisis’, and more recently, the COVID-19 held in January 2020 in Valletta, Malta. Delegates representing change, economic crisis’, and more pandemic. The multilateral sphere, most importantly through the Small Branch legislatures took great interest in, and highlighted References: recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.” United Nations system is one of the key areas where SIDS and the importance of, a range of pressing topics for SIDS and Small 1 https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/samoapathway.html

THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ARE AT THE HEART OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION'S MISSION

View from the CPA Secretary-General

A shared commitment to multilateralism lies at the In 2015, the United Nations adopted the heart of the CPA’s mission. I am delighted to join the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Association as the Secretary-General at this critical the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and challenging time and I look forward to working providing a comprehensive and demanding set with Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth of targets to tackle poverty, inequality and climate in my new role. I am grateful to the members of the change. UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, CPA Executive Committee for taking part in our has called for a ‘Decade of Action’ to deliver first ever virtual meeting in August 2020. It proved the SDGs by 2030. The global pandemic and its very successful with a high level of participation by impact will make the job even harder, but I hope Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth. that this will serve to strengthen our resolve. The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a In my previous role as Chair of the United Seminar with the newly elected House of Assembly in Anguilla. on the subject of ‘The Role of SIDS, Legislators and Decision- devastating impact on families and communities Mr Stephen Twigg Kingdom’s House of Commons International The Seminar was a huge success and built upon Anguilla’s self- Makers on Sustainable Development and Agenda 2030: throughout the world. Our thoughts are with all Secretary-General of the Development Committee, we looked at the role assessment earlier this year using the CPA Benchmarks. Similar Biodiversity’. I am confident that there is great scope for us to those who have lost loved ones as well as others Commonwealth Parliamentary of Parliaments in the implementation of the SDGs. assessments have been undertaken, over the past two years, by develop this important work further in partnership with the United who are living with or recovering from the virus. Association As part of this work we were keen to learn from Parliaments and CPA Branches including Ghana, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nations and others. Rightly, we applaud the key workers whose hard international best practice. One of the countries Grenada, Belize, Kenya and South Africa. I look forward to working The driving purpose of the SDGs is to “leave no-one behind”. work and dedication have saved and sustained so many people’s which impressed us most was Uganda, including the important with other Parliaments across the Commonwealth to ensure that the People with disabilities face exclusion, discrimination, stigma lives. Applause, however, is not enough. Our shared challenge is to work of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on the Sustainable CPA family contributes fully to the implementation of Goal 16. and prejudice. A good test of the impact of Agenda 2030 will be ensure that ‘Build Back Better’ is not an empty slogan but a genuine Development Goals. I hope we can do more to learn from each SDG4 aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education to look at how far the lives of people with disabilities improve. call to action. other in the months and years ahead so that Parliamentarians across and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” For me, Disability-inclusion is addressed in several of the Goals including The United Nations was born at the end of the Second World the Commonwealth can be effective champions of the SDGs. education has always been a high priority and I know that this SDG4 on education, SDG8 on inclusive and sustainable economic War with ambitious goals to achieve peace, uphold international law SDG5 is a commitment to “achieve gender equality and view is shared by Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth. growth and SDG10 on inequality. 'Nothing about us without us’ is a and defend human rights. As we mark the UN’s 75th anniversary, we empower all women and girls” and is an important tool for Engagement with young people is a vital element of a healthy powerful slogan with a centuries-long tradition which has become have an opportunity and a responsibility to reaffirm our support for Parliamentarians to support them in ensuring a gender perspective democracy – both in preparing children and young people for their a guiding principle of the disability rights movement. multilateralism. Parliaments and Parliamentarians have a crucial part in their work. The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) future as adult citizens and listening to them now as young citizens. The development of the CPA Parliamentarians with Disabilities to play as we seek to learn lessons from the past 75 years to help network provides an invaluable platform reflecting the CPA’s I hope to build upon the work which the CPA has long undertaken (CPwD) network will provide an important platform to ensure that inform us in shaping policies for the years to come. commitment to gender equality. Under the leadership of the to work with young people across the Commonwealth. the CPA is truly promoting disability-inclusion, both in how we CWP Chairperson, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan), SDG13 commits the international community to “take urgent engage our Members and how we support all Parliamentarians to we aim to strengthen our work on gender through international action to combat climate change and its impacts.” Small Island promote awareness and challenge the exclusion of people with “The United Nations was born at the end partnerships with UN Women and others. Of course, it is incumbent Developing States (SIDS) have long been recognised as a priority for disabilities in politics, the economy and wider society. on all Parliamentarians to promote SDG5 - both in their work on sustainable development. It is now almost three decades since the In recent months, the Black Lives Matter movement has focussed of the Second World War with ambitious policy matters and in their organisational practices. Empowering 1992 Rio UN Conference on the Environment and Development at the world’s attention on the importance of tackling racism. As our goals to achieve peace, uphold international women and girls is both a crucial goal in itself and is essential to which SIDS were identified as a ‘special case’ as they often bear the CPA Chairperson, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, said in her powerful the successful delivery of other Sustainable Development Goals brunt of global challenges like climate change and environmental statement on the 2020 International Day of Parliamentarism with law and defend human rights. As we mark including tackling extreme poverty (Goal One), promoting access degradation. Earlier this year, in Malta, we saw the Chairperson reference to Black Lives Matter: “What this has reinforced in me, the UN’s 75th anniversary, we have an to high quality education for all (Goal Four) and achieving peace, of the CPA Small Branches Network and Speaker of the Cook is that nobody should be left behind, nobody should be silenced justice and strong institutions (Goal 16). Islands, Hon. Niki Rattle, launch the CPA Small Branches Climate because of the colour of their skin, their gender, age, ethnicity, opportunity and a responsibility to reaffirm SDG16 includes a commitment to “build effective, accountable Change Toolkit (www.cpahq.org/cpahq/SBclimatechange). It is religion, language, culture, sexuality or abilities.” our support for multilateralism. Parliaments and inclusive institutions at all levels.” This chimes well with the an impressive piece of work drawing upon collaborations with the That commitment to inclusion and diversity lies at the heart of the core mission of the CPA as we seek to strengthen the important United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi in 2018 UN Sustainable Development Goals and it is central to the mission, and Parliamentarians have a crucial part to role of Parliaments and Parliamentarians. and work undertaken by CPA Small Branches Parliamentarians who programmes and governance of the CPA itself. As work begins play as we seek to learn lessons from the In particular, the CPA’s Recommended Benchmarks for attended the workshop on climate change at the 37th CPA Small on the next phase of the CPA’s strategic planning, I welcome the Democratic Legislatures have proved themselves a vitally Branches Conference in Kampala, Uganda in September 2019. opportunity to work with CPA Branches, Regions, Networks and past 75 years to help inform us in shaping important tool (www.cpahq.org/cpahq/benchmarks). In July 2020, In July 2020, I was pleased to attend one of two webinars individual Parliamentarians across the CPA family to help ensure that policies for the years to come.” I was delighted to attend the first ever virtual CPA Post-Election hosted jointly by the CPA Small Branches Network and UNESCO we make our contribution to the UN’s Agenda 2030.

New Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association appointed CPA Executive Committee hold virtual meeting to address key governance issues The CPA Executive Committee for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association announced on 15 June 2020 The Executive Committee of the Commonwealth that they had appointed a Parliamentary Association (CPA) has held its first fully new Secretary-General for the virtual meeting from 19 to 22 August 2020 chaired by Association and that Mr Stephen the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Twigg was selected as the CPA Monjowa Lifaka, MP, Deputy Speaker of the National Secretary-General. The CPA Assembly of Cameroon. The CPA Executive Committee Executive Committee approved represents the nine regions of the CPA - Africa; Asia; Australia; the new CPA Secretary-General, British Islands and Mediterranean; Canada; Caribbean, acting in the capacity of the Americas and Atlantic; India; Pacific; South-East Asia. General Assembly, as mandated The CPA Executive Committee Mid-Year meeting was by the 64th General Assembly University. He became the youngest President of the National attended by representatives from all of the nine CPA held in Kampala, Uganda on 28 September 2019. The CPA Union of Students in 1990-92 and was then elected as a Local Regions along with the Officers of the Association: the Executive Committee is made up of representatives from the Councillor in the London Borough of Islington. Since the 2019 Vice-Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. nine regions of the CPA: Africa; Asia; Australia; British Islands General Election, Stephen Twigg has been working to set up John Ajaka, MLC, President of the Legislative Council and Mediterranean; Canada; Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic; the International Parliamentary Network for Education and of New South Wales; CPA Treasurer, Hon. Datuk Seri India; Pacific; South-East Asia. has been actively involved in parliamentary strengthening Shamsul Iskandar bin Hj Mohd Akin, MP (Malaysia); CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of the Parliament of the The Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and with both Global Partners Governance and the Westminster Cook Islands; and the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan). Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon, Foundation for Democracy (WFD). The meeting was also the first CPA Executive Committee attended by the new Secretary-General of the CPA, Mr Stephen Twigg. Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, said: “On behalf of the The CPA Chairperson, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP held a The Chairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee said: “The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, we welcome the virtual meeting of the CPA Co-ordinating Committee on 3 August provides a unique platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue to take place amongst its membership of 180 Member Parliaments appointment of the new CPA Secretary-General, and the CPA 2020 to welcome the new CPA Secretary-General as he started and Legislatures. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s membership not only comprises national Parliaments of the Executive Committee and CPA Headquarters Secretariat look his term of office this week. The CPA Chairperson welcomed the Commonwealth, but also provincial, state and territorial Legislatures as well as devolved Assemblies. The diverse nature of the forward to working with Mr Stephen Twigg to further the work CPA Secretary-General and looked forward to working together membership provides the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association with a unique position within the parliamentary community of the Association in parliamentary strengthening across the to progress the Association’s role in promoting parliamentary to offer a comprehensive perspective on how to strengthen parliamentary democracy Commonwealth-wide and discuss new and Commonwealth. His long-standing parliamentary experience democracy. The virtual meeting was also attended by the innovative approaches on how to do so.” will be valuable to the Association.” Vice-Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. John The CPA Executive Committee Mid-Year meeting was due to have been held in April 2020 in Assam, India but had to be The new CPA Secretary-General’s appointment is for a Ajaka, MLC, President of the Legislative Council of the New postponed due to COVID-19 global pandemic and travel restrictions in place. fixed term of four years and began on 1 August 2020. The South Wales Parliament and the CPA Treasurer, Hon. Datuk Seri Ahead of the CPA Executive Committee meetings, the CPA Chairperson and the CPA Secretary-General also met virtually with CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg is a former UK Shamsul Iskandar bin Hj Mohd Akin, MP (Malaysia) as well as the CPA Regional Secretaries. Parliamentarian, who was elected to the Parliament of the staff from the CPA Headquarters Secretariat. United Kingdom as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to The CPA Secretary-General thanked the CPA Chairperson 2005 (Enfield Southgate) and from 2010 to 2019 (Liverpool and CPA Co-ordinating Committee for their welcome, thanked CPA Executive Committee approves the postponement of annual gathering of Commonwealth West Derby). During his parliamentary career, he held several the CPA Director of Operations, Mr Jarvis Matiya for his work th senior positions including Chairperson of the International Parliamentarians at 65 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Canada as Acting CPA Secretary-General for the past year and looked Development Select Committee, Minister for Schools and a forward to working with the CPA Headquarters Secretariat The CPA Executive Committee, meeting virtually from range of Shadow Front Bench roles. staff on the wide range of CPA projects and events in the years 19-22 August 2020, has approved the postponement of Prior to his parliamentary career, Stephen Twigg studied ahead. the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Balliol College, Oxford due to be hosted by the CPA Canada Region in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in January 2021. CPA Regional Secretaries hold virtual meeting with new CPA Secretary-General The decision to postpone the CPA annual conference CPA Regional Secretaries representing eight of the nine CPA was the result of ongoing travel restrictions due to the Regions met via video conference to discuss governance COVID-19 global pandemic and the quarantine restrictions issues and future CPA activities with CPA Acting Secretary- in place between different countries. The CPC will now be General, Mr Jarvis Matiya ahead of a planned CPA Executive postponed to a future date in August 2021. Committee meeting. The CPA Regional Secretaries also had the The largest annual gathering of Commonwealth

opportunity to virtually meet the new CPA Secretary-General Parliamentarians, the annual flagship event brings www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . Elect, Mr Stephen Twigg, ahead of the start of his new term in together over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff office from 1 August 2020. and decision makers from across the Commonwealth for The representatives attending the virtual meeting were: Mr a unique conference and networking opportunity. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference offers the prospect of the coming Daniel Eliufoo, Parliament of Tanzania (CPA Africa Region Deputy Regional Secretary); Mr Shamoon Hashmi, Joint Secretary, together of the CPA’s global membership to address the critical issues facing today’s Parliaments. th International Relations, National Assembly of Pakistan (CPA Asia Mr Pedro Eastmond, Clerk, Parliament of Barbados (CPA During the 65 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, there will also be a number of additional conferences and meetings th Regional Secretary); Ms Alex Cullum, Director, International & Caribbean, Americas & Atlantic Regional Secretary); Ms Wendy including: 38 CPA Small Branches Conference; workshops for the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP); 65th CPA General Parliamentary Relations, Parliament of Australia (CPA Australia Hart, Inter-Parliamentary Relations Officer, Parliament of New Assembly; meetings of the CPA Executive Committee; and the Society of Clerks at the Table (SoCATT) meetings. The conference will Regional Secretary); Ms Helen Haywood, Deputy Chief Zealand (CPA Pacific Regional Secretary); Mr Nizam Mydin bin also hold elections for the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee for a new three-year term. Executive, CPA UK Branch (CPA British Islands & Mediterranean Bacha Mydin, Secretary, House of Representatives, Parliament of Malaysia (CPA South-East Asia Regional Secretary) and Ms Region); Mr Michel Patrice, Deputy Clerk, House of Commons, All eligible CPA Branches will be contacted with further information and invitations to the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Lavinia Vyveganathan (Parliament of Malaysia). Parliament of Canada (CPA Canada Regional Secretary); Canada. For further information and updates please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/65CPC. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

Newly elected Members of the Anguilla House of Assembly benefit from CPA Secretary-General Elect joins Botswana MPs for virtual workshop on effective Commonwealth expertise at the CPA’s first ever virtual Post-Election Seminar parliamentary oversight Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General Elect, Mr Stephen Twigg addressed newly elected Members of the Anguilla House of Assembly at the opening of the CPA’s first ever fully virtual Post-Election Seminar from 20 to 24 July 2020. The Seminar, which is the CPA’s longest running programme, was delivered for the first-time virtually with panellists presenting from across the Commonwealth, due to travel restrictions in place during The Secretary-General Elect of the Commonwealth Secretary-General Elect also spoke about his own experiences the COVID-19 global pandemic. Parliamentary Association (CPA), Mr Stephen Twigg joined of oversight as a former Parliamentarian and Chairperson of the The CPA Secretary-General Elect, Commonwealth Parliamentarians via video conference at the International Development Select Committee. Mr Stephen Twigg said: “The CPA Parliament of Botswana for the 12th Parliamentary Workshop on The CPA Secretary-General Elect, Mr Stephen Twigg said: “I is pleased to work with the House Effective Oversight from 29 June to 3 July 2020. was delighted to join Parliamentarians from Botswana for my of Assembly in the delivery of this The virtual workshop was opened by the Speaker of the first public engagement as CPA Secretary-General-Elect. The important and worthwhile programme to support the strengthening of National Assembly of Botswana, Hon. P. T. C. Skelemani, MP opportunity to learn from each other is of critical importance democracy and good governance in and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Ms B. N. Dithapo and I was pleased to highlight some of the excellent resources Anguilla. Delivering this programme and was attended by around 50 Members of the Parliament which the CPA has developed to support Commonwealth through a virtual platform highlights of Botswana. The four-day virtual workshop examined Parliamentarians in their crucial oversight work.” Anguilla’s forward-thinking and parliamentary oversight and accountability and the tools The workshop also heard from Ms Meg Munn, a former UK adaptive approach to new ways available to MPs to undertake this role. Parliamentarian speaking on behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary of working in light of the COVID-19 The CPA Secretary-General Elect spoke in one of the Union (IPU) and Dr R. Draman, Executive Director, African pandemic. This clearly demonstrates Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network with Hon. Yasmin opening sessions of the virtual workshop about the work of the Center for Parliamentary Affairs. a positive future for democracy on the island.” Ratansi, MP (Canada) and Hon. Akierra Missick MP (Turks Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in providing advice The virtual workshop at the Botswana Parliament was the The opening ceremony of the CPA Post-Election Seminar & Caicos Islands) who shared their own experiences of and training to Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures and first time that the CPA Secretary-General Elect took part in an also heard speeches from the new Speaker of the House, Hon. working in Parliament. the CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures overseas event with a CPA Branch ahead of the start of his new Barbara Webster-Bourne, the CPA UK CEO, Mr Jon Davies and • Hon. D. Ezzard Miller, MLA (Cayman Islands), Chair of the which provides a benchmark for parliamentary standards. The CPA role which officially commences from 1 August 2020. the Governor of Anguilla, His Excellency Tim Foy OBE. To view Public Accounts Committee spoke about the importance of highlights of the opening ceremony, please visit www.cpahq. the legislative process and financial scrutiny. org/cpahq/youttube. • Hon. Akierra Missick MP (Turks & Caicos) and Hon. Sharie The CPA Post-Election Seminar provided a valuable B. de Castro, MHA, Junior Minister for Tourism (British Commonwealth Parliamentary Association joins global webinar highlighting the vital opportunity to help shape the parliamentary careers of the Virgin Islands) spoke about balancing government and role of the Commonwealth networks newly elected and returning Members of the House to develop parliamentary roles and the role of the Minister. their skills and understanding of parliamentary democracy. The • A session was also held for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker The CPA Acting Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya delivered the keynote programme covered areas focusing on parliamentary practice of the Anguilla House of Assembly that focused on the address at a global online webinar titled 'Vanguards in the 21st century: Optimising and procedure, administration and financing of Parliament, multifaceted role and function of the Presiding Officer, both Commonwealth Networks’. The CPA Acting Secretary-General highlighted the key public outreach and engagement, the role of select committees within and outside the Chamber. The session heard from three role that Commonwealth organisations play in the international community and as well as key Commonwealth values and principles, such as distinguished current and former Commonwealth Speakers - the role of the CPA as the parliamentary wing of the Commonwealth in connecting the Latimer House Principles on the Separation of Powers. Hon. Dennis P. Lister, JP, MP, Speaker of the House, Bermuda; over 180 Parliaments and Legislatures. He said: “Through the ongoing work of the Hon. Alix Boyd Knights, Speaker Emeritus, Dominica; Mr Terry Commonwealth, citizens can reap the benefits that come from positive dialogue and Key highlights included: Harrigan, former Speaker of the House of Assembly of Anguilla. • Two highly experienced Commonwealth Parliamentarians engagement on issues of democracy, good governance, human rights and socio- www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . from Bermuda and Canada – Hon. Dennis P. Lister, JP, MP, Members of the House also addressed key and urgent areas economic development. Through collaboration, consultation and speaking with one common voice, the Commonwealth is truly a Speaker of the House of Assembly of Bermuda and Hon. of parliamentary and electoral reform in Anguilla emanating global force for good, bringing a richness of its diversity and geographical reach to solve issues and identify new opportunities.” Yasmin Ratansi MP, Parliament of Canada and CPA Canada from the recent CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures The online webinar was held as part of a series hosted by Global Policy Insights (GPI) and The Ramphal Institute and the session Chairperson - shared their experiences of being a newly report and the CPA BIMR Election Assessment Mission. The featured a panel discussion on the Commonwealth’s pivotal networks as they partner with each other and their national counterparts to elected Member of Parliament. election for Members of the House of Assembly of Anguilla deliver upon the Commonwealth's priorities. Guest panellists included: Mr Uday Nagaraju from Global Policy Insights; Mr David Gomez, • Parliamentary experts including Ms Jacqui Sampson- was held on 29 June 2020. Director of The Ramphal Institute; Ms Anne T. Gallagher, Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation; Dr Greg Munro, Secretary- Meiguel, Clerk of the House of Representatives, Parliament The CPA Headquarters Secretariat delivered the programme General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF); Dr Nicholas Watts, Chair of the Independent Forum of Commonwealth of Trinidad and Tobago and Mr Lenox Proctor, Clerk of the in partnership with the House of Assembly of Anguilla, the Organisations (IFCO); and Ms Neha Dewan, Political Affairs Officer at GPI and the Project Lead for the Commonwealth Project. House of Assembly of Anguilla examined the importance Government of Anguilla and the CPA British Islands and of updating Standing Orders and good practice for Mediterranean Regional Secretariat (CPA UK Branch). parliamentary procedures. To view the online webinar and to find out more about the webinar series hosted by Global Policy Insights (GPI) and The Ramphal Institute please visit http://globalpolicyinsights.org/ or http://www.ramphalinstitute.org/. • A session was held for female MPs from Anguilla to discuss Images of CPA Post-Election Seminar in Anguilla at www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr women’s representation and the work of the Commonwealth For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

Remote working during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic: CPA Masterclass International Day of Parliamentarism celebrates the vital role of Parliaments, videos equip Commonwealth Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff with especially during the current COVID-19 global pandemic practical techniques The International Day of Parliamentarism (World Parliament Three new CPA Masterclass videos have Day) is celebrated every year on 30 June and this year, been launched by the Commonwealth the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association joined the Parliamentary Association to equip celebrations marking the vital role that Parliaments and Commonwealth Parliamentarians Legislatures are playing during the current global COVID-19 and parliamentary staff with practical pandemic to pass emergency laws, allocate resources and techniques to effectively plan and scrutinize government action. manage parliamentary responsibilities. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is helping The confinement restrictions currently to facilitate parliamentary exchange and support with a in place in countries across the world programme of webinars and publications that share examples of as a result of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) how Parliaments can continue to legislate, debate and scrutinize has not only driven many into a state the actions of government in a time of lockdown and social of emergency but, has consequently impacted the work of hundreds of distancing. The CPA Headquarters Secretariat is continuing democracy across the Commonwealth and will continue to Parliaments. Almost immediately overnight, Parliaments to support its membership of over 180 Commonwealth be a platform that connects, develops and supports the work and Legislatures within the Commonwealth have had to Parliaments and Legislatures to connect and exchange ideas of Parliamentarians and Parliaments. The CPA Masterclass prioritise the health and safety of their Parliamentarians and during the current pandemic through innovative methods. Courses on Remote Working and other innovative activities parliamentary staff, as well as those of their communities and On International Day of Parliamentarism (#WorldParliamentDay), The International Day of Parliamentarism is a time to review have been inspired by the current need for Parliamentarians families by encouraging Parliamentarians and parliamentary to impact and work towards delivering effective policies and the CPA Headquarters Secretariat also celebrated the work it does the progress that Parliaments and Legislatures have made in staff to work from home. scrutinising the Executive virtually during this time of great to support its membership to achieve their key goals to be more achieving key goals to be more representative and to adapt Many are still adjusting to changes to the working environment uncertainty. We hope that these CPA Masterclasses will help representative and to adapt to different times. to different times. This includes carrying out self-assessments and experience challenges when conducting meetings and holding develop parliamentary practices across the Commonwealth The Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia against the CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Parliamentary Committees and questions virtually. Now more than by offering Parliamentarians an awareness of the key tools Monjowa Lifaka, MP, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Legislatures, working to include more women, disabled ever, Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff are required to needed to deliver their responsibilities in their respective of Cameroon, released a statement to mark International and young MPs, representing the smallest jurisdictions in strengthen their soft skills in order to effectively continue to fulfil Parliaments and Legislatures.” their parliamentary responsibilities and commitments away from Day of Parliamentarism which highlighted the importance of the Commonwealth, and adapting to new technologies and Concerning the Masterclass on Questioning, Kate Faragher the parliamentary building and its facilities. parliamentary democracy and its value to societies and the innovations. asserted that “great questions can uncover clear answers. In The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has global community. Turn to the CPA Chairperson’s View article The International Day of Parliamentarism was established in a time of upheaval clarity is key. This Masterclass will help you embarked on a partnership with experts in the field of business on page 198 to read her statement. 2018 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution. structure the best approach to getting the answers you need, administration and personal development to launch a series of now during the COVID-19 Pandemic and also when we return videos as part of a set of CPA Masterclasses on Remote Working. to the ‘new normal’.” Produced by Kate Faragher, Chief Executive Officer of CPA joins international organisations in endorsing the IPU Common Principles Regarding the Masterclass on Time Management, Claire BeSpoke Skills, and Claire Farren, Chief Executive Officer of To mark International Day for Parliamentarians (30 June), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has endorsed the Inter- Farren shared that “so many of us are struggling to juggle Farrens, these CPA Masterclasses provide Parliamentarians Parliamentary Union’s Common Principles for Support to Parliaments, joining 136 national Parliaments, 8 parliamentary assemblies family life with work challenges - these easy steps followed with guidance and recommendations on how to effectively and 19 international organisations in working together to support Parliaments and Legislatures. consistently will give you the productivity mindset you’ve work remotely during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The IPU Common Principles for Support to Parliaments set out the fundamental principles for planning and implementing always wanted.” Divided into three courses: Virtual Presenting, Time programmes to strengthen Parliaments. They were first developed in 2014 by a group of Parliaments and international partners Both Kate Faragher and Claire Farren said that the Masterclass Management and Questioning, Parliamentarians will not only convened by the IPU and have been widely endorsed around the world. The principles are made up of a number of points on the Course on Virtual Presenting will “give you an online make- be able to implement the knowledge shared into their current nature of parliamentary support that include the fact that support should be guided by the needs of Parliaments; take account of the over and help you present yourself and your environment in routines but, will also have the opportunity to transfer these skills social, economic and political contexts of individual Parliaments; aim for sustainable outcomes; address the needs and potential of the best way possible, using simple, easy-to-follow skills that in all aspects of their work beyond these current circumstances. women and men equally; use local and regional expertise; and guarantee ethical and responsible conduct by partners. will last you long after the pandemic has passed.” The CPA Acting Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya said: “The IPU Secretary General, Mr Martin Chungong in his response to the CPA’s endorsement of the IPU Common Principles for Support to Commonwealth Parliamentary Association recognises the Parliaments said: “Each new endorsement lends additional and valuable weight to the IPU Principles as well as being a testament to Visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/remoteworking to access the CPA important role collaboration plays in advancing parliamentary the desire for all of us to work together to improve the quality of support to Parliaments. I am confident the Principles will serve as a Masterclass Courses on Remote Working and request a log-in. framework to enhance co-ordination and cooperation between Parliaments and partners.” New CPA UK handbook launched on parliamentary communications during a crisis www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . A new CPA UK handbook on parliamentary communications during a crisis has been launched by the New CAAF Publication for Public Accounts Committees and support staff CPA UK Branch. The handbook highlights key strategies implemented by a number of Communications The Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF) has launched a series of parliamentary oversight departments within Commonwealth Parliaments during the current COVID-19 global pandemic in resources dedicated to supporting Public Accounts Committees. The latest publication, How Researchers communicating changes to parliamentary procedure effectively, both internally to Parliamentarians and Assigned to Public Accounts Committees Can Strengthen Oversight, has been developed in collaboration parliamentary staff but also externally to the general public. The case studies showcasing innovative with the Canadian Library of Parliament and provides information to support staff and Committee approaches taken by different Legislatures include the Parliament of Australia, Parliament of Singapore, Members that will assist them in their work of studying performance audit reports. The Canadian Audit Parliament of Botswana, the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament (House of Commons). and Accountability Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and strengthening In analysing the steps taken to ensure effective parliamentary communications during a crisis, the public sector performance audit, oversight, and accountability in Canada and abroad through research, handbook identifies six key techniques for parliamentary teams to take including working across education, and knowledge sharing. departments and working with the media. It also provides a model of good practice for Commonwealth Parliaments. To download a copy of the handbook, visit the CPA UK website www.uk-cpa.org. To view the publication please visit: https://www.caaf-fcar.ca/en/parliamentary-oversight-resources/researchandmethodology/oversight-guidance. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

210 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Three | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Three | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 211 212 |TheParliamentarian | 2020: IssueThree|100 yearsofpublishing 1920-2020 difficulty in engaging in conversation on platforms such as Twitter due to character restrictions. difficulty inengagingconversation onplatformssuchasTwitterduetocharacterrestrictions. sending outmessagesquickly, butalsothechallengesitcanpresentthroughbeingunable toverifyyourconstituentsandthe focused ontheopportunities presented byusingsocialmedia,includingitspopularity,real-time liveinteractionandtheeasein also Discussions out tothoseconstituentswhoare hardtoreachviaradioprogrammes,telephonecallsandsocial distancedmeetings. to peopleduringlockdownandspoke ofthechallengeshighernumbersconstituentsgetting incontactandtheimportanceofreaching Jamaica. Theydiscussedhowthey havehadtoadapttheircommunicationmethodsincludemore onlineandvirtualwaysofreachingout UK Parliament;andHon.DrDaytonCampbell,MP,Memberof the Parliamentof Canada andCPAChairperson;Hon.DawnButler,MP, Memberofthe have ensuredthattheyarestillabletoengageeffectivelywiththeir constituents. since lockdownmeasureshavebeenintroducedacrosstheglobe andhowthey adapted tovirtualsurgeries,losingtheirofficespaceandthechange inpaceofwork MPs acrosstheCommonwealthand,insomecasestheirparliamentary staff,have to communicatewiththeirconstituentsduringCOVID-19?’.Theeventexploredhow webinar eventheldbytheCPAUKBranchontopicof‘ Three MembersofParliamentfromCanada,Jamaicaandthe UKjoinedalive Online webinardiscussesMPs’communicationwithconstituentsduringCOVID-19 hugely encouraging to hear of the many success stories and hugely encouraging to hearof the many success storiesand Legislatures acrosstheCommonwealthandbeyond.Itisalso contributes toourcoremissionofstrengtheningdemocratic is a very important part of the CPA’s offer to our Members. It Programme onPracticeandProcedureforCPASmallBranches congratulated the graduates and said: and vitalmaximsatthecentreofworkthatwecarryout.” specific areasofoursharedCommonwealthbutareuniversal democratic principlesandgoodgovernancearenottiedto gained fromyourexperienceofthiscourse.Theimportance and Iwarmlyencouragegraduatestosharewhatyouhave we areabletoprovidethesepeer-to-peerlearningopportunities of thestrengthsCPAandSmallBranchesnetworkthat appreciation ofparliamentarypracticesandprocedures.Itisone the Commonwealthbyprovidingadeeperunderstandingand is tobuildtheskillsandcapacitiesofParliamentariansfromacross “The purpose and design of the CPA’s Fundamentals Programme a videomessagetothevirtualgraduationceremonyandsaid: Niki Rattle,SpeakeroftheParliamentCookIslandssent St VincentandtheGrenadinesTurksCaicos. Grenada, IsleofMan,Jersey,Niue,StKittsandNevis,Lucia, Anguilla, AntiguaandBarbuda,TheBahamas,FalklandIslands, Governance to12CommonwealthParliamentariansfrom the ProfessionalDevelopmentCertificateinParliamentary Branches networkoperatesin43Commonwealthjurisdictions. the smallestjurisdictionsin Commonwealth. TheCPASmall practices ofparliamentarydemocracywithaparticularfocuson elected Parliamentarians provides guidance on international McGill UniversityinCanada.Theaccreditedprogrammefornewly Procedure forCPASmallBranchesdeliveredinpartnershipwith Association (CPA)FundamentalsProgrammeonPracticeand virtual graduationceremonyfortheCommonwealthParliamentary Commonwealth Parliamentariansfromacrosstheworldjoineda jurisdictions completingCPAcoursewithMcGillUniversity Virtual graduationceremonyheldforCommonwealthParliamentariansfromsmall The panellists were: Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, Member of the Parliament of The CPASecretary-GeneralElect,MrStephenTwigg The Chairperson of the CPA Small Branches network, Hon. The virtualgraduationceremonysawthepresentationof CPA NEWS “The CPA Fundamentals “The CPA Fundamentals How can MPs continue How canMPscontinue participants, lecturersandeveryoneinvolvedintheprogramme. L. Saunders, Deputy Speaker ofThe Bahamas who thanked of thanksonbehalfthegraduateswasgivenbyHon.Donald Salik, HeadofParliamentaryDevelopmentattheCPA.Thevote Education atMcGillSchoolofContinuingStudiesandMrMatthew University, MsInnaPopova,DirectorofProfessional&Corporate Stapenhurst, DirectorofParliamentaryProgrammesatMcGill was joined at the virtual graduation ceremony by Professor Rick and accountability in their respective Parliaments. The Dean the courseandfortheirdedicationtopromotingtransparency in Canadaalsocongratulatedtheparticipantsoncompleting continuous learningforCommonwealthParliamentarians.” is committed to this programme being widely accessible as achievements ofthegraduatesonprogramme.TheCPA parliamentary staffemail:[email protected]. professional developmentprogrammesforParliamentariansand participants onthecourse.ForfurtherinformationaboutCPA’s The CPAHeadquartersSecretariatprovidedfundingformanyofthe Dr Carola Weil, Dean of Continuing Studies at McGill University Dr CarolaWeil,DeanofContinuingStudiesatMcGillUniversity To viewtheCPAUK webinar,pleasevisitwww.uk-cpa.org. https://parlamericas.org/en/gender-equality/our-work-pnge.aspx. To viewtheParlAmericaswebinar please visithttps://youtu.be/-iViwH0fQG4andforaccesstotheresources accompanyingthewebinarpleasevisit United NationsDevelopmentProgramme (UNDP)CaribbeanOffice. Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the disaster resilience during COVID-19 from representatives of a wide range of organisations in the Caribbean Region including the Executive Committee.Thewebinar alsohearddiscussionsonawiderangeofissuesin relation togender-responsivenessand St Lucia,Hon.AndyDaniel,MP, MemberoftheParlAmericasBoardDirectorsandCAA RegionalRepresentativeontheCPA's of Head oftheUNWomenMulti-CountryOfficeforCaribbean, whowasfollowedbytheSpeakerofHouseAssembly with 16ofthemintheCPACaribbean,AmericasandAtlanticRegion. Small Branchesnetworkoperatesin43Commonwealthjurisdictions (COVID-19) pandemic (www.cpahq.org/cpahq/coronavirus). The CPA launched toolkit onparliamentary responses to the Coronavirus Small States(www.cpahq.org/cpahq/SBclimatechange)andthe newly Secretariat spoke about the CPA’s toolkit on Climate Change and of civilsocietyfromacrosstheCaribbeanandAmericas. brought togetherParliamentarians,technicalstaffandrepresentatives with UNWomenCaribbeanandtheParliamentofStLuciait resilience duringCOVID-19.Thewebinarwashostedinpartnership ParlAmericas webinar on gender-responsiveness and disaster Secretariat joined a number of international partners for the The CommonwealthParliamentaryAssociation(CPA)Headquarters gender responsivenessanddisasterresilienceduringtheCOVID-19pandemic Commonwealth Parliamentary Association joins Caribbean-focused webinar on other Parliamentstocontinueperfecttheirinstitutionalindependence.” undoubtably beaninvaluableresourceforCommonwealthParliamentsthatneedtocreatesuchentitiesandaclearreminder to the Executive,thisModelLawisanotherimportantstepinthatprocess.Itwill in drivingtheagendaforstrengtheningindependenceofParliamentsfrom twenty years, theCommonwealthParliamentary Association has beenaleader establishment oftheCommonwealthLatimerHousePrinciples,overlast To downloadacopyoftheCPA’sModelLawforIndependentParliamentspleasevisitwww.cpahq.org/cpahq/modellaw. leading CommonwealthLegislativedraftersandParliamentaryClerks. at eitheranationalorsubnationallevel. adapted to suit unicameral or bicameral Parliaments, small or large Legislatures of the‘WestminsterSystem’Parliamentaspossible.TheModelLawcanbe Parliament. Ithasalsobeenstructuredtoaccommodateasmanyversions seeks to create a parliamentary corporate body to oversee the institution of function effectively. ensure ithastheadministrative,operationalandfinancialresourcesneedsto Law tohelpempowerParliamentstakecontrolawayfromtheExecutive the CommonwealthParliamentaryAssociation(CPA)hasdevelopedaModel well asitsworkinbenchmarkingParliamentsagainstinternationalstandards, robust leaders,servicesandfinancestorespondsuchpressures. to newwaysofworking.Tosurvivesuchpressures,Parliamentsneedhave resources andspecialistservicesaswelltheabilitytoberapidlyadaptive of CommonwealthParliamentstoremainfullyfunctional,requiringcostly effectiveness. ThecurrentCOVID-19pandemicisstretchingthecapacity Today, more than ever, Parliaments are facing many challenges to their launches itsModelLawforIndependentParliaments Helping ParliamentstogaingreaterindependencefromGovernments–CPA The ParlAmericaswebinarwasintroducedbyTonniBrodber, Jack Hardcastle,ProgrammesAssistantattheCPAHeadquarters The ActingCPASecretary-General,MrJarvisMatiyasaid: The ModelLawhasbeendevelopedwithexpertandexperiencedinputfrom The ModelLawisdesignedasaParliamentaryServiceCommissionBillwhich As partofitscommitmenttotheCommonwealthLatimerHousePrinciples,as The Parliamentarian | “Since the 2020: Issue Three|100years ofpublishing1920-2020 |213 CPA NEWS

For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr. 214 |TheParliamentarian | 2020: IssueThree|100 yearsofpublishing 1920-2020 Key highlightsfromthePacific Regionwebinar: biodiversity withdevelopment agendas. Oceans, aswellthecapacityofParliamentarianstoassociate biodiversity inthePacificOceanandCaribbeanIndian discuss strengtheningdialoguebetweenscienceandpolicy on Parliamentarians inpromotinglegislationforbiodiversity. Knowledge Chief,NigelCrawhallhighlightedtheimportance of with policyinformation.UNESCO’sSmallIslandandIndigenous and decisionmakershowtheysupportParliamentarians explained how IPBES provides relevant information to policy Policy PlatformonBiodiversityandEcosystemServices(IPBES) María Hernández Salgar, Chair of the Intergovernmental Science- about UNESCO’sworkinbiodiversityanditswithSIDS.Ana Science PolicyandCapacityBuildingalsospokeatthewebinars Region and10intheCPAPacificRegion. with 16ofthemintheCPACaribbean,AmericasandAtlantic Branches networkoperatesin43Commonwealthjurisdictions the SustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs).TheCPASmall Members inpromotingbiodiversityandtheaspirationsof the aspirationsofCPASmallBranchesnetworktosupport focused on the Caribbean and Indian Oceans and highlighted Elect, Mr Stephen Twigg who spoke at the second webinar the Commonwealthandbeyond.” challenges theyencounter,buildalliancesandtakeactionacross Members toidentifytheirachievements,strategicallyassessthe UNESCO. TheCPASmallBranchesnetworkaimstohelpour Parliamentary Association’sSmallBranchesnetworkand significant scope for partnership between the Commonwealth I believetherearemutualinterests,commonobjectivesand bringing thechallengestheyfacetotoptableinternationally, by UNESCOinrelationtoSmallIslandDevelopingStatesand said: Speaker of the Parliament of the Cook Islands who Chairperson ofthe CPA Small Branches network and Region andwasintroducedbyHon.NikiRattle, sciences, culture,communicationandinformation. mandate ofeducation,naturalsciences,socialandhuman agreements and global instruments within UNESCO’s in smalljurisdictionsandtohighlightthemultilateral Commonwealth Parliamentariansandpolicymakers Knowledge Section. network andUNESCO’sSmallIslandsIndigenous Parliamentary Association (CPA) Small Branches webinars wereconvenedbytheCommonwealth and thesustainabledevelopmentagenda.Twoonline in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on biodiversity highlighted theroleoflegislatorsanddecision-makers Global leadersandexpertsfromacrosstheworldhave Island DevelopingStatesishighlightedatCPAandUNESCOwebinars Key roleofParliamentarians and policy makers inpromoting biodiversity in Small • Participants and discussion leaders at the webinars went on to Participants anddiscussionleadersatthewebinarswentonto Dr PeggyOti-Boateng,DirectoroftheUNESCODivisionfor This message was reiterated by CPA Secretary-General The firstofthewebinarsfocusedonCPAPacific The webinars aimed to build theknowledge of

on biodiversity and conservation protections incorporated Maureen Pugh, MP gave aperspective fromNewZealand on EconomicDevelopment,Science andInnovation,Hon. New ZealandMPandMember oftheSelectCommittee CPA NEWS “In recognising the pioneering work undertaken “In recognisingthepioneeringworkundertaken Key highlightsfromtheCaribbean/IndianOceanwebinar: Developing States. international decisionmakingwith specificfocusonSmallIsland staff and those working to promote legislative responses and To viewtheCPA/UNESCOwebinars visitwww.cpahq.org/cpahq/youtube. These webinars are aimed at Parliamentarians, parliamentary These webinarsareaimedat Parliamentarians, parliamentary • • • • • • •

agenda. through legislationthatformpartofthenationaldevelopment stakeholders andnegotiationsintheIndianOceanRegion. from MaldivesandtherelevanceofIPBESforpolicymakers, Environment oftheMaldivesgavebiodiversityperspective Ilham AthoMohamed,AssistantDirectorattheMinistryof environmental factors. biodiversity inaregionthatisaffectedbyeconomicand States intheregionandchallengesofprotecting perspective ofbiodiversityfromtheSmallIslandDeveloping Gina BonnefromtheIndianOceanCommissiongave framework andthemajorissuesfacingregion. Caribbean preparednessforthepost-2020GlobalBiodiversity Aria StLouis,CBDFocalPointforGrenadaspokeabout biodiversity andtheframeworksforinterventioninregion. from theCaribbeanRegiononmanyissuesaffecting Development attheCARICOMSecretariatgaveaperspective Ms AmrikhaSingh,ProgrammeManagerforSustainable governments undertheConventiononCulturalBiodiversity. on theCaribbeanRegionandnationalobligationsfor representative, FloydHomer(Trinidad&Tobago)focused The firstspeaker,environmentalexpertandIPBESCaribbean species, pollutionandwastemanagement. Pacific Regionintacklingbiodiversityincludinginvasivealien South Pacificspokeaboutthehugechallengesfacing Professor RandolphR.ThamanfromtheUniversityof Partnership (GLISPA). highlighted by expert Kate Brown from the Global Island for thepost-2020GlobalBiodiversityFrameworkwas The topicofislandbiodiversityandPacificpreparedness key areasincluding: and ensurenooneisleftbehind.” for developingeconomiesandthemostvulnerablecountries; address COVID-19anditsimpacts;buildresilience, particularly Commonwealth familyandwith our internationalpartnersto to “workingtransparentlyandconstructivelywithinthe and broaderglobalefforts.Thejointstatementcommitted the pandemic andtowork together insupportofeach other and outlined the steps that member states are taking to fight statement ontheCOVID-19globalpandemic16July2020 Commonwealth leadersfromall54membersissuedajoint economic growth,ICT,youth,education,andtheenvironment. on arangeoftopicsincludinggoodgovernance,tradeand Commonwealth HeadsofGovernmentandgloballeaders shared goalsofdemocracyanddevelopment. values andaspirationsoftheCommonwealthdiscuss however anewreporthasbeenlaunchedtoreinforcethe to theCOVID-19pandemic,meetinghasbeenpostponed, Heads ofGovernmentMeeting(CHOGM).Unfortunately,due in June2020Kigali,Rwanda,atthebiennialCommonwealth Leaders of the Commonwealth’s 54 countries were due to meet 54 nationsoftheCommonwealthissuejointstatementonCOVID-19pandemic development duringpostponedCHOGM2020week New Commonwealthinterimreportprovidesreflectionsondemocracyand • • • • • • The statement went on to outline actions under a number of The CHOGM2020InterimReportfeaturesperspectivesfrom

Global CooperationandMultilateralism Protecting theFutureofSmall and VulnerableStates Addressing InternationalTrade Disruptions Safeguarding ourFutureProsperity Contributing totheGlobalHealthResponse Upholding ourFundamentalPrinciples Legislatures acrossthe different Parliamentsand Association insupporting Parliamentary of theCommonwealth about theimportantwork Evolving Commonwealth’ and Democracy in an titled ‘ the report in an article Cameroon writesin National Assemblyof Deputy Speakerofthe Monjowa Lifaka, MP, Committee, Hon.Emilia the CPA Executive The Chairpersonof Parliaments The Parliamentarian | associated Commonwealth forainRwanda 2021. at thenextCommonwealthHeads ofGovernmentMeetingand prosperity anddevelopment.” after itsdevastatingcoursehas runshouldbeoneofpeace, united againstpandemicandensurethatthelegacy left are allimpactedbytheglobalpandemic,wemustremain mean theyarefacingafightfortheirveryexistence.Butas we this virus joined with thegrowing threat ofclimatechange states thecombinedsocial,healthandeconomicimpacts of especially thosewhoaremostatrisk.Formanyofourmember our healthcare systems and the well-being of all our people – partnerships and new approaches we have taken to protect to respond.Andweshouldalsobeproudoftheinnovative leaders, governments and institutions have worked together Commonwealth canbeimmenselyproudofthewayour world spreadinginwayswecouldnothaveimagined,the Scotland, QCsaid: report?last_publication_downloaded=1660. publications/commonwealth-heads-of-government-interim- to downloadacopy: to downloadforfree.Pleasevisitthefollowingwebsitelink Commonwealth Business Communications and is available Midwives. Pharmacists Association;andCommonwealthNurses Fund; BillandMelindaGatesFoundation;Commonwealth The Elders;WorldEconomicForum;UNWomen;Global The World Health Organisation; Commonwealth Secretariat; of Action’alsoremainsakeyconcern.Contributorsinclude: progress oftheSustainableDevelopmentGoalsinthis‘Decade devastating socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The national self-interestandworkcollaborativelytominimisethe with manyauthorscallingforworldleaderstoputaside practices forthebenefitofall. Commonwealth todevelopfundamentaldemocraticvaluesand The statementalsolookedforward todeepeningcollaboration The CommonwealthSecretary-General,RtHon.Patricia The CHOGM2020InterimReportispublishedby The impactofCOVID-19dominatesdiscussionsinthereport, 2020: Issue Three|100years ofpublishing1920-2020 |215 “As theCoronavirussweptthrough http://www.commonwealthcbc.com/ CPA NEWS

For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr. CPA NEWS

CPA Secretary-General Elect speaks of the importance of the SDGs with Commonwealth Scholars at UK Parliament event CPA TOOLKIT FOR The Secretary-General Elect of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Mr Stephen Twigg, joined Government Ministers, Parliamentarians and other guest speakers at the COMMONWEALTH annual event for Commonwealth Scholars on 3 July 2020. The COVID-19 event offered a rare opportunity for young people on the scheme to hear from Members of the UK Parliament and gain an insight PARLIAMENTS DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY into the role of Parliament in UK politics. The CPA Secretary-General Elect spoke about the CPA’s CPA Toolkit for Commonwealth Parliaments commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ON THE COVID-19 how this linked to the Commonwealth Scholars and the work that they will go on to do after their studies. The former CPA Chairperson (2014-2017), Hon. Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, MP, Speaker of PANDEMIC AND the Parliament of Bangladesh was just one of many examples of Commonwealth Parliamentarians who have benefited from the Commonwealth Scholarships scheme over the years. DELIVERING Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK’s Minister of State for the Commonwealth and United Nations spoke about the work of PARLIAMENTARY his government departments, the strength and diversity of the Westminster. The event is organised by the Commonwealth Commonwealth and also congratulated the CPA Secretary- Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), the Council for General Elect on his new appointment and looked forward to Education in the Commonwealth’s (CEC) CSFP Support Group DEMOCRACY working further with the CPA Headquarters team. and the CPA UK Branch. Other guest speakers at the virtual event included: Rt Hon. Harriett

Baldwin MP, former Minister of State for Africa and International The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the main Development; Rt Hon. Lord Luce, Patron of the Council for UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. Education in the Commonwealth and a former FCO Minister and CUSTOMERS BUYING LESS The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the UK’s Fear of the virus and government advice to stay at home is having a devastating impact on the retail, tourism, leisure, hospitality and hotel industries across the world. COVID-19: CPA TOOLKIT FOR COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS 5 Arts Minister; Dr Alastair Niven, Chair of the CSFP Support Group; Coronaviruses (CoV) are a A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen COVID-19 family of viruses that cause COVID-19 when a new virus emerges to infect people and can spread Department for International Development (DFID). The CSC operates within the What is DOWNLOAD illness ranging from the PANDEMIC between people sustainably. Because there is little to no pre- Coronavirus? TRAVEL INDUSTRY existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads worldwide. 2 COVID-19: CPA TOOLKITcommon FOR cold COMMONWEALTH to more severe PARLIAMENETS COVID-19: CPA TOOLKIT FOR COM- DECLINE Richard Middleton, Chair of the Commonwealth Scholarship diseases. Coronavirus disease The travel industry has been The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and badly damaged, with airlines framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and is (COVID-19) is a new strain spreading easily from person-to-person. Cases have been KEEPING PARLIAMENT cutting flights and people that was discovered in 2019 detected in most countries worldwide and community spread is GROWTH COULD cancelling holidays and business and has not been previously being detected in a growing number of countries. On 11 March STAGNATE trips. Governments around the Commission in the UK; and Dr Joanna Newman, Secretary- General identified in humans. If the economy is growing, that world have introduced travel 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic OPERATIONAL generally means more wealth restrictions to try to contain the a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. CPA’S NEW by the WHO. and more new jobs. According to virus. the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development In order to successfully preserve the operation of Parliament, during a time of global pandemic whereby the of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). (OECD) , the world’s economy could key functions of Parliament as a legislative body are arguably most needed, it is crucial that Commonwealth grow at its slowest rate since 2009, Parliaments take appropriate, proportionate and reasonable measures to facilitate this. Visit http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk for more information. ‘SAFER’ due to the coronavirus outbreak. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTSINVESTMENTS HIT The measures outlined below seek to ensure that the safety of Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff are When a crisis hits, investors of vital importance as well as taking into consideration the manner in which the Parliament or Legislature The virtual event featured talks from guest speakers and was Common signs of infection often choose ‘less risky’ would ordinarily operate. include: The public health impacts of the Coronavirusinvestments. outbreak Gold is PUBLICATION • Respiratory symptoms are widespread. Some of the areas of publictraditionally health considered a It is the responsibility of all Parliaments and Legislatures to scrutinize all legislation and policies proposed by affected will include: ‘safe haven’ for investment The economic impacts of the government. This includes the routine laws required to run the country and the emergency powers that • Fever in times of uncertainty but the Coronavirus outbreak the government proposes as any global pandemic unfolds. In order for Parliament to remain operational, • Increased mortality rate – the primarythe pricehealth of gold impact globally has it must ensure that it acts just as efficiently in scrutinising all legislation and holding the Executive to followed by a Q&A session and a virtual tour of the Palace of • Cough fallen. The global oil price has have left businesses of the global pandemic COVID-19’s account under all circumstances. Although Governments do have the option to propose procedural changes • Shortness of breath also fallen as investors fear around the world • Physical health of the general populationthat the global – for spread of the to facilitate alternative ways of working, it is for the Speaker and the House Procedure Committees to • Breathing difficulties those who suffer from the virus butvirus also will through further hit the global ECONOMIC counting costs and trying decide on the most appropriate action to be taken. For many Parliaments for example, there is no standard procedure in place yet for operating the Legislature remotely. lack of exercise/fresh air, poor diet, etceconomy during and socialdemand for oil. IMPACT to understand how the In more severe cases, distancing measures economy will be affected NOW infection can cause: • Social care provision - particularly for elderly or in the future. At the Norwegian Parliament (the Storting), a number of measures were introduced during the current • Pneumonia vulnerable groups global pandemic including: a reduction in the number of Members of Parliament at plenary meetings and during voting from 169 to 87; the plenary will only take decisions on urgent issues identified by the President • Severe acute respiratory • Mental health – particularly through stress, anxiety, in consultation with the Leaders of parliamentary party groups; some rules of procedure are temporarily syndrome isolation especially during social distancing measures suspended including extended deadlines and the requirements for physical presence in Committee meetings • Kidney failure • Health services – a global pandemic will have a with priority given to video conferencing; reduced Committee workload with priority given to urgent business; and the cancellation of international and domestic Committee Members’ travel. The Storting also established • Death huge effect on the public health servicesUNEMPLOYMENT in any given a Coronavirus Special Committee to examine Emergency Legislation and government measures4. SYMPTOMS jurisdiction. Businesses in non-essential services may close, resulting in temporary or www.cpahq.org/cpahq/coronavirus permanent unemployment in the Commonwealth Journalists Association launch new Press Fellows scholarship for services sectors. Governments have taken steps to provide benefits and the freezing of debt repayments to cushion the impact. FINANCIAL MARKETS DECLINE 4. https://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/News-archive/Front-page-news/2019-2020/ the-storting-constitutes-coronavirus-special-committee/ Maintain social Practice respiratory Avoid touching eyes, Financial markets around the world Washing of hands INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SLOWED have seen huge falls since the outbreak distancing hygiene nose and Withmouth the restrictions on movement across the world, industrial began. Investors fear the spread of the young journalists in memory of CJA co-founder frequently Maintain at least 2 This means covering Hands touchproduction many has slowed. In China, for example, where the Coronavirus coronavirus will destroy economic growth first appeared, industrial production, sales and investment all fell in and that government action may not be Regularly and metre (6 feet) distance mouths and noses with surfaces and can thoroughly clean hands the first two months of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. enough to stop the decline. In response, between people, either the bent elbow pick up viruses.China makes Once up a third of manufacturing globally and is the world’s central banks in many countries have cut with an alcohol-based especially those or a tissue when people contaminated,largest exporter hands of goods. Supply chains for all major industries will be interest rates. affected by the industrial slow down. hand rub or wash them who are coughing or cough or sneeze. can transfer the virus The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has announced with soap and water. 2 sneezing. to the eyes, nose or PREVENTION mouth. a new bursary with Wolfson College, Cambridge in memory of Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public CJA co-founder, Derek Ingram. The Fellowship was recently established in honour of the long and distinguished career of Derek Ingram and his outstanding work as a Commonwealth The outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its spread to at least 180 countries, has consequently journalist. Derek Ingram, who died in 2018 aged 92, specialised in writing plunged many Parliaments and Legislatures across the world into a state of emergency. about the Commonwealth and was respected by fellow journalists, Commonwealth Parliaments and Parliamentarians are grappling with many different issues both particularly for his role in creating the Gemini news agency, which to implement the emergency health measures during this global pandemic while at the same produced written material about Commonwealth countries from 1967 onwards. He was the co-founder of the CJA and served as its time looking at new ways to conduct debates, scrutinise and pass legislation, hold parliamentary President from 1980 to 1990. He was passionate about promoting committees and question the actions of their governments. media freedom in Commonwealth countries and mentoring journalists from member states. His legacy is being used to set up a bursary in his name to help journalists in Commonwealth countries under the Press Fellowships programme at Wolfson College. THE ‘CPA TOOLKIT FOR COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS AND LEGISLATURES ON THE Rita Payne Chair, CJA-UK President Emeritus Commonwealth Journalists Association said: “We hope the bursary will help talented COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) PANDEMIC AND DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY’ journalists with limited means to spend time at Wolfson College and benefit from the opportunity to learn about developments in toolkit provides various measures and recommendations that can be adopted by both Parliaments the media, advances in digital technologies and issues of freedom of expression more generally within the UK and to pass on what they have learned to other journalists in their home countries.” and Parliamentarians in order to continue to deliver on the Legislatures’ role of scrutinising legislation and delivering democracy during a global pandemic. The first award will be made for a journalist to study in 2021. Visit www.wolfson.cam.ac.uk to contact the College.

216 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Three | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SPECIAL REPORT: UNITED NATIONS AT 75 SPECIAL REPORT: UNITED NATIONS AT 75 THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE UN THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE UN

EDITORIAL: THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN. The UNGA is the only UN organ where all member states have WORKING TOGETHER TO TACKLE TODAY’S GLOBAL ISSUES equal representation. The UN General Assembly meets under its President or the UN Secretary General in annual sessions at UN By The Editor of The Parliamentarian, Mr Jeffrey Hyland. As a comparison, at the beginning of the 17th session of the Headquarters in New York, USA. UN General Assembly in 1962-63, there were 13 Commonwealth Observer status for the Commonwealth Secretariat at the United countries at the United Nations, constituting one-eighth of the total Nations was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 October membership. During the 17th session, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago 1976. Many regional and international organisations are also and Uganda became Members of the UN, closely followed by Kenya observers in the work and annual sessions of the UN General and Guyana who would join in the following years. Today, there are Image: Shutterstock_322013945_credit_Drop of Light Assembly and maintain permanent offices at the UN Headquarters 193 member states that are members of the United Nations including in New York, USA including the African Union, Caribbean Community all 54 countries of the Commonwealth – making up almost a third of (CARICOM), Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the membership. Economic Community of Western African States, European Union, The Commonwealth has closely aligned to the United Nations in Inter-Parliamentary Union, International Criminal Court, International many aspects – for example, in 2015, the Commonwealth strongly Organization of la Francophonie and the League of Arab States. supported the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace The status of a Permanent Observer is based purely on practice, and Security, as it aligned closely with the final Communiqué of the and there are no provisions for it in the United Nations Charter. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that had practice dates from 1946, when the UN Secretary-General accepted taken place in Malta the previous month. the designation of the Swiss Government as a Permanent Observer The UN resolution stated that youth-led organisations are to the United Nations. Observers were subsequently put forward by important partners in global efforts to prevent radicalisation and certain States that later became United Nations Members, including counter violent extremism and it also supported the youth-led Austria, Finland, Italy, and Japan. Switzerland became a UN Member peacebuilding and conflict-prevention programmes that are on 10 September 2002. Permanent Observers have free access to essential to good governance and the rule of law. The CHOGM most meetings and relevant documentation. Communiqué stated that “young people, who comprise 60% of the Commonwealth’s population, have an important role in building stable, secure and prosperous societies, and that Commonwealth programmes can help raise awareness of the risk of radicalisation and prevent young people from embracing violent extremism, radicalisation and terrorism in all its forms and ramifications.” Working together in tackling climate change and ocean costing lives and presenting an “undeniable human rights challenge” In December 2019, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt conservation is also an area where the Commonwealth and the to the world. Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC and United Nations Deputy Secretary- United Nations have had a significant influence. In 2018, the nations Regular interaction between the Commonwealth and the United

Image: Commonwealth Secretariat General, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed formally committed of the Commonwealth, covering one third of the world’s oceans, Nations ensure that the two global organisations are working their organisations to work more closely together with the signing signed the Commonwealth Blue Charter, a landmark agreement to together to tackle today’s global issues. of a Memorandum of Understanding. The document outlines how actively co-operate on ocean governance. the two organisations will work together on pressing global issues At the 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in February References: such as governance and peace, sustainable development, inclusive 2020, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia 1 https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/644558?ln=en growth, climate change, ending violence against women and girls Scotland, QC said: “The stark reality for many states is that their 2 https://www.un.org/en/sections/member-states/about-permanent- and sports for development and peace. people are losing lives, facing malnutrition, unable to find clean observers/index.html In a joint statement, the Commonwealth Secretary-General and water and their homes are disappearing right before our eyes. From 3 The Commonwealth and the United Nations by Thomas B. Millar - https:// the Deputy UN Secretary-General said: “The United Nations and the devastation of hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas last year to doi.org/10.1017/S0020818300011607 - Published online by Cambridge Commonwealth have long shared a genuine relationship based the wrath of bushfires in Australia, from severe drought in Namibia University Press: 22 May 2009. Copyright – the IO Foundation, 1962. on shared goals and values. We are today proud to enhance to islands inundated with king tides in Kiribati, climate change is a 4 https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2015/12/the-commonwealth-welcomes- this friendship and take it to a new level which the delivery of the threat to the world and an emergency for small states.” un-security-resolution-2250-on-youth-peace-and-security/ 2030 Agenda demands. As we turn to a new decade of action, the The Commonwealth Secretary-General highlighted to the UN 5 https://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/commonwealth-and-united- challenges we face in order to deliver on the world that we want Human Rights Council that the climate crisis is a global human rights nations-sign-new-agreement by 2030 demand we address sustainable development, climate challenge and that the Commonwealth’s 54 countries, 32 of which 6 https://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/climate-crisis-global-human- change, improving governance and promoting peace.” are small states, are facing a climate change emergency that is rights-challenge

THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE UNITED NATIONS: 75 YEARS OF role of the Economic and Social Council. Their essence is the Charter of the United Nations, signed commitment (a) without reservation; (b) by all the members of a INTERNATIONAL SYMBIOSIS universal organisation; and (c) for the very first time - to substitute on 26 June 1945 I am deeply honoured to have been invited to contribute to this the general interest. Spin in such circumstances is not merely collective sustained pursuit of the common good for previous special issue of The Parliamentarian on the relationship over the unnecessary: it is counterproductive. traditional policies of pursuing their supposed individual national Preamble years between the Commonwealth and the United Nations, on this, interests at the incidental expense of anyone else, the devil taking We the peoples of the United Nations determined its seventy-fifth anniversary. I value the invitation all the more, in Commonwealth interaction with the United Nations the hindmost. • to save succeeding generations from the scourge of that I am now the only World War II veteran still in active diplomatic The UN is above all, the result of an almost thirty year period of strife, In the language of game theory, the signing on 26 June war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold circulation, and as a diplomat I have been concerned with both the suffering and adversity - from 1914 to 1945 - and to a lesser degree, 1945, in San Francisco, of the United Nations Charter converted sorrow to mankind, and Commonwealth and the United Nations for many years. of the experience of the failures and the disappointments, as well international relations, for the first time ever, from a zero-sum game as the successes, of the League of Nations. Amid far too much half- into a positive-sum game. • to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the I: A case of symbiosis heartedness and apathy on the part of the League membership dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal as a whole, the six Commonwealth members - Australia, Canada, The Preamble: the San Francisco ‘piece de resistance’ rights of men and women and of nations large and The Commonwealth/UN relationship can be summed up in a single India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom - were Meeting in London on the eve of the San Francisco Conference, small, and word: Symbiosis; in the sense of "a close and long term (biological) active and convinced participants. the Commonwealth delegations backed an inspirational proposal • to establish conditions under which justice and interaction between two dissimilar organisms." That proposition The UN inherited from the League a fundamental realisation that from the then South African Prime Minister, Jan Christiaan Smuts, a respect for the obligations arising from treaties and needs unpacking. world peace is much more than the absence or negation of war. veteran champion of the League. He argued that the draft Charter The Commonwealth defies easy definition. Various imaginative Achieving and maintaining it had to bring the nations together in a prepared by the ‘Great Powers’ at Dumbarton Oaks2, needed a other sources of international law can be maintained, suggestions have been offered. Is it a club? Or a church? Or a more inter-active and organic way - as is enshrined in the clutch of Preamble, to make its noble and innovative provisions more readily and beehive? Or, indeed, "the mother of all networks"? The answer undertakings and obligations typical of a covenant, rather than in understandable and meaningful for millions of ordinary people • to promote social progress and better standards of life has to be "all of them, simultaneously". For one thing is clear: the wording of a treaty alone. deeply conscious of the enormity of what they had endured. in larger freedom, The Commonwealth is organic, an organism, as distinct from an The point is made crystal clear by the first words of the organisation, to a degree which is not characteristic of any other Negotiating with ‘the Bear’ Preamble: "We the peoples of the United Nations" - a formula never And for these ends significant international entity. The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) was not much previously used in a major treaty -"determined to save succeeding given to organic arrangements with other countries, unless it was a generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has • to practice tolerance and live together in peace with ‘Commonwealth reliably does as Commonwealth reliably is’ matter of swallowing them up. This, therefore, was an aspect of the brought untold sorrow to mankind..." one another as good neighbours, and Whatever the difficulties of definition, the distinctive nature of the quest on which the USA and the UK could not, and did not, greatly With strong support from the Commonwealth delegations, • to unite our strength to maintain international peace Commonwealth emerges from what it does, at every level, and in almost dwell in their wartime discussions with their Soviet allies about the Smuts achieved his objective. As adopted, the Preamble, a mere and security, and every direction, and the way in which it does it. Chief among its virtues, organisation of post-war security. Nonetheless, the draft Charter 200 words in length, is perhaps the greatest text in modern • to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the in my experience, are respect for the issues and for the process which is presented to the San Francisco Conference in April 19451, by the diplomacy. It embodies in the highest degree, the Commonwealth institution of methods, that armed force shall not be accessible, efficient and transparent. The two go together. ’Great Powers’ (USA, UK, USSR and Nationalist China) were of a virtues to which I referred earlier. It is the epitome of the positive- There is no better way of inspiring trust in what you are and warmth and constructiveness not previously evident in diplomatic sum, responsible approach to the conduct of international relations. used, save in the common interest, and what you do, than to be known on the one hand to be objective texts. The UN Charter was a proto-organism de facto. It has been the Pole Star of the United Nations and of international • to employ international machinery for the promotion of and thorough in analysing to the necessary depth and assessing in life ever since. We ignore it at our peril. I would be at fault if I did not the economic and social advancement of all peoples, the necessary width, the problems of current international concern; Establishing new norms for the behaviour of nations reproduce it in full. and, on the other, to be frank and competent in handling them in This was especially true of Chapters IX and X, dealing respectively Have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish with international economic and social co-operation, and the Recognising achievement these aims The labours of the San Francisco Conference were so multifaceted, so intense and so full of promise that it required - indeed it still • Accordingly, our respective Governments, through requires - a great effort of the imagination to grasp their full representatives assembled in the city of San Sir Peter Marshall is a former Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General (1983-1988). He joined the UK significance. It can thus be of no surprise that the iconic quality of Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found Diplomatic Service in 1949, rising to become Economic Under-Secretary in the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth the Preamble was not immediately recognised. On the other hand, to be in good and due form, have agreed to the Office. He also held positions at the United Nations in New York and was the Permanent Representative of the significance of the Charter as a whole was apparent from the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby outset. the United Kingdom to the United Nations in Geneva (1979-83). He has also served as the Chair of the Royal establish an international organization to be known as As far as the UK is concerned, there has never been a better Commonwealth Society and the Joint Commonwealth Societies Council. He is the author of ‘Public Diplomacy’ report by a British delegation to a major conference than that the United Nations. published in 1997. rendered by our powerful team in San Francisco.

great areas of UN activity - development especially young people, is taken for granted. Should there be The Commonwealth Secretariat were unwilling to leave it at and human rights - are summarised difficulty or trouble, however, the newshounds are on to it in a trice. that. Commonwealth Heads of Government met later in the year without triumphalism. Failures are Where the Commonwealth fits in at Nassau in The Bahamas. They approved at once the draft recognised. The tone is sober. "We are Where does the Commonwealth fit in? The answer is ’almost Declaration submitted to them, and published it as ‘The Nassau not here to celebrate; we are here to everywhere’. The UN Secretariat has been greatly enriched by Declaration on World Order’.4 It was conveyed to the UN General take action." And to listen: "through the numerous Commonwealth figures, including one much-loved Assembly. It still reads rather well. It was the precursor of the Global Conversation launched by the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan (Ghana). Commonwealth Declarations adopted successively by the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General this year, we have delegations do not work with the solidarity of a bloc, but rather after the end of the Cold War, in 1995, the Millennium, 2005 and listened to the concerns and aspirations through a diversity of relevant affinities, mixed with perspective, 2015. of the people. We are here to respond, moderation and humour. to ensure the future we want and the While examples of Commonwealth service rendered to the The Commonwealth Charter: advance notice of forthcoming United Nations we need." UN at micro-level are legion, it is perhaps at macro-level that the attractions The ‘big picture’ could not be clearer. contributions are more significant. I cite three. The Group of Eminent Persons set up at the CHOGM in Trinidad Paragraph 1 of the Declaration reads as and Tobago in 2009 to look to the future, strongly recommended follows: Jawaharlal Nehru and ‘bringing a touch of healing to a troubled the adoption of a Commonwealth Charter. A text was finally agreed "We the Heads of State and world’ between governments in December 2012 and signed by Her Government, representing the people First, the London Declaration of April 1949, by the Commonwealth Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of the Commonwealth at Likewise, there will never be a better Foreign Affairs debate in of the world, have gathered on Prime Ministers, containing the formula by which India retained Marlborough House on Commonwealth Day, 2013. the UK House of Commons than that of 22-23 August 1945, at which September 21, 2020, to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary membership of the Commonwealth, while becoming a republic. The Charter is a many-splendoured thing. It naturally uses the approval was given to the UN Charter. It was opened by the then of the United Nations. We do so with a sense of awe and deep This would have sufficed on its own to mark out Jawaharlal Nehru, first-person plural. Its coverage of the issues individually is masterly. UK Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Clement Attlee, MP. Rt Hon. Anthony respect for the founders who created this organisation. There is India's first Prime Minister, as a world statesman. Its grasp of their complex inter-relationships is deeply reassuring. Eden, MP led for the Opposition. They had been joint leaders of no other global organisation with the legitimacy, convening power Nehru made the highly relevant additional observation that It reaffirms "the core values and principles of the Commonwealth the UK delegation, in their respective capacities of Lord President and normative impact of the United Nations. No other global the Commonwealth could "bring a touch of healing to a troubled as declared by this Charter" in the shape of a list of sixteen target of the Council and Foreign Secretary in the wartime Coalition organisation gives hope to so many people for a better world and world." Resolving the appalling situation in Southern Africa was a items and priorities. The marked similarity between these and Government. can deliver the future we want. The urgency for all counties to notable case in point. the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 Rt Hon. Ernest Bevin, MP as UK Foreign Secretary wound the come together to fulfil the promise of the nations united, has rarely But that is only the half of it. In explaining the Indian position, identified in UN General Assembly Resolution 70/1 of 25 September debate up magisterially. He was my first boss at the UK Foreign been greater." the Declaration was at pains to emphasise that nothing else 2015 - i.e. two years later - is unlikely, shall we say, to have been a Office. We treasured him, and his salty remarks, the most incisive of To those of us who have laboured long in the vineyard, that had changed. The mere suggestion that something is not to matter of pure chance. which, for the sake of propriety, will doubtless have to be preserved passage is highly encouraging. But perhaps the style in which be taken as a precedent suffices to ensure that it immediately Yet, ironically, the Commonwealth Charter makes no mention of by oral tradition, rather than in any official record. the whole declaration is written is even more significant. The becomes standard practice. That is what happened. The 'modern' the symbiosis between the Commonwealth and the United Nations. first-person plural, used initially in the Commonwealth-inspired Commonwealth emerged overnight. Nehru had put an end to It was perhaps a sign of the times that the references in the Charter II: The UN and the Commonwealth: partners on an unfinished Preamble alone, is now standard for the UN as a whole. Indeed, Britannia Imperatrix at a stroke. to the United Nations, where they occur, are functional, rather than journey enthusiasts might say that the Commemorative Declaration is the The implications of this dismantling of the British Empire were general: they relate to specific UN activities and priorities, rather Preamble writ large. It imparts to the inter-governmental statements not lost on the UN membership. There was, and is, something of than to its irreplaceable over-arching authority. Let us fast-forward to 26 June 2020, the 75th anniversary of the and commitments an aura of recognition of mutual responsibility a queue of applicants to the Commonwealth for membership from The Commonwealth Charter speaks instead of "influencing signing in San Francisco of the UN Charter. "We, the Heads of and accountability which traditional third-person formulations countries which had had no connection with the British Empire. The international society." In the brief UK White Paper, under State and Government, representing the peoples of the world", cannot provide. venue of the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting cover of which it was presented to the ‘mother of Parliaments’ adopted a Declaration (post-dated to 21 September 2020, when That aura derives uniquely from the acceptance without (CHOGM) in Rwanda illustrates the point. The dissolution of Soviet at Westminster, the adjective ’overarching’ is applied to the they would normally have gathered in New York, at the beginning reservation by the member states of the provisions of the United Empire in 1990 occasioned lively inquiries from behind the old Iron Commonwealth Charter itself, describing it as "bringing together of the regular annual session of the UN General Assembly), "on Nations Charter. If you ignore it, nothing replaces it. Shakespeare Curtain about how the Commonwealth worked. the values and commitments of the Commonwealth that are set out the Commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United saw the point, of course: "take but degree away, untune that string, in more detail in previous declarations and affirmations." Nations." and hark what discord follows!"3 Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the United Nations, 1985 Does this blind spot about the UN really matter? Yes, it does, It is an outstanding document. It is superbly drafted. The first six Second, there was established a Committee to prepare a draft for the ongoing reasons explained in Paragraph 1 of the 2020 paragraphs and the concluding passage survey the situation from ’Good news is no news’, the watchword of the uninvolved Declaration for adoption by the UN General Assembly at its regular Declaration quoted above. If democratic governments, for reasons 1945 to the present day, and mark out the way ahead, in confident For the media of today, good news is by and large, no news. If things session in 1985 to mark the United Nations’ 40th anniversary. of current expediency, of lack of familiarity with the background, but sober terms. The Declaration notes that more than one million are going well, we must expect their praises to remain unsung. The Disagreements were so strong that the Committee eventually or of inability to choose the appropriate priorities, evade or ignore women and men have served under the UN flag in more than 70 good work the UN system has done, and continues to do, all over abandoned its task. their responsibilities of the moment, the bill will be paid later - by the peace-keeping operations. The achievements in the other two the world to make life better and more fulfilling for ordinary people, peoples.

III: Going forward together might describe it as 'bringing a touch of healing to a troubled respective legislative bodies. However different conditions may situation'. be seventy-five years later, the proposition is no less true. It may We tend to think that there are three In which of these established ways is the Commonwealth likely indeed be truer, in as far as internal affairs have become so much broad ways in which the Commonwealth to be of assistance to the United Nations in the future? The answer more entangled with foreign affairs, and events abroad impinge so collectively, be it governmentally or has to be 'all of them, in one way or another'. The agenda outlined much more on life at home. non-governmentally, or both, can be of in the Commemorative Declaration is so broad, yet so specific As regards the role of the Commonwealth in the United Nations, help to the United Nations. First, as an and so integrated, that the scope for collective Commonwealth I bring this offering to a close by recalling the terms of the very ‘inter-regional sub-set’: we are drawn participation is wide indeed. first recorded statement by the Commonwealth Prime Ministers from every quarter of the earth's surface; This makes one all the more impatient to see what transpires at collectively - in May 1944, on the eve of D-Day during the Second we are of every size and political and the next CHOGM. It is difficult to believe that Coronavirus (COVID- World War. They - Messrs Churchill, Mackenzie King, Curtin, Fraser social configuration; we are of every 19) and climate change will not figure prominently. Nor should we and Smuts - note that this was the first time they had been able degree of economic and technological forget the success of the massive Commonwealth Summit of 2018 to meet during the war. They record that they were joined in their sophistication; our world-wide discussions in London, UK, held improbably in a pre-seasonal heat wave. Its discussions by the Indian representatives at the War Cabinet and with one another, together with the documentary outcome is impressive by any standards, not least as the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia. A display by the UNA-UK Association to mark the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United innumerable affinities which enrich them, regards cyber-security and ocean management. In their concluding paragraph, they state that "they were met in Nations Charter in front of the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, London, UK. Following the can thus be of particular representative that unity which finds its strength not in any formal bond but in the signing of the UN Charter in San Francisco, USA on 26 June 1945, the first UN General Assembly was held at the Methodist Central Hall from 10th January to 14th February 1946 and since then many Inalienable human rights hidden springs from which human action flows." It is inconceivable UN Secretaries-General have given speeches in the building. Important as are all of these matters, individually and collectively, that anyone but Churchill could have drafted that sentence. The same instinct suggests that the Commonwealth may in fact find itself can be said of the final prophetic word: "we believe that when victory value to the UN membership as a whole, when handling issues of dwelling on something which may initially appear somewhat is won and peace returns, this same free association, this same unity world wide concern. esoteric, yet which is of fundamental importance to our future of purpose will make us able to do further service to mankind." Climate change is clearly one such area. The next COP Summit together: namely, ‘not only how we treat one another, but how we A year later the Commonwealth produced the iconic Preamble to is due to be held in Glasgow, Scotland in November 2021, a year think about one another’. the UN Charter. The possibility of further service cannot be ruled out. later than originally scheduled. The US Declaration of Independence picks out, from among Secondly, we can act as pilot fish for the UN as a whole. the ‘inalienable’ rights with which we are endowed by our Creator, References: During Sonny Ramphal's long and highly productive term as three items: life, liberty and - supremely enigmatically – ‘the pursuit 1 United Nations Conference on International Organization, 25 Apr 1945 Commonwealth Secretary-General (1975-1990), there was a of happiness’, which we may take inter alia to mean ‘an existence – 26 Jun 1945. ‘bakers' dozen’ of Expert Reports mainly on international economic unblighted by the behaviour, the attitudes or the mindsets of others’. 2 The Dumbarton Oaks Conference or, more formally, the Washington questions. They were of particular relevance because of persistent The first of the specific undertakings set out in the Conversations on International Peace and Security Organization was clashes between the developed countries of the North and the Commemorative Declaration is 'we will leave no one behind', an international conference at which the United Nations was formulated developing countries of the South. a concept deriving from the Sustainable Development Goals. and negotiated among international leaders. The conference was held The last of these reports, ‘Climate Change and Sea-level Rise’ The wording of the undertaking is as firm as it is perceptive. Its at Dumbarton Oaks, in Washington, D.C. USA, from 21 August 1944 to 7 (1988-1989), is perhaps the most interesting of them all, in view of implications are absorbing. It must surely extend to all those who October 1944. the subsequent worldwide developments, with which we are all are in any way disadvantaged, or marginalised, and also to those 3 William Shakespeare (1564–1616). Troilus and Cressida (1602), Act I, too familiar. It originated from a discussion at the 1987 CHOGM who experience exclusion or alienation for whatever reason, and Scene 3. in Vancouver, Canada, introduced by President Maumoon Abdul in whatever form. We can think of this as a Fifth Freedom, to add to 4 The Nassau Declaration on World Order – see https:// Gayoom of the Maldives (1978-2008), where the maximum height the Four Freedoms set out by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt thecommonwealth.org/nassau-declaration-world-order of the land does not exceed two metres above sea level. President in his State of the Union Message of January 1941, "Freedom from 5 The Four Freedoms were goals articulated by United States President Hussain Muhammad Ershad of Bangladesh (1983-1990) explained Alienation".5 Franklin D. Roosevelt on 6 January 1941 in an address that became the vast problems of flooding which assailed his country. The rest There is no suggestion that this approach somehow replaces known as the Four Freedoms speech (technically the 1941 State of the is history. direct action to combat present ills, especially racism. Rather it Union address). He proposed four fundamental freedoms that people Thirdly, while the Commonwealth has never presumed to try complements it. "everywhere in the world" ought to enjoy: freedom of speech; freedom and negotiate for the United Nations, circumstances may contrive of worship; freedom from want; freedom from fear. Images copyright: David Wardrop, Chair of the Westminster Branch United Nations UK Association - http://unawestminster.o rg.uk/. that the Commonwealth is well placed to help the UN to negotiate. IV: Envoi The author of this article, Sir Peter Marshall (right) is joined by the Revd When the participants in a dispute are at loggerheads, the most At the request of the author, this article is published in memoriam of Ms Patsy Robertson, former Director of Information at The Commonwealth Secretariat and Tony Miles (left), the newly appointed Superintendent at Methodist useful thing a well-respected, well-disposed and well-informed When the UN Charter was signed in 1945, no-one was in any doubt Official Spokesperson for the Commonwealth (1983-1994) who passed away recently. Central Hall viewing the ‘UN at 75’ display outside the building. outsider can do is assist in the definition, with as much precision that the success of the venture would be greatly dependent on She was also Chair of the Commonwealth Association and The Ramphal Institute. as possible, of the key points of difference between the two. You public opinion in the member states, as expressed through their

THE UNITED NATIONS AND ITS IMPACT IN COMMONWEALTH including the International Solar Alliance to promote sustainable economic growth. COUNTRIES: A VIEW FROM THE SPEAKER OF INDIA'S LOK SABHA The Commonwealth is against violent extremism in all its forms and Established in 1945 to usher in a new World Order in a world faced There is a lot of commonality between the Commonwealth supports the UN Secretary-General's January 2016 Plan of Action to with damnation and ruination after two great wars, the United Nations Charter and the objectives set out in the UN Charter. The UN and Prevent Violent Extremism by addressing the underlying conditions is completing 75 years of glorious service as a multilateral platform the modern Commonwealth are both more than 70 years old and that drive individuals to radicalize and join violent extremist groups.9 for the comity of nations later this year. are committed to promoting international peace and security, The Commonwealth has also endorsed the UNSC Resolution 2250 Over these seven and a half decades, through its untiring initiatives human rights and sustainable development. Both seek to protect of 9 December 2015 on Youth, Peace and Security10 which focuses on and endeavours, it has reaffirmed the faith of the international and preserve Mother Earth. promoting youth participation, prevention, protection, partnership and community in peaceful coexistence, international cooperation, Time and again, the Commonwealth has expressed its solidarity with disengagement and reintegration as five pillars for action related to justice and human rights including the dignity of the individual. the UN and a commitment to its Charter. The 1951 Declaration by the young people's contribution to peace processes and conflict resolution. The United Nations Organization stands testimony to the shared Commonwealth Prime Ministers succinctly sums up this convergence India has time and again reiterated its commitment to the UN values and interests of countries in a globalized world order and - "Our support of the United Nations needs no re-affirmation. The Charter and has been playing an important role in the UN system. It has their ability to cooperate for the mutual benefit of all. The UN Charter Commonwealth and the United Nations are not inconsistent bodies. also contributed to the Commonwealth with the same commitment. provides and employs the international machinery for the promotion On the contrary, the existence of the Commonwealth, linked together The Indian Parliament, on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of of the economic and social advancement of all people.1 by the ties of friendship, common purpose and common endeavour, is belief. It is interesting that Commonwealth countries until 2011 were held the United Nations, had passed a Resolution on 22 December 1994 It seeks to promote and encourage respect for human rights and a source of power behind the Charter.”3 together by the sheer strength of their shared traditions and experiences, reaffirming India's abiding commitment to the UN, and determination fundamental freedoms for all without distinction of race, sex, language, The Declaration of Commonwealth Principles Singapore, 1971 institutions and the desire for greater economic cooperation. For it was to build upon its achievements and utilise its potential to advance our or religion. It has sought to promote social progress and a better states: "We believe that international co-operation is essential to only in 2011 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting shared aspirations of peace, security and prosperity. The Resolution standard of living for people across the world. The UN provided the remove the causes of war, promote tolerance, combat injustice, (CHOGM) in Perth, Australia that the Commonwealth Charter was also reiterated India's belief that the UN is uniquely placed to promote a hope of self-determination to millions of subjugated people across the and secure development among the peoples of the world; we proposed and was adopted on 19 December 2012.7 more just, equitable, and prosperous and secure world order and should globe particularly those suffering from the colonial yoke. are convinced that the Commonwealth is one of the most fruitful To our immense satisfaction, it is gradually acquiring a global be strengthened to reflect the current political and economic realities. India, being one of the 26 original signatories to the United Nations associations for these purposes." It further says: "We believe that character. The latest two entrants, Rwanda and Mozambique, The Indian Parliament is also a regular and active participant in the Declaration was also among the 51 original founding member states international peace and order are essential to the security and have never been a part of the British Empire. The Commonwealth Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at the international and who signed the UN Charter in San Francisco, USA on 26 June 1945, prosperity of mankind; we therefore support the United Nations and Parliamentary Association (CPA) deserves much credit for bringing regional levels. based on which the UN came into being on 24 October 1945. seek to strengthen its influence for peace in the world, and its efforts together MPs of Commonwealth countries on a single platform to India has been at the forefront of many UN resolutions. Over The Commonwealth in its previous avatars predates the UN. to remove the causes of tension between nations.”4 exchange views on a variety of contemporary issues. seven decades, India has strongly supported the advancement of However, the formal Commonwealth of Independent Countries Concerned at the diminishing capacity of international institutions There is a huge convergence of interest between the human rights at the UN. In the initial years, India forcefully raised also emerged around the same time as the UN in 1949. The 1949 to play an effective role in world affairs, the Commonwealth Heads of Commonwealth and the UN on issues like strengthening good issues like decolonization, apartheid, human rights, non-alignment, London Declaration made it clear that republics and other countries Government, in their historic 1983 Goa Declaration5, pledged renewed governance and the rule of law, protecting and promoting democratic nuclear disarmament, new international economic order, North-South could be part of the Commonwealth.2 The decision to retain the support for the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. principles and human rights and strengthening democratic relations, South-South cooperation, democracy, etc. and brought in a Commonwealth membership was one of independent India's first The Commonwealth is strongly anchored on the principles institutions. Both emphasise youth empowerment, gender equality, new dimension to the working of the United Nations that was more major foreign policy decisions. It was not only a defining moment in contained in the 1991 Harare Declaration.6 inclusive and sustainable economic growth for realising the 2030 besieged with security related matters. India was one of the prominent the evolution of the Commonwealth but also opened the door for a Today, the Commonwealth has become an ideal platform for its Agenda for Sustainable Development. Both are committed to members of the UN who raised the plight of the colonized countries. larger role for India in international politics. Presently, more than half members to communicate, share ideas, experiences and best practices free trade in a transparent, inclusive, fair, and open rules based Ultimately in 1960, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution of Commonwealth countries have a republican form of government. and co-ordinate activities despite differences in cultures, traditions and multilateral trading system. Both acknowledge the importance of on decolonization, the 'Declaration on the Granting of Independence disaster preparedness in reducing the impact of natural disasters. to Colonial Countries and Peoples'.11 The Resolution declared that The Commonwealth support to the UN Security Council (UNSC) subjecting people to alien subjugation constitutes denial of human Resolution 1325 of 31 October 2000 that recognised, amongst other rights and is an impediment to attaining world peace. Hon. Shri Om Birla was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha things, women's right to participate in peace processes is too well India also played an important role in ending apartheid in South in the Parliament of India on 19 June 2019. He has been a Member of Parliament for known. Commonwealth countries understand their commitment Africa. On 2 December 1950, the UN General Assembly declared under the Paris Agreement to mitigate the impact of global that "a policy of 'racial segregation' (apartheid) is necessarily based Kota-Bundi parliamentary constituency since 2014. He was previously a Member of the warming and climate change and are vigorously striving to limit the on doctrines of racial discrimination."12 Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha (Provincial Assembly) from 2003 to 2014. He has held positions temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial India strongly advocated for the abolition of apartheid at the with the youth wing of his party, Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha, as National Vice President, levels as prescribed in the Paris Agreement.8 UN and at all international forums, including the Commonwealth, State President and District President. He completed his Master of Commerce at Maharshi There is a renewed commitment in the Commonwealth to shift ultimately leading to its end and the emergence of South Africa as Dayanand Saraswati University. to clean forms of energy and partner with relevant organisations, a democratic country. India was also able to get a resolution on the

Left: India has participated in UN peacekeeping missions since its inception and is one of the largest contributors of peacekeepers. COMMONWEALTH NEWS: TWO COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES confidence that the international community has in India's capability to strengthen the Council. TO JOIN THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL FROM 2021 Ever since the United Nations was established in 1945, it has been engaged in addressing the multifarious and complex challenges that In June 2020, it was announced that have emerged from time to time. As it brings together the leaders of the two Commonwealth countries – India world on a single platform to share their thoughts, it has been able to and Kenya – have been elected as provide resolutions based on consensus views. Though the UN remains non-permanent members of the UN the principal forum for multilateralism, the Commonwealth is eminently Security Council, the United Nations

Image: Shutterstock_1480711058_credit_Christina Desitriviantie placed in addressing many complex issues through the unique style of organ that maintains international peace functioning, which is again marked by consensus building, informality and security. UN Member States chose treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa, adopted by the UN and goodwill. Both the UN and Commonwealth have immensely the countries in a series of voting in General Assembly on 8 December 1946.13 contributed to promoting world peace and development. The future the UN General Assembly, with 192 India has been relentlessly calling for elimination of nuclear of both organizations is intertwined in a myriad of ways and on their ambassadors casting their ballots during Image: Shutterstock_1130453738_credit_Lev Radin weapons. India has been actively participating in the economic, continued success, rests the future of a peaceful and sustainable world. pre-determined time slots, due to the social and humanitarian activities of the United Nations. The following ancient Sanskrit Sloka very profoundly lays down COVID-19 pandemic. India has participated in UN peacekeeping missions since its the future roadmap of these two global entities: Ahead of the election, the inception and has contributed more peacekeepers to UN missions India External Affairs Minister, Dr than any other country. India has provided more than 200,000 military Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said: “The and police officers to UN peace keeping over the last 70 years.14 It has COVID-19 pandemic and its grave the distinction of contributing the world's first female peacekeeping economic repercussions will test force that served towards bringing peace in Liberia in 2007. English Translation: the world like never before. In this In view of the pandemic of COVID-19 and the demand from several May the well-being of all people be protected extraordinary situation, India can play a positive global role. can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorise the use of countries for the drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), India has gone By the powerful and mighty leaders be with law and justice. We have always been a voice of reason and a votary of force to maintain or restore international peace and security. out of its way to meet the global demand at short notice, on pure May the success be with all divinity and scholars, international law. We advocate dialogue, consultation and The UN Security Council has five permanent members, who humanitarian grounds and as a way of showing solidarity in the hoary May contentment prevail world over. fairness in our approach to global issues. And we emphasize have the right to veto resolutions: China, France, Russia, the tradition of global development, addressing climate change and United Kingdom and the United States. Ten non-permanent References: eradicating of poverty as central to planet’s future.”1 members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year 1 https://www.un.org/en/sections/un-charter/preamble/index.html Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, Cabinet Secretary said in a terms, with five elected each year. Joining India and Kenya at (Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam) i.e 'the World is a Family'. 2 https://thecommonwealth.org/london-declaration statement on behalf of the Government of Kenya: “Kenya shall the UN Security Council in January 2021 are Ireland, Mexico Terrorism has become an important concern for all peace-loving 3 https://thecommonwealth.org/declaration-commonwealth-prime-ministers partner with members of the Security Council, as one of the and Norway. They will replace Belgium, Dominican Republic, countries and India is campaigning for the adoption of a Comprehensive 4 https://thecommonwealth.org/declaration-commonwealth-principles three African members of the United Nations Security Council Germany, Indonesia and South Africa. Estonia, Niger, Saint Convention on International Terrorism to combat cross-border terrorism. 5 https://thecommonwealth.org/goa-declaration-international-security … I reaffirm Kenya’s firm commitment to a rules-based ethos, Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam will remain India has been striving for the reform of the United Nations 6 https://thecommonwealth.org/harare-declaration buttressed by robust multilateralism, secured by the United on the UN Security Council until the end of 2021. Security Council and the creation of a more representative and 7 https://thecommonwealth.org/about-us/charter Nations Charter and International Law. Kenya anticipates democratic body to make it more effective in dealing with peace and 8 https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement continued support to ensure global peace and security for References: security related issues. 9 https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/plan-of-action-to-prevent-violent-extremism sustainable development and shared prosperity.”2 1 External Affairs Minister's remarks during launch of India’s Priorities for its The 2007 UN Declaration celebrating 2 October, Mahatma Gandhi's 10 https://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc12149.doc.htm Fifteen countries sit on the UN Security Council and each candidature for the UN Security Council 2021-22 - June 05, 2020: https://www. birthday, as the International Day of Non-Violence is recognition of the 11 UN General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 - https://www.ohchr. member has one vote. Under the Charter of the United mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/32736/External_Affairs_Ministers_ relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's ideal of non-violence.15 org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/Independence.aspx Nations, all Member States are obligated to comply with remarks_during_launch_of_Indias_Priorities_for_its_candidature_for_the_ The proclamation of 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by the 12 General Assembly Resolution 395(V), 2 December 1950 - http://www.worldlii.org/int/ Council decisions. The Security Council takes the lead in UN_Security_Council_202122 UN General Assembly on 11 December 2014 is a recognition of yoga as other/UNGA/1950/ determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of 2 Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Statement on the United National a holistic approach to health and well-being of all.16 13 UN General Assembly, Treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa, 8 December aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it Security Council Elections: http://www.mfa.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ The election of India on 17 June 2020 with an overwhelming 1946, A/RES/44 - https://www.refworld.org/docid/3b00f0993.html by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment Press-statement-on-UNSC.pdf majority of 184 out of 192 votes in the United Nations General 14 https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/india or terms of settlement. In some cases, the Security Council Assembly as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council 15 https://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/ for the term 2021-2022, for the eighth time, demonstrates the 16 https://www.un.org/en/observances/yoga-day

MAKING THE UN MORE EFFECTIVE: A PARLIAMENTARY A conversation with Mr Fabrizio Hochschild, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General on the Preparations for the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and IPU Secretary General Mr Martin Chungong. PERSPECTIVE Image credit: IPU

Age is just a number; in growing older, what matters is the health one At a deeper level, the problem today is that globalization, the flip side is in. of multilateralism, has yet to deliver fully on its promise of shared The health of the United Nations at 75 should be measured in prosperity and peace. As inequalities grow deeper, as new security terms of its capacity to master change and define a common agenda threats emerge, and as climate change and other environmental for the world that works for the people and that people can believe problems get out of control, people grow disillusioned with their in. From this standpoint, considerable efforts are needed if the UN governments and, by extension, with multilateral organisations is to fulfil its claim to speak for ‘the peoples’ of this world through such as the UN. The situation is being compounded by the ongoing their respective governments – as suggested in the preamble of COVID-19 crisis. the UN Charter. This, however, does not depend so much on the There is no question in my mind that the world needs the UN excellent men and women who work for the UN under the leadership today more than ever. We just need a way to make the UN a more of the Secretary-General. It depends mostly on the commitment of effective steward of the people’s welfare so as to realize the original the 193 governments that are the real political masters of the UN as intent of the Charter: “to save people from the scourge of war”, “to well as on the national Parliaments whose job it is to oversee those reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights” and “to promote social governments on behalf of the people. progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.” For the Inter- The UN, with its whole universe of agencies, departments, Parliamentary Union (IPU), an organisation devoted to democracy- treaty bodies and programmes, stands at the center of the current building, a big part of the solution must entail engaging Parliaments multilateral system of global governance. The UN was designed as a and Parliamentarians more closely in UN decision-making processes. forum where sovereign states can come together to devise solutions It should be clear that the IPU does not aim to have Parliaments to global problems. While there is much that each government substitute for governments in the conduct of international affairs. can do for its own citizens, action can often come to naught unless However, the agreements that are negotiated through the UN it is part of a collective, worldwide effort. This was true back in deliberative machinery need wider buy-in than just that of the 1945, and it is even more the case today after decades of growing governments of this world. They need to include the views of interdependence through commerce, finance, migration and other Parliaments as the bodies that best represent all people from all sides aspects of what is generally referred to as ‘globalization’. of the political spectrum, and that are constitutionally endowed with processes. While this vision of ‘a parliamentary dimension to the between national Parliaments and UN country offices. In addition, we But that multilateral system is in crisis for a number of reasons. The oversight authority to ensure that those international agreements are work of the UN’ – as we call it – is not fully realized yet, it remains key have set up a Committee on UN Affairs to review UN reforms and the international agreements that the UN negotiates are often the result implemented domestically through appropriate laws and budgets. to making the UN more open and accountable to the people. UN response to major issues of the day. of compromises that render them ineffective from the start. Often, For the last twenty years since the turn of the century and the Practically speaking, the IPU’s vision has its foundation at the A special oversight mechanism that we have devised relates to the agreements are not binding and lack a proper enforcement start of a new millennium, the IPU has worked steadily to bring the national level, where Parliaments actually operate and engage the yearly reports that governments submit to the UN on three key and accountability mechanism. Most recently, we have witnessed a people closer to the UN via their parliamentary representatives. This with their respective governments. It is about enabling national issues: human rights (through the Universal Periodic Review of the growing tendency for member states to sign up and to pull out of has required creating whole new processes and tools to enable Parliaments to provide input to their governments’ policy positions Human Rights Council), gender equality (through national reports global agreements with little regard for respect for international law. Parliaments and their Members to participate more effectively in UN in UN forums and to oversee their governments’ response to UN submitted to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination agreements (i.e. treaties and conventions, resolutions and political against Women), and the Sustainable Development Goals (through declarations). Voluntary National Reviews of the UN High-level Political Forum The sooner a Parliament is aware of a UN negotiation or reform on Sustainable Development). In each of these cases, we alert the Martin Chungong is the Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) process, the more it can engage with the government in developing Parliaments of the states submitting reports to the UN to the process and made double history by becoming the first-ever African and the first non-European a national position that includes the views of all the people ahead so they can provide input before the reports are finalised. represented by the Parliament. It is startling how, even today, so Evidently, facilitating more Parliament-to-government interaction to be elected as IPU Secretary-General in the organisation’s 130-year history. Following a many Parliaments are unaware of what their governments are saying on UN affairs only works to the extent that Parliaments themselves 14-year career with the Cameroonian Parliament, Mr Chungong has spent more than 20 at the UN. To bridge this gap and enable Parliaments to exercise are representative of the people at large and are duly capacitated years at the IPU. As Chair of the Management Committee on Accountability of the OECD their oversight role more effectively, the IPU regularly invites UN to perform their oversight function. This is why, at the same time as Governance Network, Mr Chungong has further contributed to establishing governance ambassadors and officials to brief Parliamentarians at our biannual we work to bring Parliaments to the UN, we also work to strengthen benchmarks to strengthen democracy. assemblies, organises parliamentary hearings and events at the Parliaments at home. To that effect, the IPU works either alone or in UN to track important processes, and facilitates direct interaction partnership with others for gender equality in Parliament (women

UN reforms that would recognise the need to engage more closely with Parliaments as a way of strengthening multilateralism through ANNUAL PARLIAMENTARY HEARING HELD AT THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS Image credit: IPU the UN. Clearly, there is a need to rethink the antiquated vision of international relations and global governance that sees governments, The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held its Annual represented by their executives, as exclusively in charge. Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations Headquarters The main concession to us in the declaration comes under the on 17 and 18 February 2020. The UN General Assembly rubric of ‘partnership’ where Parliamentarians – as opposed to the granted the IPU permanent observer status in 2002. institution of Parliament – were added to a long list of actors, such The IPU Annual Parliamentary Hearing at the UN was held on the theme of ‘Education as a key to peace and

as civil society, the private sector and academia, that can help Image credit: © Joel S Photo/IPU sustainable development: Toward the implementation of carry forward UN objectives. While this addition is welcome, it does SDG 4’ with the keynote address given by Mr Abdoulaye not quite capture the parliamentary perspective that the IPU has Mar Dieye, Assistant Secretary-General, Special Advisor advocated over the years. Partnership with Parliaments at the UN to the United Nations Development Programme is a concept that has mainly been applied to the implementation of Administrator on ‘The SDGs is the only way forward’. UN agreements, where Parliaments are indeed critical, but where The opening session heard from Mr Tijjani their intervention is only as good and effective as the agreements Muhammad-Bande, President of the 74th session of the themselves. When it comes to making room for Parliaments in the UN General Assembly, Ms Gabriela Cuevas Barron, The IPU convenes MPs from around the world for the 2020 actual decision-making processes of the UN, partnership cannot go President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Ms Maria Luiza annual parliamentary hearing at the United Nations in New York. very deep in the absence of real institutional reforms. Ribeiro Viotti, Chief de Cabinet, Office of the UN Secretary occupy only 25% of all parliamentary seats globally) and for fairer This said, there is no question that in just twenty years Parliaments General. representation of youth and other under-represented groups. and Parliamentarians have gained greater visibility at the UN. I am Through dialogue and peer pressure, we promote democratic convinced that, with a little more perseverance and commitment on COMMONWEALTH SPEAKERS ATTEND THE FIFTH WORLD SPEAKERS’ CONFERENCE TO practices such as being more open to civil society input and the political front, and more resources to sustain needed reforms, we respecting the rights of Members of the opposition. can go deeper and revamp our multilateral system. Multilateralism is FOCUS ON MULTILATERALISM IN THE LIGHT OF COVID-19 On the implementation side of the equation, i.e. making UN damaged but far from dead. Commonwealth Speakers of Parliament from across the world have attended agreements actionable within countries, the IPU is also very active, On this landmark anniversary, I wish the UN good health for many the first part of the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament which with a panoply of awareness-raising events and publications to help more years to come. took place virtually on 19 and 20 August 2020, organised by the IPU in Parliamentarians figure out the legislation they need to enact. Many partnership with the Parliament of Austria and the United Nations. Over 100 of our workshops and publications are prepared in cooperation Speakers of Parliaments and Legislatures as well as the Secretary-General with UN agencies and programmes. The most consequential of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Mr Stephen Twigg joined

and comprehensive agenda of our time, the 2030 Agenda for Image credit: IPU other Parliamentarians, experts and United Nations representatives to Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, mobilize the international parliamentary community to take action on the basically informs our entire programme of work. health, climate and economic crises facing the people and planet. While facilitating closer interaction between Parliaments and Originally planned to take place in Vienna, Austria, under the overall theme of Parliamentary leadership for more effective their governments at home, the IPU also advocates directly for multilateralism that delivers peace and sustainable development for the people and planet, the physical conference had been Parliaments at the UN. As an Observer at the General Assembly, the postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, instead, the Speakers met virtually to discuss parliamentary responses IPU can participate in most meetings to convey the main ideas and to the pandemic as well as themes including global governance, sustainable economies and the climate emergency. recommendations stemming from IPU debates. However, Observer “We currently face some of the greatest challenges ever witnessed by humanity. As Parliamentarians, we have a responsibility Status does not confer the right to participate in negotiations, so to make this planet a better place for the people that we represent, particularly for women and youth,” said Ms Gabriela Cuevas, the IPU must rely on information-sharing and persuasion, including IPU President. “We are the ones who can stop climate change; we can build more inclusive and green economies; we can be through informal contacts with ambassadors, as a way of putting our fierce advocates for gender equality; and we can ensure that we take the steps needed to overcome COVID-19 decisively, while points across. upholding democratic values and human rights. In the face of these challenges, we must also defend multilateralism and translate As we enter a new critical phase in the life of the UN, and in the face international commitments into national and local realities.” of existential threats of which COVID-19 is just the latest instalment, The virtual conference also included a special online event on countering terrorism and violent extremism on the eve of we need to take a hard look at the extent to which member states International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on 20 August. The virtual 13th Global Summit of Women have come to recognise and institutionalise the role of Parliaments Above (from left to right): IPU Secretary General, Mr Martin Speakers of Parliament also immediately preceded the Speakers Conference (see page 260). The World Conference of Speakers in multilateralism. In all honesty, this remains a challenge. During the Chungong; Mr Fabrizio Hochschild, Special Advisor to the UN of Parliament takes place every five years. The first World Conference of Speakers of Parliament took place in August 2000 at the negotiation of the UN75 Summit declaration, the IPU and many of its Secretary General on the Preparations for the Commemoration United Nations Headquarters in New York, just a few days before the Millennium Summit of Heads of State and Government. Member Parliaments advocated loudly for language in the section on of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations; and IPU President, Gabriela Cuevas Barron.

'THE FUTURE WE WANT, THE UN WE NEED: REAFFIRMING OUR immediate challenge presented by COVID-19 has been met. COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO MULTILATERALISM' At their best, these dialogues have sought to ensure that 2020 was to be a pivotal year for multilateralism. violence. A record number of children and young people have been policy choices are not limited This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and forced out of school, up to 100 million people are being pushed into by corporate interests; reflect Platform for Action, and the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking extreme poverty in 2020 alone, and some 265 million more people the need for greater resilience, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. now face food insecurity. In every continent, authoritarian tendencies inclusion, and sustainability; and are As such, it was to be a year of great mobilization for the rights, voice have re-asserted themselves. And all the while, natural disasters and underpinned by the urgent need to and leadership of women and girls. extreme weather events have continued unabated. recommit to action over the coming 2020 was also supposed to serve as an opportunity for the The virus moreover struck the planet at a time when close to decade, to achieve the vision of world to recommit to the Paris Agreement’s 2-degree limit on global 50% of people across the globe had already indicated a lack of the 2030 Declaration as set out temperature increase, through new and more ambitious Nationally trust in their governments. In many countries, the governance in the SDGs. Some have looked Determined Contributions (NDCs). response to COVID-19 has been uneven. It has exacerbated this to learn and maintain traction on The Human Rights Treaty Body Review was foreseen as a chance disconnect, especially when characterised by outright official denial; the new sustainable sectors and to re-evaluate the system that monitors countries’ compliance with reprehensible leadership; poorly-executed lockdowns, prematurely practices which have emerged or international human rights obligations. Similarly, the review of the lifted and then re-imposed; and failures to coordinate in the delivery caught on during the crisis – such UN’s Peacebuilding Architecture promised an informed assessment of health messages and services. In such cases, the result has been as telecommuting, locally-sourced of how well the international community - through the UN - is a failure to either contain the virus or preserve people’s economic production and consumption or prepared to sustain international peace. security. A feature of these poor responses has frequently been a ‘doughnut’ economics. Finally, as the commencement of the decade of action on the weak, inadequately-capacitated, or marginalised Legislature that has They have also involved Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2020 was to be a year of been unable to translate popular will into action by governments. In parliamentary diplomacy as part recommitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, some cases, Parliaments have even been shuttered indefinitely, and of efforts to ensure a shared with its aim to eliminate global poverty and inequality while respecting elections postponed. approach to solutions, including the planet’s natural limits. There are, however, examples of good governance responses, the availability of development As we approach the final quarter of 2020, however, the in countries where to date the pandemic response, and its economic finance on just terms, and the need overwhelming focus of Member States has, understandably, been and social consequences, have been well-managed. These have for an equitable approach to the their response to COVID-19. Yet it is timely to recall that the pandemic tended to involve effective service delivery, transparency and good distribution of personal protective represents not merely a health crisis. communication on the part of governments, combined with high equipment – and vaccines when COVID-19 has exposed deeply-entrenched inequalities the world levels of trust and social cohesion on the part of populations. they become available. over, placing disproportionate costs on the already vulnerable, In many of these cases, Parliaments and Parliamentarians have These initiatives - to improve the including the poor, those in the informal sector, migrant laborers, played a significant leadership role. quality of response and recovery; daily-wage workers, persons with disabilities, and refugees. Women First, they have maintained effective oversight of the immediate and to empower an inclusive vision and girls, and members of racial, ethnic and sexual minorities, have pandemic response, ensuring that it is evidence-based; fit-for- have been taken or invoked, they have ensured that these are for building back better, have cut across the traditional legislative, been exposed to new and multiple forms of discrimination and purpose; and appropriately-targeted. Where emergency powers exercised proportionately, in a time-limited fashion, and with respect oversight and representational mandates. They have frequently for underlying human rights frameworks. required Parliaments and Parliamentarians to find innovative ways of Secondly, they have ensured that an adequate, effectively- working and interacting. Systematising civic engagement, interfacing distributed, and properly-controlled short-to-medium term recovery more effectively with local government, and ensuring that the voices Charles Chauvel is Global Agata Walczak is a budget and plan are in place. Given the very significant expenditures of those most at risk of being left behind are heard - have been Lead, Inclusive Processes Parliamentary Project usually involved, effective oversight of new borrowing commitments common elements, in many cases facilitated through the deployment has been required, as have the creation or strengthening of probity of new technologies. Initially taken up as emergency procedural at the United Nations Manager at the United safeguards over public appointment and financing processes. responses, they are being adopted as regular ongoing features of Development Programme Nations Development Finally, and perhaps most significantly, Parliaments and the ways in which Parliaments work, with the potential to enhance (UNDP). He is also a former Programme (UNDP). Parliamentarians have been able to insist on a meaningful dialogue engagement and help restore faith in representative governance. Parliamentarian in the New - between the people they represent and the governments they Just as the governance response to COVID-19 at Member State Zealand Parliament. oversee - on a vision for how to ‘build back better’, or in other level has varied, so has the multilateral one. parlance, ‘build forward better’ on a long-term basis after the

There are some notable success stories. From the outset of the To raise to this challenge, it is without a doubt vital to address how crisis UNDP, through its 80 country-level parliamentary support the multilateral system can function more effectively, both in form REFLECTIONS ON THE UN AT 75 AND THE WORK OF THE UN programmes, has supported Parliaments to share knowledge, and in substance. At UNDP, we recognise that the crises of today innovate, and enhance voice and accountability. As around require a different kind of development: one that makes the most of ASSOCIATIONS half of these programmes are in Commonwealth nations, the the knowledge, ingenuity and innovation of those we serve, work Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has been our key partner and partner with; and which facilitates learning on how to do things A UK Parliamentarian reflects on the United Nations at 75 and and briefings for Parliamentarians and decision-makers. Some, in support of development and good governance. better. To remain fit for purpose, the UN system, with UNDP being no looks at the institution from the perspective of an academic, like UNAs in China and Norway, are closely associated with their As part of wider multilateral efforts, UNDP has supported countries exception, will have to continue transforming the way it works. But Parliamentarian and Chair of a UN Association. governments and receive most of their funding from foreign or in the development of more than 80 socio-economic assessments addressing the weak points of the multilateral system will also require development ministries. Some, like UNA-UK and UNA-USA, have a and response plans. We are raising global attention and debate a reflection and a decisive commitment on the part of Member States. I am privileged to be able to view the 75th anniversary of the full-time paid staff and draw their funding instead from foundations, on the need for unprecedented development measures for these 2020 may have failed - thanks to circumstance - to fulfil its original founding of the United Nations with the perspective of three members and public donors. unprecedented times. This includes advocacy for the immediate promise to serve as a year for the re-invigoration of multilateralism. different professional hats. They also differ greatly in their approach. UNA-UK combines introduction of a Temporary Basic Income for the world’s poorest But it has also served to remind us that there is simply no alternative As an academic who has taught politics at Oxford University since information and education with advocacy and campaigning. We focus people, that could slow the current surge in COVID-19 cases by to the need for such a re-invigoration. 1995, I have always thought of the UN as a little miracle of the post- not only on the UN, but on the UK's relationship with it, by hosting public enabling nearly three billion people to stay home, and stay safe. Ultimately, the pandemic cannot be defeated, except through WW2 world. The daily price it pays of compromise and impasse, events, conducting research, producing various publications and And we are mobilising new sources of development finance. The collective action. Nor can the unprecedented reversal in human diplomatic roadblocks and states wilfully ignoring its rules, is more working in partnership with a range of individuals and organisations. UNDP Rapid Response Financing Facility is making some $100m of development and security that is has unleashed. than repaid by the quiet transformations of our world that the UN is There are many UNAs that focus mainly on education and youth work, flexible financing available through UNDP Country Offices, building Ongoing collaborations between agencies such as UNDP and helping to bring about. Because every day the UN is responsible for including Model UNs. While others such as Ghana’s and Pakistan’s on $30m in redeployed funds since March and more than $390m in the CPA - multilateral entities created in order to support sustainable feeding, clothing and vaccinating those most in need, keeping the UNAs run practical projects – working with refugees, young people, reprogrammed, new, and additional funding. human development and good governance - are vital to maintaining peace and keeping refugees alive, trying to stop states failing and promoting tree-planting and drug awareness, for example. Still more widely, the multilateral system has been striving to rise and enhancing such action. So are the efforts of Parliaments helping new states survive and thrive. When disaster strikes the UN UNA-UK shares its birth year with the United Nations, and like the to the challenge. The recent adoption by the UN Security Council and Parliamentarians to reinvigorate partnerships for voice, is first in and last out. The truth is that if it didn’t exist, it could never be UN, it is a second take. The Association’s roots lie in the League of of resolution 2532 demanding “a general and immediate cessation accountability, inclusion, and resilience. created now. And for all its limitations, our world is so much better for Nations Union (LNU), formed in 1918 to promote international justice of hostilities in all situations” is a case in point. So is the ongoing The crisis of 2020 reminds us that the UN we need is crucial to the vision and battles that built it 75 years ago. and collective security through the establishment of the League of mobilisation by the World Food Programme of US$ 4.9bn to provide the future we want. It demands that we recommit to gender equality My second hat is that of Chair of the UK’s United Nations Nations. It became the largest and most influential peace organisation life-saving services targeting the world’s most vulnerable populations and human rights; to peace; to climate justice; and to achieving the Association (UNA-UK). The UNA network across the world was in the UK, with nearly half a million members, playing an important from starvation. The adoption by the UN General Assembly of SDGs by 2030. And it demonstrates the catastrophic consequences formed to serve as a bridge between the public and the United role in British politics with the involvement of prominent Liberal and resolution 74/274 on international cooperation to ensure global of failing to do so. Nations. The early Associations captured the spirit of post-war Conservative politicians. The LNU felt that Britain’s growing isolationism access to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment to face Visit www.undp.org for more informtion. enthusiasm and were also engaged in reconstruction work. A second had to be countered by a massive demonstration of support for a UK COVID-19 is also important, as is the collaborative wave of UNAs formed in the wake of decolonisation and new nation- foreign policy in which the League played a central role. effort of several UN agencies to support countries to building, from the late 1950s to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The collapse of the League demanded a new approach after stop the surge in violence against women and girls. There are now just over 100 UNAs, including an active World War Two. On 7 June 1945, three weeks before the United Of course, there have also been failures, both European network. Their core mission is to provide information to Nations Charter was opened for signature, UNA-UK held its first in respect of pandemic response, and more the public about what the UN does – through work with schools meeting. On 10 October, a fortnight before the UN Charter entered generally. The multilateral system as we know and universities, to public information and outreach, campaigns, into force, the Association was inaugurated in a packed Royal Albert it hasn’t succeeded in generating effort at the speed and scale that a sustainable future requires. Deepening inequalities, the global migration crisis, the perpetuation of economic models that do not Lord Stewart Wood of Anfield is a Labour peer, an academic at Oxford University correspond to the workings of today’s data economy, and the Chair of the United Nations Association (UK). In the UK House of Lords, he serves on remain significant unmet challenges. We have seen a the European Union Select Committee and the International Relations Committee. From loss of support for multilateral action in important areas 2001-2007, he was a member of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Council of Economic of activity from key powers; growing competition for resources; and a retreat to unilateralism, nationalism Advisers, focusing on EU affairs, and from 2007-10 he served as senior Special Adviser and protectionism. All these remain significant to the UK Prime Minister on foreign policy. Between 2010 and 2015, he was a member threats to both the immediate challenge presented of the Shadow Cabinet. In his academic work, he has written extensively on European by COVID-19 and by the wider and unprecedented politics, in particular the politics of economic and welfare policy. challenges that the planet faces.

Hall in London. The then UK Prime Minister, Clement Attlee, Anthony set and broad involvement across UN portfolios. This has changed Eden, MP and Megan Lloyd-George, MP addressed the crowd. in recent years: in part due to shifting global distributions of power, The Association absorbed much of the LNU’s work, resources and in part due to a deprioritisation of UN engagement at the highest and staff. In the late 1940s, it focused on enshrining the values of political levels. There is no doubt that the last decade has seen UK the UN Charter in the hearts and minds of Britons and on calling for foreign policy become more transactional and limited in ambition. strong UK support for its work – including a generous approach to Brexit has also already affected UK engagement internationally, resettling refugees. specifically inside the UN where the EU often acts through collective UNA-UK’s work has, like that of the UN’s, shifted focus across positions. Meanwhile. as the relationship between the US and the UN the decades in response to the global challenges faced in the post- has become more challenging, so has that of the US and UK, and in war world. In the 1950s, we started collections to support the UN’s turn the UK and the UN. Image credit: Shutterstock_18284770/UN HQ Geneva work, effectively doubling the UK’s contribution to UNICEF in 1953. In some ways the UK has adapted to the latest era of multilateral Volunteers were sent to rebuild houses in Austria and Germany. A engagement in positive ways. Its global leadership in aid, under decade later, the volunteer programme had grown, with 30 overseas both Conservative and Labour governments, represents an camps and an official placement scheme. By this time, disarmament impressive adjustment from the age of ‘military muscle’ to ‘aid and human rights had become major concerns for the Association, as muscle’ in supporting a stable international order, and very much in well as early concerns about global environmental issues. tune with the modern role of the United Nations across the world. In the 1970s, UNA-UK campaigned tirelessly for overseas Within the UN Security Council, the effectiveness of the UK is linked development aid. Our call for the UK to meet the 0.7% target was to the US, but also to its partnership with France. Our drafting ability only met in 2013. We also organised a series of events ahead of the is still prized, and our penholder status gives us leverage. first UN World Conference on Women. The 1980s saw UNA-UK lead Yet we must acknowledge that there is a widespread perception the ‘Let’s Freeze this Winter’ campaign, which lobbied hard against that the UK is in retreat from various international fora, including the increased deployment of missiles by NATO and the USSR. After United Nations. Allies and non-allies alike are asking a number of the UK withdrew from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural questions about the UK’s multilateral commitment in the wake of Organization (UNESCO), the Association set up an informal all-party ‘Brexit’: how actively is the UK now engaged across the spectrum of group of MPs to work for its re-entry, eventually achieved in 1997. The UN activity? How much support is there from London for UN reform? national commission for UNESCO was also housed within UNA-UK. Where is the energy, creativity and leadership from the UK in using The United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. In the past 30 years, UNA-UK has moved into education work, collective action through the UN to tackle new challenges – from with model UN events and teaching resources originally linked to climate change to migration, from meeting the challenge of new ad hoc. Parliamentarians are not one of the nine ‘major groups’ of The quest to connect national Parliaments more systematically the UN’s 50th anniversary a quarter of a century ago. But we have pandemics to cyber-terrorism? The jury is still out on how the UK stakeholders that the UN primarily engages with (interestingly local to UN activities continues. But the truth is there is little enthusiasm also been prominent in campaigns for peace and security. We will respond. UNA-UK will continue to work for more engagement authorities are however) and so instead the Inter-Parliamentary or support for that agenda among member states’ governments. campaigned against the Iraq war and for greater arms control, and rather than more retreat. Union has set up its own mechanisms, notably by working with the Instead, UNA-UK decided to use the UN’s upcoming 75th I am proud that UNA-UK played a pivotal role in reversing the UK’s My third hat is that of a Parliamentarian since 2011, when I was President of the General Assembly and relevant UN departments to anniversary to prioritise the promotion of civil society engagement position on cluster munitions, paving the way for a global treaty. made a Labour peer and Member of the UK House of Lords. organise an annual parliamentary hearing. with the UN, through developing a dedicated focal point for civil More recently, we have turned our campaigning zeal on the The relationship between the UN and national Parliaments is a Here in the UK, the UK Parliament has done a number of society at the UN in New York. The result is the Together First UN itself. In the 2010s, we prioritised work to make the UN more chequered and indirect one. As a coalition of member states, the things to engage with the UN - particularly in the House of Lords. initiative, which UNA-UK is leading, in the hope of building a deeper effective. Three campaigns exemplify this approach: first, our UN does suffer from a large degree of government-centricity. UNA-UK convenes the UN All Party Parliamentary Group, which relationship between the UN and active campaigners outside of successful push to keep teaching about the United Nations and Opportunities for engagement – be it from Parliamentarians, civil organises briefings and events connecting UN officials with UK national foreign ministries. The hope is that this focal point may in the global citizenship in the national curriculum for England; second, society organisations or individual citizens – has always been Parliamentarians. We recently held events with the UN’s Office of future offer opportunities for better and broader engagement with our UK general election campaign, which called for serious limited. As Sir Brian Urquhart and Erskine Childers commented in Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) head, Mark Lowcock, non-state actors, including Parliamentarians. In an era of populism discussion of Britain's role and set out a foreign policy manifesto, their seminal 1994 study Renewing the UN system: "The peoples and with the UN75 Office. The Lords International Relations and scepticism inside governments about the effectiveness of outlining 10 ways in which the UK could act as a force for good, of the United Nations introduce the Charter and then completely Committee held an inquiry in 2016 on priorities for the incoming multilateral cooperation, the strength of relationships between the such as greater engagement with UN peacekeeping and a strong disappear from that document." Secretary-General of the United Nations. While the UK House of UN and non-state actors will be crucial to determining whether the commitment to human rights; and third, the ‘1 for 7 Billion Campaign’, Urquhart and Childers recommended the establishment of a UN Commons Foreign Affairs Committee has interviewed a number of UN can rise to the challenges it will face in the coming decades. a global initiative spearheaded by UNA-UK, calling for a fair, open Parliamentary Assembly, a parallel body of global Parliamentarians, current and former UN officials as part of recent inquiries, including and inclusive process to select the UN Secretary-General. to engage with the UN system. A campaign developed around David Beasley of the World Food Programme, and former High For more information about the work of the UN Association UK (UNA-UK) But UNA-UK has increasingly focused attention on the relationship this issue, and nearly 30 years later it is still a vibrant one (you Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Al Hussein. The same please visit www.una.org.uk between the UK and the UN. As a key founding member, and member can find it here: https://en.unpacampaign.org/). In the meantime, Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry regarding the UK's of the UN Security Council, the UK has traditionally had a strong skill engagement from Parliamentarians within the UN system remains involvement with multilateral organisations.

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT WITH PARLIAMENTS: VIEW FROM THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL’S ENVOY ON YOUTH The international community’s approach to youth engagement today working at the frontlines as healthcare workers, innovating creative is paving the way for sustainable development, peace, the Agenda solutions, combating misinformation online, distributing rations, 2030 and for leaving no one behind. Young people, as the dominant volunteering to support elders and raising awareness online, and majority population in most developing countries today, are pioneers mobilising their peers. in political action, innovation, entrepreneurship and peacebuilding. Young people play an indispensable role in reimagining their Yet, young people face a plethora of social, economic and political communities and are constantly leading action for a better and more barriers that undermine their ability as changemakers. sustainable world. And I strongly believe, that when someone is old To utilize young people’s change-making capacity to the fullest, enough to vote, they should be old enough to run for office. This is their participation needs to be facilitated at all levels including in civic why my Office, together with partners such as the Youth Initiative for and political life. This is not just key to the realisation of the Agenda Advocacy Growth & Advancement of Nigeria (YIAGA) founded the 2030 but also one of its core requirements.2 ‘Not too Young to Run’ Campaign in Nigeria to elevate the promotion Today, young people under 30 make up more than half of the of young people’s right to run for public office and address the wide- global population - the largest generation of youth the world has ever spread issue of age discrimination. known. In the Commonwealth, 60% of its 2.4 billion population are This is also the fourth priority area of the UN Youth Strategy, aged under 30. Youth2030, launched by the UN Secretary-General in 2018, However, only around 2% of elected legislators worldwide are focusing on young people’s human rights and their civic and political under the age of 30 and 65% of the chambers of Parliament continue engagement through the promotion of young people’s right to to impose a ‘waiting time’ between the age to vote and the age participate in public affairs, including in political and civic processes, of eligibility to run for political office imposing age restrictions on platforms and institutions at all levels, such as elections, constitution- entering democratic institutions.3 making processes, political parties and Parliaments.4 Despite the many barriers that exclude young people from Young people’s ability to run for public office is a right, but age accessing and meaningfully participating in formal political spaces, discrimination laws often prevent them from doing so. Removing young people around the world are not waiting to be heard, but legal barriers to running for public office is the right thing to do and insist on claiming their space, pushing for change and serving their gives everyone an equal chance. The active participation of young communities. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has people in electoral politics is essential to thriving and representative underscored the exemplary resilience, courage and ingenuity democracies worldwide. Young people must have every right to by demonstrating that there is a correlation between lower eligibility financing election campaigns, including young people on the board that young people have demonstrated in the face of adversity and engage fully in the democratic process, and that includes the right for ages and higher levels of youth representation, with lower legal of political parties and guaranteeing a minimal space for participation uncertainty that affect their futures more than anything. young people to run for office themselves.5 thresholds fostering a climate in which young people are more likely of youth in electoral lists are some measures that can be taken to Further, not only have they risen to the occasion to take on I believe that young people today have the energy, and the right to come forward and be elected to Parliament at an earlier age.6 enhance political participation of young people.10 the ‘new normal’ post-COVID-19, but they have actively taken a to run for public office and that any efforts to prevent them from The ‘Not Too Young To Run’ campaign brought to global scale Furthermore, Parliamentarians can proactively move towards leadership role in pioneering their communities out of the crisis by doing so serve to limit citizen participation. Research supports this a movement which started in Nigeria and seeks to elevate the legislation that promotes youth engagement such as in Peru where promotion of young people’s right to run for public office and inspire 10% of the municipal government must be comprised of youth young people everywhere to actively engage in formal politics.7 representatives; in Morocco, the electoral law includes 30 seats Parliamentarians should diligently call for the alignment of reserved for candidates who are less than 40 years old; in Uganda, Ms Jayathma Wickramanayake is the United Nations Secretary-General’s the voting age and the age of eligibility to run for office in any they reserve 5 seats in the Parliament to youth representatives; in Envoy on Youth. Having represented and motivated global youth development on an given election and advocate for youth rights to run for office, and the last elections in Tunisia, each electoral list had to include a young international level since the age of 21, she has played a key role in transforming the showcase young leaders in elected positions.8 This, in turn, will candidate who was less than 30 years old; in Kenya, they reserved youth development sector at the national level, notably through the creation of a surely inspire young people to run for office themselves along 12 seats to represent special interests, youth included, people with with legislation moving the participation age in the favour of young disabilities and workers; in Rwanda, the National Council of Youth large movement for civic and political engagement of young people named ‘Hashtag people. Currently, youth compete in a very unequal state in election elects two members to the Chamber of Deputies; in the Philippines, Generation’. She worked previously as Secretary to the Secretary General of the Parliament processes, because they don’t have public acknowledgement and there exists a stipulation to include youth in parties’ lists systems.11 of Sri Lanka (2016-2017) and was a Senator in the Sri Lankan Youth Parliament (2013- the experience of a political career, or are crushed by the absence of As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations in 2015). She has also worked on the World Conference on Youth (2013-2014) and was the internal democracy in parties. They lack access to financing sources 2020, we must openly recognise that the active participation of Sri Lankan Youth Delegate to the United Nations (2012-2013).1 and a political party structure.9 Continued training on political skills, young people in electoral politics worldwide is essential to ensure

thriving and representative democratic institutions. The ‘Not Too 4 Youth 2030: The UN Youth Strategy https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/ Young To Run’ campaign provides precisely such a platform for youth-un/ THE POWER OF WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE, pushing needed structural change and promoting positive narratives 5 Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Young COLLABORATIVE FUTURE of young people’s contributions to politics, intending to break harmful People’s Political Participation Conducting a Dialogue (part 2) https://www. trust deficits and highlights intergenerational partnerships as the sida.se/contentassets/a06826186ce9459d9cd91538e0c18e6b/15043.pdf Over the past several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on in 1945, and it underlies the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable recipe for prosperous, equal and sustainable societies of the future. 6 Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), devastating health and economic shocks, exposing vulnerabilities in Development, including through a standalone goal (SDG5). The year 2020 is also the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of the 2019. Raising Their Voices: How effective are pro-youth laws and policies? social, political and economic systems around the world and amplifying The year 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World IPU’s Resolution on ‘Youth participation in the democratic process’, https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/ifes_2019_pro-youth_report_ existing inequalities, especially for the most marginalized. These Conference on Women, when 189 countries came together to which called on Parliaments to “align the minimum voting age with english.pdf challenges have given new dimensions to UN Women’s work on gender unanimously adopt the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the minimum age of eligibility to run for office to ensure greater 7 New Faces of Youth in Nigerian Parliament, The Convergence equality and women’s empowerment and reaffirmed the urgent need to a groundbreaking blueprint for women’s rights. The extraordinary participation by youth in Parliaments.”12 Magazine (Volume 2), July 2019. https://www.yiaga.org/portfolio_post/the- ‘build back better’ through a strong, multilateral response. circumstances of the current moment demand that we unite in that In this momentous year, I call on the international community convergence-magazine-volume-2/ In this 75th year of the United Nations, our commitment to same spirit of global solidarity, and bring to the fore the importance including all Parliamentarians to incline political will and channel 8 Editors, Jan Eichhorn and Johannes Bergh, 2020. Lowering the Voting multilateralism and collaboration has never been more critical. of multilateralism in the promotion of gender equality and the human support, to mainstream and take specific actions to champion youth Age to 16, Learning from Real Experiences Worldwide https://link.springer. The pandemic has brought to light the multiple and intersecting rights of all women and girls. participation in the democratic process. com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-030-32541-1 inequalities that define our world, with women and girls often the 9 Matt Henn et al. Journal of Youth Studies Volume 17, 2014 - Issue 3 hardest hit across every sphere; from health to the economy, security Women and leadership in the era of COVID-19 For more information about the initiatives of the United Nations Secretary- Published online: 31 Jan 2014 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.108 to social protection. Women are the majority of workers in healthcare, One key indication of societies out of balance is the lack of women General’s Envoy on Youth please visit www.un.org/youthenvoy. 0/13676261.2013.830704?src=recsys and in sectors that leave them vulnerable to the impacts of the in leadership and decision-making roles at every level of society, and 10 UNDP, Enhancing Youth Political Participation throughout the Electoral economic downturn. Millions of girls are out of school, putting them in national, regional and local level deliberative bodies. To build back References: Cycle, A Good Practice Guide. file:///Users/kadambarimainkar/Downloads/ at greater risk of child marriage, female genital mutilation, unintended better and achieve gender equality, women must be able to lead and 1 https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/personnel-appointments/2017-06-20/ ENG_UN-Youth_Guide-LR.pdf pregnancies, and HIV infection. A ‘shadow pandemic’ of gender- participate fully in decision-making, both on the COVID-19 response ms-jayathma-wickramanayake-sri-lanka-envoy-youth 11 Youth Participation in National Parliaments, IPU, 2018. based violence has arisen in situations of lockdown, while women’s and recovery and across all areas of public life. 2 https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/2030-agenda-for- 12 Youth Participation in the Democratic Process Resolution adopted by access to justice and to sexual and reproductive health services has In several countries, including in the Commonwealth, we sustainable-development/peace/governance/empowering-youth.html consensus* by the 122nd IPU Assembly, Bangkok, Thailand, 1 April 2010 - been compromised, and their unpaid care work is increasing. This are seeing powerful examples of how women’s leadership and 3 https://www.ipu.org/resources/publications/infographics/2019-08/youth- http://archive.ipu.org/conf-e/122/res-3.htm situation is further compounded by the double discrimination many participation can provide a more effective, inclusive and fair in-parliament-in-2018 women and girls face due to their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, response to the pandemic. Yet, while women’s political participation gender identity, disability, age, migration status and many other has increased over the last few decades, it is still far from equal. factors. If we do not take concerted action, we risk reversing the The latest data from UN Women and the Inter-Parliamentary Union1 limited gains made on women’s rights and empowerment in the past shows that women comprise just 24.9% of Members of Parliament decades. and 20.5% of Speakers of Parliament. They are Heads of State and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned of Government in only 22 countries. the “corrosive effects of today’s levels of inequality” and called Globally, although women make up 70% of healthcare workers, for people from all sectors to come together around a New Social they are just 24.7% of the world’s Health Ministers. These figures Contract and New Global Deal based on unity, peace, justice, the show us that we have created a world where women are squeezed planet and human rights. The achievement of gender equality and into just one quarter of the space in the rooms where critical decisions women’s empowerment is inextricably connected to this vision. It is are made. an essential element for achieving the ideas set out in the UN Charter

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women since August 2013. She served as Deputy President of South Africa from 2005-2008, before which she held Ministerial positions and was a Member of Parliament. Focusing on human rights, equality and social justice, she began as a teacher, gaining international experience at the World YWCA. She founded the non- profit Umlambo Foundation.

Yet, experience and evidence has demonstrated that when social and economic rights today. Despite this reality, the political will At a high-level event during the 74th UN General Assembly, UN Women and the Council of Women World Leaders came together women participate in decision-making processes, more inclusive to change the status quo is often lacking. to lend their voices and power to the Generation Equality campaign. decisions are made, diverse voices are heard, and different UN Women’s Call to Action to Parliamentarians provides a solutions are created. This leads to better outcomes for everyone. framework for tackling these barriers. Launched in 2019, at the

When women are equally represented in Parliaments, they are Annual Summit of Women Political Leaders (WPL) ahead of the G-20 Credit: UN Women/Ryan Brown better able raise the profile of key issues, including sexual and Summit in Tokyo, Japan, it calls on Parliamentarians around the reproductive health and rights, childcare and equal pay, as well as world to build on Member States’ experiences and best practices broader development issues, such as the alleviation of poverty. on how to achieve a gender equal world through legislation and In the context of COVID-19, women Parliamentarians can play parliamentary work, focusing on five key acceleration points: 1) a key role in driving political, media and public attention to the Ending discriminatory laws; 2) Increasing the number of women in pandemic’s disproportionate socio-economic impact on women Parliaments, Cabinets and leadership; 3) Implementing progressive who are overrepresented in informal and vulnerable employment, law reforms; 4) Challenging norms and traditional gender as well as to the need for essential services to address the spike in stereotyping; 5) Supporting other women in politics. domestic violence during lockdowns. Having more women in high- The Call to Action is part of UN Women’s Generation Equality level positions also challenges discriminatory social norms and campaign2, which is bringing together Member States, civil stereotypes and sends a message that women leaders are just as society organisations, UN agencies, young people and the private legitimate and capable as men. sector to take urgent action for gender equality. A multilateral, multigenerational approach is at the heart of Generation Equality, Opportunities for action and its six Action Coalitions, one of which will be focused on Feminist Parliamentarians play a vital role in dismantling the persistent Movements and Leadership. The issue of women’s leadership will obstacles, both in law and in culture, to women’s leadership. For also top the agenda at the 65th Session of the Commission on the instance, discriminatory laws, systems and attitudes about women’s Status of Women in March 2021, which will have a priority theme ability to lead can hinder their ability to participate in politics and focused on women’s full and effective participation and decision- decision-making roles, while violence against women remains one making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence. like. The initiative Leaders for Generation Equality3, launched in to defend the values upon which we were founded, and to amplify of the most serious obstacles to the realization of women’s political, A critical part of addressing the issue of women’s leadership and cooperation with the Council of Women World Leaders (CWWL), is the voices of women and girls around the world. participation is challenging the perception of what a leader looks bringing together leaders from business, academia, civil society, I urge Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth, and around politics, youth movements and entertainment – from the Prime the world, to use their positions and power to ensure political Minister of Iceland and CWWL Chair, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and the accountability on gender equality commitments and to sound the former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, to #MeToo founder siren for urgent political action to fulfill the commitments of the Beijing Tarana Burke, and footballer and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals. By Marta Vieira Da Silva. In lending their voices, impact and power supporting the changing of discriminatory laws, working to boost the to advocating for Generation Equality, and the empowerment of number of women in leadership positions and defying the gender all women and girls, they are breaking down gender norms and stereotypes that hold women back, Parliamentarians can accelerate stereotypes and providing powerful role models for girls and young impactful change for women and girls. women. Together, we can ensure that 2020 will not merely be remembered as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the year Working together for the future we want we took significant steps towards an equal world for women and As much as the pandemic has challenged us, it has also connected girls. That is the future we want, and the future the world needs. Credit: Cámara de Diputadas y Diputados Chile/René Lescornez us, and shown that we cannot go back to the status quo. The recent rise in activism and movements speaking out against racial injustice, Please visit www.unwomen.org for more information. including its intersection with gender inequality, homophobia and Left: Legislators in other forms of discrimination is leading to a global reckoning with the References: Chile's Lower House of structures, systems and unconscious biases that sustain inequality, 1 https://www.ipu.org/resources/publications/infographics/2020-03/ Congress vote on Bills including within our own organisations. women-in-politics-2020 during the COVID-19 As we rebuild from conflict and Coronavirus, let us heed the 2 https://www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/beijing-plus-25/about pandemic, Valparaiso, UN Secretary-General’s call to reject inequality and division, and 3 https://forum.generationequality.org/leaders-generation-equality Chile, 13 May 2020. embrace a shared vision of peace and equal opportunities, rights and freedoms of all for all. It is up to us, as the UN and as UN Women,

TH UN WOMEN’S 10 ANNIVERSARY, THE FUTURE OF GENDER EQUALITY AND The CWP Chairperson also participated in a webinar on the THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN THE COMMONWEALTH ‘Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s Entrepreneurship: Challenges and On 2 July 2010, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark towards achieving this important goal may reduce by one-third Opportunities’ hosted by UN Women resolution to merge four parts of the United Nations system into the which could lead to an additional increase of 2 million FGM cases Pakistan, the African Development United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment over the next decade that could have been averted. Yet of greater Bank and the Islamic Development of Women – known as UN Women. Now ten years on from this importance to the work and core priorities of the CWP, recent studies Bank where she spoke alongside historical turning point, UN Women has marked its 10th anniversary administered by the United Nations inform us that policies that fail to a number of key speakers from the which is a significant achievement that should be celebrated by consult or include women in decision-making are less effective and at CPA Asia Region. With many more all individuals, but in particular, non-governmental entities and times harmful. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated in activities and programmes currently organisations committed to advancing gender equality such as an official address urging governments to put women and girls at the being planned for the remainder of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) network centre of their recovery efforts that“limited gains in gender equality the year, this is just the beginning for women Parliamentarians, the Commonwealth Women and women’s rights made over the decades are in danger of being of many of the CWP network’s Parliamentarians (CWP). rolled back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”3 accomplishments. UN Women works globally in around 90 countries delivering a Parliaments across the Commonwealth must strive to ensure Despite many Parliaments facing remarkable overflow of activities and programmes that focus on areas that women are heard and equally represented in all areas of delays and challenges during this Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians from the CWP Pacific Region met for their CWP Regional of priority such as women’s leadership and political participation, decision-making in order to contribute to the successful resolution of period of uncertainty, the year 2020 Conference in Niue in February 2020 to discuss gender equality and effective communication, with MPs economic empowerment, ending violence against women, peace challenges and issues that have not only arisen during this period of attending from across the Region. has presented itself with some success and security, humanitarian action and much more. However, despite great difficulty but that could appear in the near future. It is therefore in increasing the representation of the successes it has achieved throughout recent years, the recent now more important than ever that the CWP continues to exert its formidable step towards supporting women Parliamentarians by women in Parliaments across the Commonwealth that should not be outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) reveals that there is still more influence across the Commonwealth. officially realising its three-year Strategic Plan for the years 2020 to disregarded. The Parliament of Kiribati made history in their elections work to be done by global institutions to achieve gender equality. As an entity that has celebrated over 30 years of service 2022 on 14 August 2020. that took place in April 2020 with Members of Parliament voting for In a statement made by Her Excellency Phumzile Mlambo- dedicated to advancing issues around gender equality, has The CWP Strategic Plan is underpinned by four key principles the country's first female Speaker of Parliament, and an additional Ngcuka, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN advocated for better representation of women in Parliament, and which will guide the work of the CWP across the next three years; four women Parliamentarians were elected, the highest number of Women on the 10 year anniversary of UN Women, she asserted that provided capacity-building tailored to women Parliamentarians’ roles maximising the role of women Parliamentarians; building the women in their Parliament so far. “in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the human rights of women as legislators, scrutineers and representatives, the CWP is committed capacity of women Parliamentarians; advocating for mentoring As CWP looks ahead to the implementation of its strategy to and girls have more prominence, universality and more urgency to championing gender equality and the empowerment of women and knowledge sharing amongst women Parliamentarians and; promote the representation of women Parliamentarians and issues than ever before.”1 across the Commonwealth as recognised in the Commonwealth proactively encourage women Parliamentarians to take a central relating to gender, the success and achievements of the CWP Research conducted by the United Nations on the impact of Charter. Now over 3,000 women strong and represented in over 180 role in gender mainstreaming at all levels of decision making. network can serve as a great example to women Parliamentarians, COVID–19 on women, has shown that in two Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures, the CWP is devoted to supporting all Many Regions of the CPA have already been proactive in Parliaments, organisations and institutions within and beyond the countries, Cyprus and Singapore, since the outbreak of COVID-19, Branches belonging to the membership of the CPA to work towards delivering impactful work needed to achieve the outputs and Commonwealth. domestic violence helplines have registered a rise in calls of 30% attaining the targets needed to achieve SDG 5. outcomes of the Strategy. In February 2020, the CWP British Islands The CWP continues to work with UN Women and many other and 33% respectively.2 UNICEF published findings that demonstrate After a series of consultations with members of the CWP and Mediterranean Region held their 7th annual Commonwealth international stakeholders to ensure that women Parliamentarians COVID-19 could have a profound impact on efforts made to end International Steering Committee, women Parliamentarians and Women Parliamentarians Regional Conference in the Falkland belonging to the CWP membership are supported and that the female genital mutilation (FGM) by 2030 and predict that progress Parliaments from across the Commonwealth, the CWP took another Islands where Members in attendance discussed pertinent issues CWP continues to deliver important work in the way of achieving such as combatting gender stereotypes in small communities, the network’s goals of increased female representation and gender mentoring of women Parliamentarians and creating opportunities equality in Parliaments across the Commonwealth. for women in the future in small communities, encouraging women to stand for public office amongst many other subjects. In addition, References: Ms Bénite Dibateza is a Programmes Officer at the Commonwealth Parliamentary the CWP Pacific Region also held their CWP Regional Conference 1 https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/6/statement-ed-phumzile-un- Association (CPA) Headquarters Secretariat and she has specific responsibility as the in February 2020 in Niue, to discuss gender equality and effective women-turns-10 Coordinator for the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network. communication, with MPs attending from across the Region. In July 2 https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/ of this year, the CWP Australia Region launched their CWP Australia publications/2020/issue-brief-covid-19-and-ending-violence-against-women-and- website that seeks to raise awareness of their Regional activities and girls-en.pdf?la=en&vs=5006 action agenda but also highlights and outstanding achievements 3 https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061452 such as having over 40% women in Parliaments in the Region.

38% female. And, 52% of the experience holistically. These changed by the experience. what the government should do. INSIGHTS INTO BEING THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION Ministers had a substantial interviews were an opportunity The role of identity was What they say is now taken to be background in education (either for some of the participants to further considered as I the position of the government. having been employed in the revisit situations that they had developed four common themes Additional changes often occur; field or having received post- not thought about for some from the stories of the former for example, moving to a new secondary education in the field). time and to reflect upon them. I Ministers: changing identity, city, being in a new organisation, The Education portfolio is one of the most important in government. A former Education This finding is inconsistent with appreciated hearing their stories, voicing identity, educating wearing a new wardrobe Minister from Yukon, Canada gives an insight into his experience of the role. the typical practice of Premiers lessons learned, and insights. identity, and trusting identity. I suitable for the position, and not putting a subject matter The participants and I then examined the experience becoming accustomed to being expert in charge of a portfolio. discussed topics such as: how of being a Minister of Education, addressed as Minister, rather In order to hear from a fairly the Minister is not omnipotent and not by how the participants had than by their given name. My Education is a significant portfolio decision-maker, and a leader. Education. To this end, I used a broad spectrum of people and to cannot change everything all of experienced the activities of the small sample also suggested in any provincial or territorial And, it involves operating in ‘hermeneutic phenomenological gather good stories, I interviewed the time; the challenge of making office - the plot - but through the that becoming the Minister also cabinet. The Education Minister the contentious, emotional methodological’ approach – in five former Ministers of Education decisions when one is not an important points - the themes - includes changing habits. Almost makes decisions and works with field of education. Revisiting plain language, I interviewed in Canada. The participants expert in the field; the challenge that had emerged. all said that while in office, they others to accomplish specific the experience through a other former Ministers of included men and women; of finding trustworthy advice; The first theme, changing took less personal care. Most functions that affect individual researcher’s lens was interesting, Education from across the former representatives from five and how politics often trumps identity, came through in several said they gained weight and students and society as a whole. frustrating, and rewarding. It was country, analysed their different provinces in the West, evidence. We also discussed different perspectives. There is got out of shape. And some, They are widely seen to have a an opportunity to study various comments, and presented a the Prairies, Central Canada, some personal issues such as the micro changing identity of the unfortunately, said they became key role in shaping the future, and philosophical perspectives, nuanced thematic understanding and the Maritimes; Members of how staying true to everything, individual in the position and the more cynical and insular. as such, the pressure on them examine political science theories of the experience. Conservative, Liberal, and New including oneself, can be macro intention of changing the Changing identity also relates Patrick Rouble to perform well and succeed (something I had not done Some interesting statistics Democratic Parties; and people challenging; how Ministers have identity of people in the province. to macro considerations of served as the Member is immense. Surprisingly, for before entering politics), and emerged when I examined who from a variety of professions to play by the rules whereas other The former involves the transition why people become involved of the Legislative such an important position, carefully consider how others had had been a provincial Education (including former educators). I stakeholders do not always seem from concerned citizen to Minister in politics in the first place. The Assembly of Yukon in new appointees often find they experienced the position. Minister in Canada. About 81 kept the names of the participants to have to; and how people seem of Education. This process purpose of my study was not to are unprepared for all that is Even though I had been in different individuals had been in the study confidential. In to treat the person who is now a involves several steps and determine why people become Canada for Southern expected of them. the position for five years, this provincial Education Ministers addition to this being a condition Minister differently than they did influences what the individual can politicians, but it became Lakes from 2002 to In this article, the author, a research activity was a bit of a in Canada between 2000 and of the university’s ethics review prior to the appointment. say, do, and act upon. Ministers apparent from my discussions 2011. He was the former Territorial Education revelation. When I took office, 2016. The average time holding board, I believe that keeping I found that the concept of often start out as concerned that the participants got involved Territory’s Minister Minister, summarises his I had next to no training or that office was just under two the identity of the participants identity was an important one. citizens who demonstrate some in politics to make changes and of Education for five doctoral research into education orientation for what I was about years. Only 34 people (42%) confidential encouraged frank Identity, and the politics around sort of capacity in their community to “change the direction the years. He is currently leadership. Employing interviews to experience. Other than an had held the position for more and open discussion. identity, has recently become and who join a political party that province was going in.” In other with other former Education afternoon with the Clerk of the than two years. The breakdown The participants in the a hot topic. It is not my intention aligns with their personal views words, they wanted to change Principal Consultant Ministers from across the country Legislative Assembly, a day with by gender was 62% male and study were generous with their to fuel this fire. Nevertheless, and values. When they join a the identity of the province. By at Transom Frame and the political spectrum, he a communications specialist, and time and forthright with their being the Minister of Education is party, they accept the party’s changing legislation, policy, Consulting. He recently endeavoured to develop an a stack of briefing books, there comments. I conducted two a human experience. It involves philosophical perspectives, and budget expenditures, received a Doctorate interpretive understanding of was very little preparation for the “The Education interviews with each participant. someone - not some impersonal positions, and platforms - even governments affect the people in Education from the the position through the lens of position. It seems that many of Minister makes Some of the topics I set out to edifice - making decisions; a though they might not agree in the province, and these University of Calgary identity. my colleagues found themselves discuss included: the process real person with his or her own with everything. When they are changes influence opinions, Four common themes were in similar positions. As several decisions and works involved in transitioning from experiences, beliefs, values, and selected as candidates, they behaviours, and cultures. Beliefs and his dissertation developed from the stories of researchers have noted, with others to being a concerned citizen frailties; a person with a unique are responsible for carrying this that were once common evolve examined the the former Ministers: changing including Loat and MacMillan, accomplish specific to becoming the Minister of identity. platform forward and explaining over time. Political leaders, experiences of several identity, voicing identity, educating newly elected officials, Cabinet Education, the duties and actions Identity can be defined as why they, their party, and their including Ministers of Education, Canadian Provincial identity, and trusting identity. He Ministers included, tend to have functions that affect of the office, the constraints the fact of being who or what leader are best suited for the are often arbitrators and Ministers of Education. concludes by expressing hope a poor understanding of the role individual students that the Minister of Education a person is. Some academics job of governing. As elected instigators of such change, both that his analysis and research that they are about to undertake. is under, the role and influence suggest that our understanding representatives, they become following and leading the views will help us do a better job of Comparing and contrasting and society as a of stakeholders, and the of who we are and how others responsible for carrying the of the public. preparing people who assume provincial Education Acts, whole. They are impacts of being a public figure. perceive us is strongly influenced voice of their constituents into Education Ministers are these positions to understand their researching the concepts Thankfully, the methodology by people’s experiences, discussions and debates. Again, also expected to represent the roles and responsibilities. of Ministerial responsibility widely seen to have allowed for some deviation social interactions, and group this is not always a consistent, voices of numerous different Creating a better and Cabinet solidarity, and a key role in shaping from my prescribed path; as memberships and that identity is homogeneous voice. perspectives or identities. Briefly understanding of the experience examining leadership theories the future, and as one participant commented, we not fixed. When someone gets When these concerned stated, the Minister is expected of being a Minister of Education provided a theoretical ultimately had some cathartic involved in politics, gets elected, citizens become Ministers, to be the voice of the people to proved to be a thought- understanding of the position. such the pressure conversations. I believe that and becomes a Minister, that affected by the Oaths of Office, the department and the voice of provoking academic project. However, I was interested in on them to perform when we are in office, we are person certainly has significant Ministerial responsibility, and the department to the people. The position is complex and trying to explain how people often too focussed on the experiences and interactions, Cabinet solidarity, they become But the position is much more multifaceted. It involves being actually lived the experience well and succeed is important issues and crises that and belongs to new groups. the voice of the government. complex than this summary a politician, a representative, a of being the Minister of immense.” we face daily to reflect on the I suggest that the person is No longer can they muse about suggests. Ministers carry their

own voice, based on their incorporated into what they said, MLA is a trustee or a delegate - system. She put forward the in politicians. One said, “We’ve Education is often seen as a and political positioning. the Minister of Education. There own education, experiences, but, ultimately, they decided what one who votes as constituents position that people needed to allowed, as a society, the media scapegoat for ongoing problems Education is a subject were many ‘a-ha’ moments and and beliefs; they also carry the to say and how to say it. I found direct or one who exercises have solid evidence so that they and the general public to paint us in society. As the one responsible that is widely researched, times when I wished that I had voice of their party, and they this to be an important concept. his or her own judgement - could have trust in the system. all [politicians] as liars and cheats. for education, the Minister of and this research influences known then what I know now. are the elected voice of their The Minister of Education is often was discussed with some of Participants shared stories And that we are only in it for Education is therefore responsible teachers, administrators, and Being a Cabinet Minister, a constituency. They are expected expected to be an interpreter, the participants. Several said of overturning decisions made ourselves and that we can’t be for the problems of today and other education professionals. representative, and a politician to stand behind the platform or a bridge, between various that even though they felt that by others, including decisions trusted.” This dichotomy - being for solving them for the future. Research is also used to inform is an important position in our and implement it. They are groups. it was vital to represent their of teachers, principals, school empowered by the system, but Education Ministers are expected practice, assessment, policy, society, one too important to often expected to be the voice Being the Minister of constituents, they often found boards, department staff, and not trusted by those in the system to prepare people for the future and other issues in education. be left up to happenstance and of people dissatisfied by the Education involves being themselves in complex situations former governments. Even - frustrated several participants. and to put in place education However, the research political expediency. We need system: “I just got this letter. What selected by others to make that required situational and though others in the system were The matter of how politicians programs to ensure that everyone is often inconsistent and to do a better job, I think, of can we do to fix their problem?” decisions and then working contextual consideration. They trusted to make decisions, these experience trust - being trusted, will behave as they should so that inconclusive. Additionally, it is preparing new people for the appears to be a common with others to accomplish had time and resources to study Education Ministers involved trusting others, building trust, individual and societal problems often ideologically or politically positions we entrust them with. refrain. In Cabinet budget, specific functions that affect issues in more depth than most themselves in situations and and recovering trust - is a large are remedied. With such lofty influenced. Unlike other fields, I hope that this analysis and policy meetings, they are students and society. Trust is an constituents could, and they had directed different courses of issue. The theme of trusting expectations, it is no wonder there is no single, universally encourages further discussion expected to be the voice of important consideration in this the responsibility to look at an action. Reasons for overturning identities is an important one in that few people want to be in recognised authority for about the role and activities of the the department and to strongly position. The Minister needs to issue from multiple perspectives. decisions included: the belief that understanding the experience the position and that most in the education research. Minister of Education. I sincerely present the department’s be trusted and needs to trust But, at the end of the day, they the decision was not consistent of being a Minister of Education. position last fewer than two years. This situation leads to hope that it encourages Ministers needs and perspectives. In others. Trust has a variety of had to make a decision that they with the good of the public; the Ministers need to trust The Minister of Education is the issue of accountability in to think about their role and the departmental meetings, they definitions and interpretations. could personally live with. belief that the decision was themselves and have confidence expected to be an authority on education. The Minister of important issues in education. are often the voice of the In some cases, someone who In addition to trusting the inconsistent with legislation; in their abilities. They need to be education and to make decisions Education is accountable for Additionally, I hope that it government explaining the final is trusted is expected to act in Premier and other Cabinet strong public opinion against the aware that they must be trusted affecting the provincial education government expenditures; encourages others to seek out government position - one that the best interests of the other; in Ministers, the Minister of decision; strong personal beliefs by others and take steps to build system. The Minister has the legislation, regulation, and the thoughts and perspectives of may be different from the one others, trust involves believing Education must also trust the that the decision was wrong; and that trust. They need to be able authority to establish courses government policy; and the those who have been in positions the department suggested the or accepting something without staff of the department. When to satisfy other stakeholders in to trust the roles and systems that of study, approve curriculum, actions of those funded by of responsibility, authority, and government take. And, in the seeking verification or evidence asked about this situation, one the system. In our hierarchical they interact with. And they need set funding priorities, and government expenditures. power. By better understanding Legislative Assembly and in the for it. participant said that when she governance system, it seems that to intervene when others have a exercise other considerable The Minister is held to account the experience, the expectations, media, they are often a synthesis Education Ministers are first started in the position, she leaders often trust others to make lack of trust or a feeling that their powers. However, expert for the performance of the and the underlying systems, we of the voice of the department; involved in a diverse array of questioned who these people decisions that they will agree with. interests are not being served. I knowledge of education is not department. In education, this can, I hope, make better, more they must explain or defend why relationships that involve trust were, who they held allegiances In education systems, duties think that this broad concept of a requirement for being the often relates to the performance informed decisions that result the department did certain things - relationships in which they to, and if they were aligned are frequently delegated to trust and how it is experienced is Minister of Education. Ministers of students. There are many in more optimal and intentional while reconciling this stance with are expected to take another’s with another political party. others. Additionally, the concept worth examining further. are appointed to the position actors in education: students, outcomes. the positions and actions of the perspective into account when However, she soon realised the of academic independence After examining the for multiple reasons. They may parents, teachers, administrators, government. making decisions. They are professionalism of the public comes into play in the field of experiences of several former therefore face situations in which school boards, departments, This article was initially published in The Minister of Education is trusted by party members, servants that she worked with education. Nevertheless, in Education Ministers, I considered they lack specific subject matter and others. All are expected to the Canadian Parliamentary Review expected to voice a complex constituents, and the Premier and trusted them. Conversely, our system of governance, the how this position is different from knowledge to make informed perform. But from my research (Autumn 2019). The article is based on identity and perform a complex in the process of becoming another participant shared a Minister is still held accountable leading other portfolios. The decisions. They rely on the and experience, it appears the full dissertation, ‘Anxiety, Authority, role. Before Ministers speak, they the Minister of Education. They story of how a person in his for the outcomes of decisions main characteristics - anxiety, advice of others, consider the that the Minister, due to the and Accountability: The Experience must consider the position of the have relationships with Cabinet department who had been at delegated to others and for authority, and accountability - other previously discussed forces hierarchical nature of the system of Being a Minister Responsible for government, the capacity and colleagues that are influenced the centre of an embarrassing the actions of those in the have an impact on education. that influence decision-making, and the convention of Ministerial Education’, which can be found online. position of their department, the by the concept of Cabinet issue for the government later department. Participants shared I appreciate that they may be and often “trust their gut.” responsibility, is ultimately philosophy of their political party, solidarity. As appointed leaders, campaigned for an Opposition stories of situations where others contentious topics, especially Education is a contested accountable for everyone’s References: the platform they committed to they have relationships with party. It seems that the Minister is in the system did something that coming from a former Minister space with multiple perspectives, actions. I was once told by a • Patrick Rouble, Anxiety, implementing, the opinions of their department and other required to trust the department certain citizens did not agree of Education who researched beliefs, and positions. It is parent that if his son could not Authority, and Accountability: The people in the province, and their people involved in education, for information, and except for the with. In some cases, the Minister the experiences of other former strongly influenced by personal read, it was my fault. Decision- Experience of Being a Minister own personal knowledge and including subject matter most exceptional circumstances, defended the actions of the Ministers of Education, but these experience. Education is also making is distributed throughout Responsible for Education (doctoral beliefs. Being trusted by others experts, administrators, and that trust is well placed. individuals; in others, the Minister points are important to consider. political. Elected decision- the system, but accountability for dissertation, University of Calgary, to be their voice is a profound teachers. As participants in This is not to say that overturned the decisions. People Our collective anxiety makers – politicians - at multiple decision-making frequently is not. 2018), https://doi.org/10.11575/ responsibility that significantly the provincial budget process, Ministers do not test or question in the system were trusted to about the future is often held levels, including school councils, Having left political office, PRISM/33215. influences the Minister. When they have a relationship with the advice that they receive. carry out their duties; but, if in education. People see the school boards, associations, it has been an interesting, • Alison Loat and Michael I asked participants whether taxpayers. As the person One participant made a point they did not carry them out in a public education system as the and Provincial Assemblies, are enlightening, and rewarding MacMillan, Tragedy in the Commons: they were often presented with ultimately responsible for of asking specific questions manner that was satisfactory, the answer for preparing people entrusted with the power to experience to go back and Former Members of Parliament speeches to deliver what had the education system, they about briefing materials to test Minister (either directly, or through for whatever is to come. The make decisions. Although they relive aspects of the position Speak Out About Canada’s Failing been written by others, some also have a relationship with the quality of the information subordinates) was expected – belief that more education is the use research (often in the form of through the experiences of other Democracy (Toronto, Canada: commented that they never students. And, they have presented. Another participant trusted - to become involved. answer for addressing problems recommendations from others), former Education Ministers. I Random House of Canada, 2014). delivered a speech exactly as relationships with staff, the suggested that although it was Some participants also suggests, ironically, that our they are also influenced by have had a chance to reflect on written: the information in the media, and other stakeholders. important to trust the system, it shared stories related to the current education system is to other factors, such as personal their experiences and develop prepared speech was often The issue of whether an was also important to test the concept of the public losing trust blame for our current situation. experience, public perceptions, insights into what it means to be

250 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Three | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Three | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 251 DECRIMINALISING THE DECRIMINALISING THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN INDIA: ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN INDIA: REFORMS BY THE JUDICIARY REFORMS BY THE JUDICIARY

DECRIMINALISING THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN INDIA: REFORMS BY THE JUDICIARY

On 13 February 2020, the said candidate. If a political party provided by the Election Supreme Court of India directed fails to submit such compliance Commission and the that political parties should report, the Election Commission form must contain all the upload on their websites shall bring it to the notice of particulars as required detailed information regarding the Supreme Court as being therein. individuals with pending in contempt of the Court’s • It shall state, in bold letters, criminal cases, who have been direction. the criminal cases pending selected as candidates, along The Court also noted that against the candidate. with reasons for such selection. over the last four general • If a candidate is contesting The parties were also ordered elections there had been an election on the ticket of Vivek K. to explain as to why other an alarming increase in the a particular party, he/she is Agnihotri is a individuals without criminal incidence of criminality in politics. required to inform the party former Secretary- antecedents could not be found In 2004, 24% of the Members of about the criminal cases General of Rajya Sabha for nomination. Parliament had criminal cases pending against him/her. The reasons for selection pending against them; in 2009, it • The concerned political party at the Parliament of shall be with reference to the went up to 30%; in 2014 to 34%; shall be obligated to put up India. qualifications, achievements and in 2019 as many as 43% of on its website the aforesaid that time had come for the of withdrawal. The declarations freedom of expression [Article Above: The High Court in and merit of the candidate MPs had criminal cases pending information pertaining to Parliament to make a law to have also to be aired on 19 (1) (a)]. Mumbai is one of the oldest concerned, and not mere against them. candidates having criminal ensure that persons facing television channels on three Subsequently, in 2013, on High Court Buildings in India. ‘winnability’ at the polls. The For the Apex Judicial Court antecedents. serious criminal cases do not different dates. The matter must a petition filed by Lily Thomas Court issued these directions of the country to issue such • The candidate as well enter into the political stream. be published in font size of not and Lok Prahari NGO, the Further, on a petition filed in exercise of its constitutional detailed Executive instructions as the concerned In all fairness, again, the less than 12. The copies of these Supreme Court ordered that if by Subramanian Swamy, powers under Articles 129 and is by itself an expression of political party shall issue Election Commission on 10 insertions have to be supplied a sitting MP or MLA is convicted the Supreme Court directed 142 of the Constitution of India, its anguish and frustration at a declaration in widely October 2018 accordingly to the Election Commission in a case, punishment for the Election Commission to while delivering a judgment in a the failure of the political eco- circulated newspapers issued a circular stating that along with the account of poll which was more than 2 years introduce Voter Verifiable Paper Contempt Petition filed against system, in general, and the in the locality about the candidates at all elections expenses. However, apparently of imprisonment, then he or Audit Trail (VVPAT). But thereby the Election Commission. Parliament, in particular, to the antecedents of the are required to file an affidavit this initiative did not yield the she would be disqualified hangs a tale, to be recounted in The Court further enjoined take adequate steps to keep candidate and also give in Form-26, along with the desired results. immediately and the seat would another article. that information regarding persons with established wide publicity in the nomination paper, declaring The Supreme Court’s be declared as vacant; thus In 2014, in Public Interest the selected candidate’s criminal backgrounds away electronic media. When information about criminal crusade against criminalisation setting aside clause 8(4) of Foundation vs. Union of India, criminal antecedents should from the sacred portals of the we say wide publicity, we cases, assets, liabilities and of politics is a long drawn out the Representation of People based on the recommendations be published in one local country’s legislative bodies, mean that it shall be done educational qualifications (some saga. In recent times, it all Act, 1951. Clause 8(4) provided of the Law Commission, the vernacular newspaper and one in spite of the Court having at least thrice after the filing of these requirements were in began in 2002 (Association special privilege to MPs or Supreme Court ordered that national newspaper, as well as nudged them, from time to time, of the nomination papers. compliance of earlier judgments for Democratic Reforms vs. MLAs to hold the office even criminal trial pending against official social media platforms in this regard in the past. of the Supreme Court). The Union of India), when the after conviction, if an appeal any Member of Parliament of the political party, including The Contempt Petition It cannot be more specific Form included Tables for Supreme Court mandated had been filed in a higher court or Member of Legislative Facebook and Twitter. These in relation to which the than that, as far as a Court’s the candidate to publish in the disclosure of information within a period of 3 months of Assembly must be disposed details shall be published within Supreme Court delivered the directions can go; but still newspapers and on TV; and, relating to criminal antecedents, conviction. In 2013 again, in of within a period of one year 48 hours of the selection of the aforementioned order, relates compliance did not follow. for the political party to publish educational qualifications and the case of People’s Union for from the date of framing of the candidate or not less than two to its judgment delivered on 25 In all fairness, it must be on its website, full details personnel assets of candidates Civil Liberties vs Union of India charge. Taking it from there, weeks before the first date of September 2018 (Public Interest mentioned that the five-judge of the candidate’s criminal contesting elections. According and Anr, the Supreme Court in 2017, the Supreme Court filing of nominations, whichever Foundation & Ors Vs Union Constitution Bench also held antecedents. The candidates to the Court, seeking this recognised negative voting as directed that the government is earlier. The political party Of India & Anr) in which the that a candidate cannot be are thus required to publish information was part of the a constitutional right of a voter should set up special courts to concerned shall then submit Court had issued the following disqualified merely because the details in newspapers of Fundamental Right of the voter and directed the government exclusively conduct time-bound a report of compliance to the directions: charges have been framed wide circulation and make at to be informed all relevant to provide a ‘NOTA’ (None of trials of lawmakers accused of Election Commission within 72 • Each contesting candidate against him / her in a criminal least three insertions on three details about a contestant; The Above) option in the EVM corruption and criminality. The hours of the selection of the shall fill up the form as case. The Bench also observed different dates after the last date it was an extension of the (Electronic Voting Machine). government accordingly set up

In 2007, the 18th Report presented by a Parliamentary PARLIAMENTARY EXPRESSIONS AND PRACTICES Committee to the Rajya Sabha had expressed a strong feeling that politics should be cleansed In the second of a three-part series, this article looks at the origins and history of some of of persons with established the parliamentary expressions and practices used in many Commonwealth Parliaments criminal background. “Criminalisation of politics is the and Legislatures. bane of society and negation of democracy,” the Report said. The Law Commission, in its 244th Report submitted in 2014, PART TWO opposing parties both agree Commonwealth Parliaments put it succinctly: “instead of not to vote when other business over the years. These colour politicians having suspected ‘Whips’1 (such as a Select Committee codes have an interesting links to criminal networks, as Political parties have a visit overseas) prevents legacy behind them and was the case earlier, it was significant role in the working them from being present in they have emerged as a time persons with extensive criminal of a democratic polity. ‘Whips’ Parliament. honoured convention. The Karnataka High Court in Bangalore background began entering in turn have role cut out for ‘Whips’ are also largely was completed in 1868. politics.” them in smooth conduct of responsible (together with House of Commons (Green) The foregoing account of party affairs particularly in the Leader of the House) for The colour Green is the the judgments of the Supreme matters pertaining to House arranging the business of principal colour for furnishings 12 special courts. In 2018, the of the democratic system. a Supreme Court judge) as the Court, as well as the reports Ravindra proceedings. The outcome Parliament. In this role they are and fabrics throughout the Supreme Court emphasised There are several other Chief Election Commissioner of several Committees and Garimella is a of their endeavours and the frequently referred to as ‘the Chamber and corridors used the need for 70 special courts matters relating to electoral [first proviso to Article 324 (5)]. the Law Commission, makes Consultant at the Lok efficacy of ‘whips’ is manifest usual channels’. by the UK Parliament’s House to hear and decided criminal reforms, which are pending In its affidavit filed in this case it amply clear that there is Sabha Secretariat, in the effective conduct of the ‘Whips’ is also the term of Commons, except in some cases against Legislators, as 12 before the Supreme Court. the Election Commission has no dearth of wisdom and passage of legislation and from given to the directives or voting of the carpets which were courts were grossly inadequate In 2018, the Supreme Court requested the Supreme Court experience, coupled with Parliament of India. a larger perspective, the House instructions given to Members designed for the post-Second in view of a large number of decided to consider a life ban that it should be vested with guidelines and instructions, He has been a regular proceedings. by the party, usually in a weekly World War rebuilding, where a cases (over 3,900) pending from contesting elections for the power to make rules under for improving the electoral contributor to The A ‘whip’ is a person, a notice. In their connotation mottled brown was used. From in courts. Subsequently, the persons convicted in criminal the election laws, instead of the ecosystem. The exhortations Parliamentarian crucial office bearer who also as party directives or orders, 1981, volumes of Hansard for Court decided to consider a cases by declaring section government. of the Supreme Court and the and writes the Third issues directives or manages the ‘whips’ or directions are the House of Commons were request to designate a court in 8 of the Representation of Several of these decisions Parliamentary Committees Reading reports directions issued by the party. said to be of three types – a each district to take up pending People Act, 1951, ultra vires the of the Supreme Court have notwithstanding, the will to Simply put, ‘whips’ are the one-line, two-line or three-line cases against lawmakers on a Constitution of India. Section come against the backdrop of cleanse the system of criminal on behalf of the office bearers of political or ‘whips’. These are so called by priority basis. 8 imposes only a six-year various significant reports of elements is missing among Parliament of India for Legislature party officers with the number of lines by which “In the As an extension of its ban on contesting election Committees and Commissions. those who have been vested the Journal. certain assigned tasks. ‘Whips’ their text is underlined. The aforementioned order of 2002 on politicians serving out a In 1990, the Goswami with the power to decide. The are Members of Parliament who number of lines is indicative of Westminster relating to the declaration sentence of two years or more Committee on Electoral Reforms million-dollar question, as usual, are appointed by each party the importance and urgency system of of assets by the contesting in jail in criminal cases. had highlighted the crippling is: ‘Who will bell the cat?’ in Parliament to help organise attached to a particular measure candidates, in 2018, the In 2018, again, the Supreme effect of money and muscle The expectation from their party’s contribution to before the House. parliamentary Supreme Court ruled that apart Court found ambiguity in the power in elections. the present judgment of the parliamentary business. One of democracies, the from the declaration of assets, appointment of the Election In 1993, the N. N. Vohra Supreme Court seems to be their responsibilities is making Colours used in the UK Houses colour Green is the candidate, at the time of Commissioners and referred Committee (in the context of that the embarrassment of sure the maximum number of of Parliament2 filing of nomination, should also the question to a constitution the 1993 serial bomb blasts having to justify the criminal their party Members vote, and In the Westminster system of associated with disclose his or her sources of bench to consider the request in Mumbai) concluded that records of candidates may vote the way their party wants. parliamentary democracies, the Lower House income. Non-disclosure would of the petitioner, that the agencies, including the Central deter the political parties from The use of the word ‘whip’ the colour Green is associated amount to a corrupt practice appointment of Election Bureau of Investigation (CBI), nominating them and they may within the UK Parliament has with the Lower House (usually (usually comprising within the mischief of section Commissioners should be Intelligence Bureau (IB) and become more discriminating its roots in the 18th century comprising of directly elected of directly elected 123 of the Representation of made under a ‘collegium Research and Analysis Wing in their choices of candidates. hunting terminology ‘whipper-in’ representatives of the people) representatives of People Act, 1951. The Court system’. Another Public Interest (RAW), had unanimously But naming and shaming, will where it refers to a huntsman’s and Red within the Upper further directed the government Litigation has been filed for expressed their opinion that the it work? It is a billion-dollar assistant who drives straying House (the House of Elders or the people) and to set up a permanent clarity on the procedure for criminal network was virtually question, of course. hounds back to the main pack appointed representatives, by Red within the mechanism to monitor the removal of the other two running a parallel government. using a whip. and large popularly known in accumulation of wealth of sitting Election Commissioners. It The money power was being An earlier version of this article In many Parliaments, ‘Whips’ the UK as the House of Lords). Upper House (the MPs and MLAs, their spouses has been pleaded that they used to develop a network was published in India Legal frequently act as the ‘tellers’ Originating in the UK House of Elders and associates, in order to should be provided the same of muscle power, which was (e-magazine) under the title (counting votes in divisions). Parliament at Westminster, or appointed maintain the purity of the protection (removal through also used by politicians during ‘Cleansing the Rot’. They also manage the ‘pairing these traditional colours electoral process and integrity impeachment as in the case of elections. system’ whereby Members of have been adopted by many representatives).”

The traditional green benches of the House of Commons (the Lower House) in the UK Parliament. Image copyright: UK Parliament Image copyright: UK Parliament

The traditional red benches of the House of Lords (the Upper House) in the UK Parliament.

issued in green for the first time. records, the Plantagenet kings to, or to curry favour with, the The ‘Green Rooms’ used for it is not beyond the realms of an inch of stonework was not of travels by De Monconys, Commons. Similarly, the Lord The colour Green, both of England employed green for Crown. actors waiting to go on stage, possibility that they actually painted or heavily gilded.” But published in Lyons, France in Chamberlain’s accounts for before and during the medieval the most important rooms in the Not only did the King use has survived, at least in name, brought green with them to St there is no direct evidence that 1662. The House, he says, “est 1672-3 record purchases of period, represented the bounty Palace of Westminster. Green green, but the high officials of to the present time. As a theatre Stephen’s. green figured on a large scale in une chambre mediocrement green woollen cloth for the of nature and fertility. In ancient was used in the thirteenth the King’s household also used of debate at the centre of The St Stephen’s Chapel, these decorations. grande, environrée de six House of Commons Chamber. myth and legend, the colour century by King Henry III, for his it for their private offices near Parliament, it is not surprising where the UK House of When the Chapel was or sept rangs de dégrez, As early as 1698, seats had appears in mysterious figures chapel of St Stephen, and for to the Lords’ Chamber. For to see the parallel employment Commons sat from c.1548 converted after 1548 for use couverts de sarge verte, et been provided at a public trial in such as the ‘Green Man’. his most private chamber - the the coronation of James II in of the colour both in the to 1834, had been rebuilt by the House of Commons, disposez en amphithéatre...” their distinctive colours for the Archers wore green, all men in bedchamber known as the 1685, an order was made to the parliamentary chamber as well under Edward I (1272-1307) Hastings presumed that (is a moderately large room, two Houses. In 1685, a positive the Middle Ages were obliged Painted Chamber - and even Gentleman Usher of the Black as in the commercial theatre. and Edward II (1307-1327), hangings or tapestry of some surrounded by six or seven welter of green furnishing by law to practice archery, and for the bed itself. The back of Rod for ‘as much green serge and completed, painted and kind were installed to cover graduated rows of seats was ordered: ‘the Speaker’s they became the mainstay of the south wall of Westminster as will hang the Archbishop The use of green in the UK decorated during the reign the religious wall decorations. covered in green serge, and Chair and footstool to be new English medieval armies. Green Hall in the UK Parliament was of Canterbury’s room, the House of Commons Chamber of Edward III (1327-1377). St Later, these were replaced by positioned in the form of an covered with green velvet, was also the colour of the also painted green at this time. Lord Chancellor’s, the Lord The UK House of Commons, Stephen’s Chapel must have wainscot paneling. It would then amphitheatre). with a green velvet cushion, pasture and the greenwood, of Such a display of the colour in Treasurer’s and the Lord Great before they took up residence given the impression of being have been these panels which So it would appear that over all trimmed with silk fringe; the village green used by all, in the principal areas of the palace Chamberlain’s, to be done in all in the former royal chapel of St a kaleidoscope of colours. The gave a predominating colour 300 years ago, as now, the the table to be covered with other words the colour of the in all probability is indicative of respects as they were before.’ Stephen’s at Westminster, had roof, we know, was blue, with to the Chamber, but records of House of Commons benches a carpet of green cloth, with a countryman, or the ‘common’ a desire to show symbolically As a calm, peaceful colour for travelled the country borrowing gilded stars, and below the their colouring do not appear to were green, but upholstered in silk fringe and a leather carpet man. These legends were the Christian virtues. Further, an office it was ideal, and the temporarily various halls and windows, above the cornice, have survived. The decoration serge (or some other woollen to cover it; six green cloth translated into the Christian the livery colours of the Tudors noise-absorbent fabric was no cathedral chapter houses, but were many painted Biblical at high level was whitewashed fabric; the exact meaning of cushions; drum lyar to draw ideals of faith, hope and charity - (1485-1603) were vert and doubt tacked to the walls. settling when at Westminster characters and stories; the to achieve a Puritan simplicity, serge is now lost). Then as now the window curtains; the seats everlasting faith, life over death, argent (green and white). It It is of interest to note that either in the refectory or chapter columns were decorated with in the same way as most other the rows of seats were ranged of the House to be mended and rejuvenation of the soul is possible to imagine that, at this time, theatres began to house of the Abbey. They also ‘pryntes’; the east end bore churches and chapels at this in tiers (“en amphitheatre”). In and repaired; green serge through good works. Green just as the Tudor emblems adopt the use of green from sat for some time in the hall depictions of the Holy Family time. 1670, a payment was recorded to hang the lobby where the was used in the backgrounds of the portcullis and the rose at least 1700. The colour was of the Black Friars. There are and King Edward III and his The first authoritative to the Serjeant Painter for messengers from the House of of religious paintings depicting appeared in the Palace, so used widely for curtains, seats no records of this, or of their family. Maurice Hastings argued mention of the use of green “paynting green in oyle the Lords retire; green serge curtain these virtues. might their colours have been and even the stage itself, which various other meeting places, that the whole of the building in furnishing fabrics in the end of the seates, and a for the serjeant’s window in his According to the historical given prominence out of loyalty became known as ‘The Green’. being decorated in green, but was “ablaze with colour... hardly Chamber occurs in a book Dorecase...” at the House of little room’.

Remodeling of the House of They were generally worn in his hat, form between them could be heard by both the predominantly agrarian, Commons Chamber the Chamber, but not when the ABC of the parliamentary Speaker and the Official Report. grappling with poverty and Sir Christopher Wren carried out addressing the House, nor scholar.” Male MPs may still not address social issues is a secular nation, a transformation of the interior entering or leaving it. In the late To increase their the House whilst wearing a the Parliament of India needed of the House of Commons nineteenth century, the tall hat appearance during debates hat: women Members are to connect and represent the Chamber by installing wooden was de rigeur. and to be seen more easily, a exempt from this rule, though ordinary citizens of the country. paneling, a lower ceiling Image copyright: UK Parliament The wearing of tall hats was Member wishing to raise a point the different rules in society Hence, the practices such as and new seating. Work was challenged by Keir Hardie, who of order during a division was, generally relating to female hat- wearing of wigs, robes, reading completed in 1692. The always wore a soft cap, and also until 1998, required to speak wearing may well have caused of prayers in the House were medieval appearance of the through the Speaker’s allowing with his hat on. Collapsible top a few problems when women given up. Nevertheless, there is chapel was thereby removed a soft hat to Joseph Cowen, hats were kept for the purpose. first sat in the House in the a dress code for the Secretary- in favour of a classical style, ‘since the rigidity of the top hat This requirement was abolished 1920s. General of the Lok Sabha and but the use of green for some subjected him to headache’. following recommendations Although it was at one time other Officers at the Table of the fittings continued. The At this time, the Whips were from the Modernisation Select common for Members to wear and parliamentary reporters. appearance and colour may the only Members not to wear Committee5, which stated: ‘At swords in the Chamber (there They have to wear buttoned clearly be seen in a painting hats. Alfred Kinnear MP, in 1900, present, if a Member seeks to is a record of an incident in up coats/tunics/ackhans and by Tillemans of about 1710, summed up the hat-wearing raise a point of order during the eighteenth century when matching trousers, which is the and a description of the 1780s rules as follows:- a division, he or she must one Member’s sword impaled traditional Indian dress (suitable survives from the pen of a “At all times remove your speak “seated and covered”. and removed another’s wig), Indian traditional wear for lady German traveller, Pastor Carl hat on entering the House, In practice this means that it is not now permitted to carry officers). Similarly, there is a Moritz: “All round on the sides and put it on upon taking your an opera hat which is kept at arms of any kind into debate. dress code for Marshals and of the House under the gallery seat; and remove it again on each end of the Chamber has The Serjeant-at-Arms does, Chamber Attendants, but their are benches for the Members, rising for whatever purpose. If to be produced and passed however, wear a sword whilst in attire is Indian in design. covered with green cloth, Red in the UK House of Lords Above: Ceremonial robes are often only worn today for special the MP asks a question he will to the Member concerned. the Chamber. always one above the other, In the UK House of Lords, usage occasions in the UK Parliament, such as here at the State Opening stand, and with his hat off; and This inevitably takes some Medals are not worn in the References: like choirs in our churches... “ of the colour red, probably of Parliament in December 2019. he may receive the answer of time, during which the Member House Chamber. It is also the 1 For details article titled ‘Whips The Clerk’s Table was stems from its use by kings and the Minister seated and with frequently seeks to use some case that a law made in the in the India Parliament’ (The also covered in green cloth. queens, as a royal colour and its which emanate from the UK House of Commons. his hat on. If on a division he other form of covering such as fourteenth century prevents Parliamentarian), 2018 / Volume Later, green morocco leather consequent employment in the Parliament. Since February 2017, should have to challenge the an Order Paper. This particular the wearing of armour in the 99 / Issue One (pp. 57-59) replaced cloth for the seating. room where the monarch met the Clerks of the House of ruling of the chair, he will sit and practice has almost certainly Houses of Parliament. The law 2 (i) Maurice Hastings’ Parliament In the Victorian palace, the their court and nobles. The use Robes and wigs worn by Commons and other Clerks of put his hat on. If he wishes to brought the House into greater which is still in force dates from House (Architectural Press, 1950) demarcation of the red/green of the red in Upper Houses of Presiding Officers and Clerks the House have discontinued address the Speaker on a point ridicule than almost any other, 30 October 1313 under Edward 2 De Monconys, Le Voyage d M. for the House of Lords and Parliament also probably stems of the House from wearing wigs. On 6 of order not connected with a particularly since the advent of II’s reign. de Monconys (Lyon, 1663) p65; House of Commons areas was from the use by the sovereign The official dress of the Speaker February 2017, the then division, he will do so standing television. We do not believe (ii) www.parliament.uk; and (iii) not so pronounced as it has of red as a royal colour. The and Officers of the House in the Speaker of the House made with his hat off. When he leaves that it can be allowed to The Indian Parliament context6 www.parliament.uk/documents/ become today. The House of UK House of Lords Chamber UK Parliament is described in Sir a short statement announcing the House to participate in a continue.’ On achieving the Independence commons_ informationoffice/glo. Commons’ Chamber only had adopted crimson, denoting Peter Thorne’s Book3. Practice that Clerks would no longer division he will take his hat off, The Committee also of India, while many of the same 3 Serjeant for the Commons, 4th green seating, for example, regal authority and avoided and usage has, however, be required to wear wigs but will vote with it on. If the recommended that Members ceremonies and ceremonial ed., 2009 by Sir Peter Thorne. whilst the curtains were brick the green colour of the ‘Other varied, and at certain periods and court dress in the House Queen sends a message to be raising such a point of order practices in the Parliament of Also Reference from Campbell, red. Now the spread of green Place’. in the past, non-conformity with of Commons. However, the read from the chair, the Member should do so by standing in the India, associated with the Office Una (1989), Robes of the Realm, has taken over much of the Many Upper Houses in the ruling fashion has been wearing of gowns to indicate will uncover. In short, how to normal way but from a position of Speaker and the Table of Michael O’ Mara Books Ltd., decoration including woodwork, Commonwealth Parliaments a political statement, as with their expertise in parliamentary take his seat, how to behave on the second bench as close the House, were adopted and London, pp 5354. fixtures and in the House of have adopted the red colour Oliver Cromwell [“His linen procedure was continued. at prayers, and what to do with to the Chair as possible, so they adapted to the Indian ethos, not 4 https://www.parliament. Commons’ outbuildings, most for their chambers, denoting was plain and not very clean ... There was some controversy all ceremonies which originate uk/documents/commons- notably in Portcullis House. It the seniority of their Legislative his hat without a hatband ... a as the Members of the House from the British period were committees/procedure/170201- is most probable that green Chamber. plain cloth suit ... made by an ill were not consulted with regards adopted. Practices such as the CW-Clerk-re-Table-dress.pdf became the livery of the country tailor”] and the Puritans. to the changes. The Clerk of the wearing of the robe and wig 5 Modernisation Select House of Commons simply by ‘Dress Code’ in Houses of In the eighteenth century, House of Commons still wears by the Speaker and wearing of Committee of House of association; but whatever its Parliament formality was the rule and the a wig for state opening and robes by the Clerk of the House Commons: First Report – https://

origins, green has become the Sartorial practices such as the fashion of wearing wigs caught prorogation. Image copyright: UK Parliament was discontinued. publications.parliament.uk/ distinguishing colour of the UK wearing of the ceremonial on: they are retained today in In House of Lords while In fact, even before pa/cm/1997-98/cmselect/ House of Commons by custom robe and wig by the Speaker the wigs of the Speaker and Lord Speaker too now no Independence in 1946 when cmmodern/190/md0102.htm. stretching over more than 300 of Parliament and the wearing Clerks.4 longer wears wig, the Clerk of Shri Mavalankar was elected 6 Extracts from the article years. There is no standard of robes by the Clerk of the In the UK Parliament, recent the House of Lords and other as the last President of the ‘Ceremony and Rituals in shade of green; all gradations, House is an integral part Speakers starting with Rt Hon. Clerks of the House continue to Central Legislative Assembly, the Indian Parliament’, The from pale sage to deep of rituals of ceremonies Baroness Boothroyd and wear wigs. he refused to wear the wig. Parliamentarian, 2014, Issue malachite, are in use. of many Commonwealth recently, Rt Hon. John Bercow Hats were another aspect A conscious view was taken Three XCV. Parliaments and Legislatures, chose not to wear a wig in the of parliamentary etiquette. that in a country which was

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) reaffirms its core priority of CWP New Zealand support new sculpture project to commemorate women MPs promoting gender equality in Parliaments as it releases new three-year strategic plan and their bi-cultural journey to Parliament The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network and priorities. Developed following The Wellington Sculpture Trust, working with the has officially published the CWP Strategic Plan 2020-2022 which a series of consultations with Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon. sets out its core priority to encourage women Parliamentarians members of the CWP International Trevor Mallard, MP, is to commission a sculpture and Commonwealth Parliaments to advance issues around Steering Committee, as well as to celebrate the journey that the women of New gender equality and to advocate for greater representation of other women Parliamentarians Zealand have made to become Members of women in Parliaments across the Commonwealth. and Parliaments from across Parliament. The Speaker of the New Zealand With over 3,000 women Parliamentarians represented in 180 the Commonwealth, this new Parliament said: “I am pleased to see this work be national, sub-national, provincial and territorial Parliaments of the strategy will focus on addressing Commonwealth, the CWP provides a means of building the capacity the following areas of concerns commissioned, and it will mark the contribution of women elected to Parliament to be more effective in their roles, and key priorities: Women and made to the New Zealand Parliament by many improving the awareness and ability of all Parliamentarians, male leadership; Elimination of gender- women throughout the years.” and female, and encouraging them to include a gender perspective based violence (GBV) in all its forms The project has been supported by the in all aspects of their role - legislation, oversight and representation - and harmful practices; Economic Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) helping Parliaments to become gender-sensitive institutions. The empowerment of women and; New Zealand. Deputy Speaker of the New CWP Chairperson, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan) Equal access to national resources. Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon. Anne Tolley said: “The said: “I encourage all women Parliamentarians across the CWP’s The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Stephen Twigg welcomed the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians believed membership, Branches and Regions of the Commonwealth launch of the CWP Strategic Plan 2020-2022 and stated: “Women that this was an important story to be told within Parliamentary Association to actively utilise and take ownership of play a central role in advancing parliamentary democracy Above: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of New the grounds of Parliament and, more particularly, this new Strategic Plan 2020-2022. Its success will be determined across the Commonwealth. Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Zealand attend the first meeting of the special Parliamentary Sculpture as we near the 130th anniversary of the franchise by our collective dedication to its implementation. I look forward to gender equality is of critical importance to the Commonwealth Advisory Panel on Wednesday 29 July 2020 which will draw up the brief for women in New Zealand. We approached the working with every member of the CWP to successfully fulfil this Plan.” Parliamentary Association. I am confident that the Commonwealth for artists competing to be chosen to design a new sculpture celebrating Wellington Sculpture Trust to see if they would With the intention of progressing the work accomplished in Women Parliamentarians network will play an increasingly the women of New Zealand’s Parliament. the implementation of the network’s previous Strategic Plan 2017- important role in connecting, developing and supporting women undertake the commissioning of this important work 2019, initiated by the CWP’s preceding Chairperson, Hon. Dr Dato Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth.” because of their extensive experience in delivering whose shoulders they stood on to get there. The artwork will Noraini Ahmad MP (Malaysia), this Strategic Plan 2020-2022 Please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cwp to download a copy of the CWP public works of art in Wellington and the excellence and rigour celebrate these women, serve as a learning tool for locals further refines the network’s focus by streamlining its outputs Strategic Plan 2020-2022 or email [email protected]. of their processes.” and tourists alike and add balance to the two statues within Sue Elliott, Chair of the Wellington Sculpture Trust noted Parliament grounds which both commemorate former male Prime Ministers. Women from Pakistan, Western Australia and UK Commonwealth Women Speakers at 13th Global that the “work is not to celebrate one woman, but the journey of many who fought for the right for women to vote. They did The sculpture will also celebrate the bi-cultural nature of highlight ‘shadow pandemic’ of domestic abuse Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament this through incredible hard work and personal sacrifice, as did the campaign for women’s representation in Parliament with A new CPA UK podcast has highlighted the ‘shadow pandemic’ of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians have attended the virtual the inspirational women who first stood for Parliament against prominent Māori women’s rights activists being featured. It is th domestic abuse and the increased incidents during the COVID-19 13th Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament on 17-18 the odds.” She added that the brief provided to selected artists hoped the work will be installed prior to the 130 anniversary pandemic. Four Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians held August 2020 including Hon. Laura Tucker-Longsworth, MP, Speaker will ask them to address the narrative of the over 150 women of New Zealand becoming the first place in the world to give a wide-ranging discussion on the increase in domestic abuse of House of Representatives of Belize; Hon. Donatille Mukabilisa, who have become Members of Parliament and all the women women the vote in 2023. during enforced ‘lockdown’ measures due to COVID-19. Speaker of Chamber of Deputies of Rwanda; Hon. Thandi R. Rt Hon. Maria Miller, MP (United Kingdom) highlighted that Modise, Speaker of National Assembly of South Africa; Hon. Bridgid ‘lockdown’ measures across the world has confined families Annisette-George, Speaker of House of Representatives of Trinidad CWP New Zealand support multi-Member Bill on FGM that is set to become law together in a household and has forced victims and perpetrators & Tobago; and Hon. Christine Kangaloo, President of Senate of together whilst cutting off access to family and friends. Trinidad & Tobago. The virtual global summit provided women in The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) New with the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifications of all Hon. Rubina Jamil, MNA (Pakistan) spoke about the the highest decision-making positions of Parliaments with a unique Zealand Group have supported a multi-Member Bill in the New types of FGM and international best practice recommendations. increasing number of domestic abuse cases in Pakistan and forum and opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences which Zealand Parliament that will bring in new legislative reform for The Bill is part of the work of the Commonwealth Women the campaign launched by the Ministry of Human Rights to are of interest to their national and international agendas. female genital mutilation (FGM). Parliamentarians (CWP) New Zealand Group, who seek to better increase the public awareness of domestic abuse and to create Former CWP Chairperson, Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, MP, The Crimes (Definition of Female Genital Mutilation) the lives of women and girls in New Zealand. CWP New Zealand has collaborated with FGM Education to highlight the need for a national helpline, including an emergency WhatsApp number Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda chaired a session on Amendment Bill completed its Third Reading, with support www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . making it accessible for victims to text or call for support. ‘Stepping up women’s economic empowerment and financial from all parties in the New Zealand Parliament, and is set this legislative reform. Julie Elliott, MP (United Kingdom) raised the fact that in the inclusion’ and former CPA Chairperson. Hon Dr Shirin Sharmin to become New Zealand law. The Bill is in the names of Jo CWP New Zealand Co-Chairs Louisa Wall MP and Jo Hayes UK the number of calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline Chaudhury, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of Bangladesh chaired Hayes MP (National), Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP (Labour), MP are grateful to have this important legislation complete all increased by 25% in the second week of lockdown and rose to a session on ‘Putting an end to sexism, harassment and violence Golriz Ghahraman MP (Greens), and Jenny Marcroft MP (New of its stages through the House before the dissolution of the 49% higher than normal after three weeks of lockdown. against women in Parliament and in all walks of life’. Zealand First). It is the first time in the history of the New Zealand 52nd New Zealand Parliament and said: “We are proud to have Hon. Simone McGurk, MLA (Western Australia) is the Minister The keynote address was given by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Parliament that a Member’s Bill has been sponsored by more brought about this law to protect the lives of women and girls in for Women’s Interests and she discussed strengthening Executive Director, UN Women on the many challenges facing than one MP. Aotearoa (New Zealand). As women Parliamentarians, we have domestic abuse legislation and recent measures to introduce women across the world in the light of COVID-19 pandemic. The While most forms of FGM were banned in New Zealand listened to their concerns and are honoured to have contributed serial family offender declarations for perpetrators of abuse. virtual summit focused on collective and individual action needed in 1996, through an amendment to the Crimes Act 1961 when substantive legislative change to protect our wahine.” to step up equality between men and women, building on the 25th s204A was added, this new amendment will align the legislation The Bill now awaits Royal Assent, before it becomes law. Visit www.uk-cpa.org to hear the full podcast, anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. For more images of CWP activities and events please visit

Parliamentary PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS FROM INDIA PARLIAMENT

Amendment in Medical Medical Board shall consist of a Kumari S. Jothi Mani (INC) pregnancies lawfully and in a Termination of Pregnancy Act gynaecologist, a paediatrician, was of the view that the safe environment. Report On 17 March 2020, the Lok a radiologist or sonologist and Medical Termination of Dr Gautham Sigamani Pon NEWS AND LEGISLATION FROM COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS Sabha passed the Medical such other number of members Pregnancy Act, 1971 even (DMK) said enhancing the Termination of Pregnancy as may be notified by the State though it legalised abortion pregnancy termination period (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Government or Union territory. with a gestation period of 12 from 20 to 24 weeks in eligible The Bill sought to amend Moving the motion for to 20 weeks, it failed to keep cases will help with cases of the Medical Termination consideration of the Bill, the pace with the current social, congenital anomaly, lunatic of Pregnancy Act, 1971 Minister of Health and Family medical and technological pregnancy, cases of rape, with a view to increase Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan developments. She was happy unwed, widow pregnancies upper gestation limit for the said when the original Bill that the Bill seeks to extend the and curtail illegal terminations termination of pregnancy, and was brought in 1971, India pregnancy termination time carried out by ‘quacks’ and also to strengthen access to was amongst the first few period from 20 weeks in the the consequent loss of THIRD READING comprehensive abortion care countries in the world to principal Act to 24 weeks and precious lives. She suggested REPORTS under strict conditions without legalise abortion in order enhance the gestation limit for constituting an all-women compromising service and to provide legal and safe ‘special categories’ of women. board to rule on eligibility. quality of safe abortion. abortion services to women She wanted abortion to be Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar India Union There is provision in the who required to terminate allowed at the request of the (AITC) believed safe abortion Page 265 Bill providing for the opinion a pregnancy due to certain woman rather than by approval is essential to reduce maternal of one registered medical therapeutic or humanitarian of the medical practitioner or death. Fast Track Courts Australia Federal practitioner for the termination grounds. The advancement medical board. She wanted must be set up particularly in of a pregnancy up to 20 weeks in medical technology for the Government to ensure that cases where young girls have Page 272 of gestation; the requirement safe abortions is also a all norms and standardised been raped and exposed to of the opinion of two registered reason for increasing upper protocols in clinical practice to violence, etc. Ultrasounds New Zealand medical practitioners for the gestational limit for terminating facilitate abortions are followed should be made mandatory Page 276 termination of a pregnancy for pregnancies. Besides, there in health care institutions for all pregnant women as it 20 to 24 weeks of gestation; are several writ petitions in across the country. can detect major anomalies enhancing the upper gestation Courts, seeking permissions for Smt Sangeeta Kumari as early as 14 to 16 weeks. limit from 20 to 24 weeks for the abortion of pregnancies at Singh Deo (BJP) said the Bill She suggested having two such category of women as a gestational age beyond the assumes greater significance specialist gynaecologists may be prescribed by rules in present permissible limit on the as India aims to bring down the for their opinion instead this behalf; non-applicability grounds of foetal abnormalities maternal mortality ratio from of two registered medical of provisions relating to the or pregnancies due to sexual the current level of 122 to 70 practitioners, where abortion is length of pregnancy in cases violence forced on women. per 100,000 live births by 2030. taken up to 24 weeks. where the termination of This is a very progressive She said aborting a 24-week Kumari Goddeti Madhavi pregnancy is necessitated legislation and is based on wide foetus is a huge responsibility (YSR Congress) supporting by the diagnosis of any consultation with stakeholders. and adequate arrangements the Bill requested the Minister Commonwealth Parliaments’ legislative substantial foetal abnormalities The Minister said the Bill will should be made to handle it. to ensure that all norms and diagnosed by a Medical ensure dignity, autonomy, The Bill is really progressive standardised protocols in responses to COVID-19 global pandemic Board; and strengthening of confidentiality and justice for as it will help a lot of young clinical practices are followed With thanks to our the protection of privacy of a women who need to terminate women to deal with unwanted throughout the country and to Parliamentary Report and Third INDIA CANADA AUSTRALIA woman whose pregnancy has pregnancy. see that there is no proliferation been terminated. No registered Reading contributors: Paras Termination of Pregnancy Act Parliament’s continued COVID-19 scrutiny of Australian Ramoutar (Parliament of Trinidad medical practitioner shall reveal and Tobago); Stephen Boyd and COVID-19 guidelines response to COVID-19 Government continues the name and other particulars (Federal Parliament of Australia); Page 263 Page 268 Page 270 of a woman whose pregnancy Dr Jayadev Sahu (Parliament of has been terminated under India); Gabrielle de Billy Brown TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO UNITED KINGDOM this Bill except to a person authorised by any law for the (Federal Parliament of Canada); Election called and Parliament UK Parliament continues to Luke Harris (Parliament of New time being in force. Zealand); Ravindra Garimella passes Domestic Violence Bill adapt to COVID-19 In the Bill, a ‘failure of (Parliament of India); and Page 274 Page 278 contraceptive’ clause has been Michael Berry (Parliament of the expanded to a woman and her United Kingdom). partner in place of ‘married woman or her husband’. The

Centre to develop modern due to unsafe abortions in taken into account along with of sex determination centres The Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019 and female infanticide. training packages for the the country. It will ensure the the rights of women. The Arms Act, 1959 was enacted to THIRD READING: INDIA Shri Chandeshwar Prasad Accredited Social Health privacy, dignity, autonomy and consolidate and amend the law relating than two at the commencement of the Arms of licences for arms, which need more (JD-U) said there is provision Activists (ASHA), to enable confidentiality of women who Guidelines for Committee to arms and ammunition. The Arms Act, (Amendment) Act, 2019, may retain with him regulation. for stringent punishment them to provide the required need to terminate a pregnancy. Meetings in view of COVID-19 hereinafter referred to as Parent Act, 1959 any two of such firearms and shall deposit, • At times, crime is committed also on the for sex determination test information to women at the Dr Kalanidhi Veeraswamy The nationwide lockdown and rules made thereunder regulate the within one year from such commencement, the basis of antagonism, clash of principles and for the protection of the community level. (DMK) lauded the government on 24 March 2020 to fight acquisition, possession, use, manufacture, remaining firearm(s) with the officer in charge etc. This aspect also needs to be privacy of a woman by not Adv Dean Kuriakose (INC) for bringing progressive and the pandemic COVID-19 transfer, sale, transport, export and import of of the nearest police station or, subject to the looked into. revealing the name of a woman was of the view that permitting revolutionary amendments interrupted the holding of arms and ammunition, and punishment for conditions prescribed, with a licensed dealer • There is a need for guidelines in regard whose pregnancy has been to abort a life still in the womb in this Bill. He was concerned Parliamentary Committee contravention of the provisions of the act, in or, where such person is a member of the to the granting of arms licences. terminated. Describing the Bill amounts to violation of the about the safety of Doctors who meetings. Committees were order to curb illegal weapons and violence armed forces of the Union, in a unit armoury The Minister in charge of the Bill in his as a step towards the safety Constitution. provide this care and who are not able to meet till the first stemming from them. referred to in that sub-section after which it shall elaborate reply at the outset dwelt upon and welfare of women, he Dr Shrikant Eknath Shind duty bound to report sexual week of July 2020. There was The law enforcement agencies indicate be de-licensed within ninety days from the date the historical background. The Minister requested that compensation (Shiv Sena) said the proposed abuse of children under the demand from some law-makers growing nexus between possession of of expiry of aforesaid one year. assured the House that the grant of licences be provided to the family changes would give much Protection of Children from for holding virtual Committee illegal firearms and commission of criminal Further that stipulation being while to sports persons, officers/personnel of the members of the pregnant needed relief to rural women as Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, meetings. But as there is no offences. With the advancement in granting arms licence on inheritance or armed forces, serving as well as retired, will woman in the event of any they do not have access to safe 2012. such provision in the rules, technology the fire power and sophistication heirloom basis, the limit of two firearms not be impacted. The thrust is upon curbing death due to abortion. abortions and also to victims of Shri Nihal Chand Chouhan meetings of Committees could of illegal firearms had increased significance should not be exceeded. the manufacture, smuggling and use of Dr Amol Ramsing Kolhe (NCP) rape as they resort to unsafe (BJP) requested the not take place. over the years. The trans-border dimensions illegal weapons by anti-social, national, congratulating the government abortion practices to maintain government improve the quality With further relaxation of illegal arms trafficking are causing threat Debate: divisive organizations and terror groups. on getting several things right secrecy. of drinking water as chemical made in lockdown provisions to internal security and to prevent the There have been extensive debates on The Minister assuaged fears of misuse of in the amendment Bill, 2020, Shri Kotha Prabhakar (TRS) and pesticide laden drinking with effect from 1 July 2020, usage of illicit firearms so trafficked had also this Amending Bill by Members in both licensed arms and concluded his speech recommended the inclusion said the proposed Medical water also affects the health of Parliamentary Committees become a prime concern. To effectively Houses of Parliament. The key points during by re-emphasing the bona fide concerns for of a psychiatrist in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy mother and the child. have started meeting while curb crimes related to or committed by using deliberations of this amending legislation was: which the amending legislation was brought Board to take care of the (Amendment) Bill is the need Dr Thol Thirumaa Valavan observing certain measures. illegal firearms and to provide effective • The local arms bearing culture of the forward. psychological trauma of the of the hour and it is a welcome (VCK) urged for further The number of officials from deterrence against the violation of law, there country keeps the fighting tradition The Amending Bill was passed by Lok female and to increase the measure. Steps may be taken simplifying the procedures the Ministry and Department of had been an urgent need to strengthen the alive in India and continues to motivate Sabha on 9 December 2019 and by Rajya number of healthcare providers to ensure dignity, autonomy followed for the medical Government of India appearing existing legislative framework by making youth of the country to lay their lives in Sabha on 10 December 2019. The Bill as at the lower level of the delivery and confidentiality of women termination of a pregnancy. for evidence is restricted appropriate amendments in the Arms Act, the line of fire. A negative consequence passed by both Houses of Parliament was system. who need to terminate Shri Ravi Kishan (BJP) termed to six. Audio recordings of 1959. Simultaneously, there was also a of disarming the populace by law was assented to by the President of India on 13 Shri Ritesh Pandey (BSP) pregnancy with the access of the Bill as a milestone in regard the proceedings are made requirement for rationalising and facilitating inter- alia making of illegal country arms December 2019. welcomed the Bill and said safe and legal abortion services to empowerment of women. available to the Verbatim the licensing procedures for use of firearms and smuggling of firearms. It has been and comprehensive abortion Reporting Service Branch for criminalising abortion is an The Minister, Dr Harsh by individuals and sports persons. this factor that has been a major source The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 infringement of a woman’s care. As a precautionary Vardhan in his reply made it transcription and the officers of With a view to implement the of crime and not legal, licensed firearms. The Citizenship Act, 1955 hereinafter reproductive rights and measure, the opinion of at clear that only in cases where this Service are not physically aforementioned measures, the Government The licensing fire regime prescribes to referred to as the Parent Act, was abortion needs to be least two doctors for the women become pregnant present inside the Committee brought forward the amending Legislation ensure that individuals get a license for enacted to provide for the acquisition and decriminalised and access to termination of pregnancy up to due to certain unfortunate rooms. Seating arrangement in viz the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019. their self-protection, for crop protection determination of Indian citizenship. safe abortions under the norms 20 weeks may be considered. circumstances or their child is the Committee Room is made for purposes of sports and for purposes The historical background of this law should be made available. Proper awareness may be likely to remain handicapped strictly according to the norm Key features of the Legislation of arms that have been inherited. emerged from the trans-border migration He believed criminalisation created about this Bill and for the life, the term has been of social distancing of six feet. In the Parent in Section 2 (Definition) a new • The state has over the years granted of the population that had been happening stigmatises abortions and its implementation in society extended from 20 weeks to No printed material is used for Section (ea) has been proposed to be inserted licences and also issued licences for continuously between the territories of forces women to seek unsafe through television, newspapers 24 weeks. He assured that the purpose of meetings and providing that ‘licence’ means a licence issued firearms for crop protection to farmers India and the areas presently comprised abortions which are often and other means of media. sufficient checks and balances all documents for Members in accordance with the provisions of this Act as provided in the Arms Act. However, in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. carried out at unregistered Shri P. Raveendranath Kumar have been put in place even for are now sent in soft form. The and rules made thereunder and includes a an unintended consequence could be Millions of citizens of undivided India facilities by unqualified (AIKDMK) requested that the such cases. In order to ensure Government Departments licence issued in the electronic form. when they are limited to one firearm, belonging to various faiths were staying in practitioners. Minister to take the necessary the safety of these late term appearing for evidence have Section 3 of the Parent Act contains how can they possibly legitimately the said areas of Pakistan and Bangladesh Dr Rajashree Mallick (BJD) action to increase the number abortions, a group of experts been advised not to bring any provisions regarding licence for acquisition protect their farmlands? when India was partitioned in 1947. The said extending the gestation of gynecologists, paediatricians is needed to give an opinion material or bags for Members. and possession of firearms and ammunitions. • Hence there is need for serious Constitutions of Pakistan, Afghanistan and period beyond 20 weeks and radiologists, especially on the procedure and safety The Committee Branches are As per Section 3 hitherto before a person consideration of both the unintended Bangladesh provide a specific state religion. will lead to better detection in community health centres, of procedures on a case to also restricting the number of was allowed to, subject to requisite and intended consequences of the As a result, many persons belonging to and subsequent abortion of besides increasing the number case basis. Medical boards their officials and supporting permission, possess three firearms, this has proposed amending legislation. Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and abnormal foetus. of seats in medical colleges to are, therefore, necessary for staff in Committee rooms. been proposed to be reduced to two. • The illicit proliferation of firearms and Christian communities had faced persecution Shri Feroze Varun Gandhi meet the shortfall of doctors. late term abortions. Although, In Section 3 itself, for the existing proviso misuse of them is a great malaise in on the grounds of religion in those countries. (BJP) thanked the Health Smt. Jaskaur Meena (BJP) the decision of termination of a amplified proviso has been proposed to be present times. The circumstances are Some of them also have fears about such Minister for laying emphasis supported the Amendment Bill pregnancy should be with the inserted as per the amended proviso a person increasing the organised crimes by persecution in their day-to-day life, where the on working with the National as it would help keep check of women only, the safety and who has in his possession more firearms using illicit weapons; a growing number right to practice, profess and propagate their Health System’s Resource the number of women dying wellbeing of women has been

religion has been obstructed and restricted. Further there was no specific provision them from applying for Indian Citizenship. Debate Many such persons had fled to India to seek in Section 7D of the parent Act to cancel 3. It has also been provided that the There had been a detailed and structured THIRD READING: INDIA shelter and continue to stay in India even if the registration of Overseas Citizen of India competent authority, to be prescribed debate on the Bill in both Houses of their travel documents had expired or they had Cardholders who violated any provisions of under the Act, shall not take into Parliament to which the Minister in charge of that through the Bill, the Government sought to incomplete or no documents. the parent Act or any other law for the time account any proceedings initiated the Bill gave a comprehensive reply covering Key features of the Bill: bring several of the regulators together as one Under the existing provisions of the Act, being in force. against such persons regarding the entire gamut of issues raised and involved, • Provision has been made for the unit to the limited extent of having to deal with migrants from Hindu, Singh, Buddhist, The Government accordingly brought their status as illegal migrant or their the matters sought to be addressed. The establishment of the International Financial the various institutions, which are present in Jain, Parsi or Christian communities from forward the Amending Bill to address the citizenship matter while considering Amending Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on Services Centres Authority (the Authority) the International Financial Centre. The Bill in its Afghanistan, Pakistan or Bangladesh who aforementioned issues and to protect their application under section 5 or 10 December 2019 and by Rajya Sabha on 11 to develop and regulate the financial spirit was foreseen or intended to be brought entered into India without valid travel the constitutional guarantee given to the section 6 of the Act, if they fulfil all the December 2019. The Bill as passed by both services market in the International forward of for a long time. documents or if the validity of their documents indigenous populations of North Eastern States conditions for grant of citizenship. Houses of Parliament was assented to by the Financial Services Centres in India. Elaborating the Minister stated that a need has expired are regarded as illegal migrants covered under the Sixth Schedule to the • Third Schedule to the Parent Act provides for President of India on 12 December 2019. • It has been stipulated that the powers for unified authority to deal with a particular and ineligible to apply for Indian Citizenship Constitution and the statutory protection given qualifications for a person for naturalisation. and functions of the financial sector specialised Financial Services hub, was under Section 5 or Section 6 of the Act. to areas covered under ‘The Inner Line’ system It has been proposed to amend the Third The International Financial Services Centres regulators under the respective Acts strongly felt. A financial hub would provide the The Central Government exempted the said of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. Schedule to the Act to make applicants Authority Bill, 2019 shall be exercised and performed by the opportunity for Indian companies to be able migrants from the adverse penal consequences belonging to the said communities from the Section 18 of the Special Economic Zones Act, Authority in so far as they related to the to access International markets and deal with of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 Key provisions: aforesaid countries eligible for citizenship 2005 provides that the Central Government regulation of financial products, financial international markets through this centre. and the Foreigners Act, 1946 and rules or • Section 2 of the Parent Act gives by naturalisation if they can establish their may approve the setting up of an International services and financial institutions in the During deliberations on the Bill in Parliament, orders made thereunder vide notifications, interpretation to various terms used in the residency in India for five years instead of the Financial Services Centre in a Special Economic International Financial Services Centres. the following points inter alia emerged: dated 7 September 2015 and 18 July 2016. Act vis-a-vis citizenship lists. A proviso has existing eleven years. Zone and may prescribe the requirements for • Further provided that every transaction • The Bill was a laudable initiative. Subsequently, the Central Government also been proposed to inserted after Section • Section 7D of the Parent Act contains setting up and operation of such a Centre. of financial services in the International • There is a need for the Government to made them eligible for long term visas to stay in 2 (1)(b) (regarding illegal immigrant) to provisions in regard to cancellation of The first International Financial Services Financial Services Centres shall be focus on the demand side too. Further, in India, vide, orders dated 8 January 2016 and 14 the effect that any person belonging registration as overseas citizens of India. Centre in India has been set up at GIFT City in such foreign currency as may be addition to liberal markets, there is a need September 2016. Now, it is proposed to make to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or • Presently, there is no specific provision in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. An International specified by the Authority in consultation for liberal cities too. the said migrants eligible for Indian citizenship. Christian community from Afghanistan, in section 7D of the Act to cancel the Financial Services Centre enables bringing with the Central Government. • There is need to attract global talent. A considered view was taken that the illegal Bangladesh or Pakistan who entered registration of Overseas Citizen of India back the financial services and transactions • Provision has been made for the • While it is a noble idea to regulate the migrants who had entered into India up to into India on or before 31 December 2014 Cardholders who violate any provisions of that are currently carried out in offshore constitution of a performance Review regulators, there is also a need for the cut-off date of 31 December 2014, need and who had been exempted by the the Act or any other law for the time being financial centres by Indian corporate entities Committee consisting of at least two transparency. a special regime to govern their citizenship Central Government by or under relevant in force. It had therefore, been proposed and overseas branches and subsidiaries of members of the Authority for review of the • The Bill was termed as a ‘game changer’. matters. For this purpose, the Central provisions of the Passport (Entry into India) to amend the said section 7D so as to financial institutions to India, by offering world functioning of Authority an annual basis; The World Bank had acknowledged India Government or an authority specified by it, Act, 1920 or from the application of the empower the Central Government to class business and regulatory environment. • Provision has also been made for the to be a bright spot among developing shall grant the certificate of registration or provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946 or cancel the registration as an Overseas It would enable Indian corporations to have amendment of certain enactments and emerging economies and on its certificate of naturalisation, subject to such any rule or order made thereunder would Citizen of India Cardholder in case of easier access to global financial markets. which are considered necessary for the liberalisation, it can achieve more. conditions, restrictions and manner as may not be treated as illegal migrant for the violation of any provisions of the Act or As at present, the banking, capital markets purposes of the proposed legislation. There indeed is a need to develop an be prescribed. Since many of them have purposes of the Act. any other law for the time being in force. and insurance sectors in International Financial International Financial Services Centre entered into India long back, they may be • New Section 6B has been proposed • Further also as there is no specific Services Centres are regulated by multiple Debate: for the expansion of global economy and given the citizenship of India from the date of to be inserted providing for special provision in the Act at present to provide regulators such as the Reserve Bank of India, The Bill was debated at length in both Houses strategic influence. their entry into India, if they fulfil conditions for provisions as to citizenship of person an opportunity of being heard to be an the Securities and Exchange Board of India and of Parliament. The Minister-in-charge while • Setting up a new authority will do away with Indian citizenship specified in section 5 or the covered by proviso to clause (b) of sub- Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder the Insurance Regulatory and Development piloting the Bill, at the outset stated that around all the regulators. It would help in sustaining qualifications for the naturalisation under the section (1) of section 2 (which defines who before cancellation of the Overseas Citizen Authority of India. These regulators had issued 2008, a Committee appointed by the Ministry the local economy and it would also be provisions of the Third Schedule to the Act. are deemed to be illegal immigrants). of India Card under section 7D had been various regulations and guidelines under of Finance had gone through the entire issue able to do fund raising services, asset Many persons of Indian origin including Towards this end in the Amending proposed to provide the opportunity of respective Acts for regulation of banking, capital of Financial Services and even at that time management, wealth management, global persons belonging to the said minority legislation it has been proposed that: being heard to the Overseas Citizen of markets and insurance business in International (in 2008) it was felt that by 2015 up to US$50 tax management, global and regional communities from the aforesaid countries 1. The Central Government or a specified India Cardholder before the cancellation of Financial Services Centres. billion dollars would be spent on International corporation treasury management, risk have been applying for citizenship under authority, subject to prescribed the Overseas Citizen of India Card. The development of financial products and Finance Services by Indian companies and management operations, and merger and Section 5 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 but they stipulations, have been empowered • Sixth Schedule to the Constitution services in International Financial Services that amount would obviously be going outside acquisition activities. are unable to produce proof of their Indian on an application being made, grant a of India contains provisions as to the Centres require focused and dedicated of the country because India did not have an origin. Hence, they are forced to apply for certificate of registration or certificate Administration of Tribal Areas in the regulatory interventions and require a high level International Financial Service Centre. At the end, the Minister clarified points/ citizenship by naturalisation under section of naturalisation to a person referred to States of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram inter-regulatory coordination. The Government, In 2011, section 8 in the Special Economic queries raised during the debate. The Bill 6 of the said Act, which, inter alia, prescribe Section 2 (1) (b) of Parent Act. and Tripura that no provision of newly therefore, decided to establish a unified financial Zone (SEZ) Act set a distinct provision for was passed by Lok Sabha on 11 December twelve years residency as a qualification for 2. It has been sought to grant immunity to proposed Section 6 B would apply to regulator to provide world class regulatory establishing a Financial Services Centre. In 2019 and by Rajya Sabha on 12 December naturalisation in terms of the Third Schedule to the migrants of the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, the aforementioned states and the area environment to such financial market participants 2015, it was made completely operationalised 2019. The Bill as passed by both Houses of the Act. This denies them many opportunities Jain, Parsi and Christian communities covered under ‘The Inner Line’ notified and promote ease of doing business. because various regulators who deal with Parliament was assented to by the President and advantages that may accrue only to the so that any proceedings against them under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Towards this end the Government brought various Financial institutions such as the RBI, the of India on 19 December 2019. citizens of India, even though they are likely to regarding in respect of their status of Regulation, 1873. forward the International Financial Services SEBI, etc. started issuing their notifications to stay in India permanently. migration or citizenship does not bar Centres Authority Bill, 2019. regulate those institutions. The Minister stated

CANADIAN PARLIAMENT’S CONTINUED RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Parliamentary Sittings Parliamentary Committees approved by all recognised Changes in the Senate Responding to the COVID- The Standing Senate parties before implementation. On 8 May 2020, Hon. Patricia 19 pandemic has remained Committee on National Bovey announced that she the focus of the work of the Finance and the Standing Changes in Party Leadership was leaving the Independent Parliament of Canada over the Senate Committee on Two in-person candidates’ Senators Group (ISG) to join last months. Since May 2020, Social Affairs, Science and debates in the leadership race the Progressive Senate Group both the Senate of Canada Technology both released for the Conservative Party (PSG). Hon. Peter Harder, and the House of Commons interim reports related to of Canada were organised the former Government have been recalled twice by their study of the federal between the four candidates: Representative in the Senate their respective Speaker for government’s response Leslyn Lewis, Hon. Peter who stood as non-affiliated, extraordinary sittings in order to the pandemic. National MacKay, Erin O’Toole, MP joined the PSG on 14 May. Hon. to debate government Bills Finance called for Parliament and Derek Sloan, MP. Held in Pierre Dalphond also changed related to the response to the to regain its power to analyze person, the first debate was affiliations from ISG to PSG pandemic. and approve government in French and the second in on 21 May. With these new Following an additional spending, as emergency English. In addition, two virtual members, the PSG reached the extension of its adjournment measures have granted the debates have been organised minimum number required to period, the Senate of Canada government exceptional so far. be a recognised group in the resumed its regular sittings power and exemption from As of 17 July 2020, nine Senate. On 8 July, Hon. Wanda on 16 June 2020 for the first parliamentary scrutiny. For its candidates are in the race to Thomas Bernard also joined time since 13 March 2020 with part, Social Affairs, Science find a successor to Elizabeth the PSG. approximately 30 Senators and Technology highlighted May, MP as leader of the Green Leadership responsibilities in 47, Conservative Party 21, Ethics contraventions of the Conflict publicly-funded entity to present in person. No virtual the fact that seniors and front- Party of Canada. At this time, the PSG have been assigned Canadian Senators Group 13, On 25 June 2020, the federal of Interest Act. organize leaders’ debates.” or hybrid system is in use in line healthcare workers are three candidates’ debates as follows: Hon. Jane Cordy Progressive Senate Group 10, government announced a It also recommends that the the Senate’s proceedings. particularly vulnerable to the have occurred. The next leader has been appointed Leader non-affiliated 5 and vacant 9. new programme, the Canada Addressing Systemic Commissioner be appointed Pending another recall from pandemic. will be chosen via an online and Hon. Dennis Dawson is Student Service Grant, Discrimination after consultation with the the Speaker, the Senate stands The House of Commons ballot with a mail-in option for Deputy Leader of the PSG. Legislation which would encourage On 16 June 2020, the registered political parties in adjourned until the autumn Standing Committee on those unable to vote online. has been Hon. Patricia Bovey Five Bills related to the students to volunteer in their Parliamentary Black the House of Commons. session. Procedure and House Affairs The winner will be announced named Liaison of the PSG and COVID-19 response have communities and receive a Caucus, composed of Black As indicated in the previous has released two reports on 3 October 2020 during has been Hon. Terry Mercer received Royal Assent. They one-time payment for their Parliamentarians and allies, Nominations issue of The Parliamentarian, on how Parliament could the Green Party’s national appointed Caucus Chair. created three new support effort. This programme released calls for action to On 31 March 2020, Hon. Ralph in the House of Commons, react to the pandemic. In convention in Charlottetown, As of 17 July 2020, the programmes: the Canada would be administered by address systemic racism. The Goodale, former MP, was a motion adopted on 20 the first, it made a series of Prince Edward Island. standings in the Senate were: Emergency Wage Subsidy, the WE Charity, an international proposals are aimed at all levels named as special advisor for April 2020 set up the new recommendations regarding Independent Senators Group Canada Emergency Response organisation focusing on of government in areas such the response to the Ukrainian parameters under which the way Parliamentarians could Benefitand the Canada youth empowerment and as data collection, justice and International Airlines tragedy of MPs would meet in a special continue to play their role while Emergency Student Benefit. development. Following public safety reforms and arts 6 January 2020, which resulted Committee chaired by the considering sanitary, judicial, The Bills also introduced revelations that the charity and culture. in the death of 55 Canadian Speaker. A new motion procedural, technological and changes to new and existing had multiple ties to persons On 23 June 2020, as a citizens and 30 permanent adopted on 26 May 2020 practical concerns raised by acts to address “the need for associated with the Liberal result of a request from four residents. set up the schedule for witnesses. It also identified flexibility in relation to certain Party of Canada and their of its Members, the House of On 6 July 2020, Hon. Bob the summer: five sittings an increased risk of injuries time limits and other periods” family, the contract was Commons Standing Committee Rae, former MP, was named as between 17 June and 26 for parliamentary interpreters which have been affected by rescinded. on Public Safety and National the new Canadian ambassador August 2020, after which the because of the move to COVID-19. The House of Commons Security undertook a new study to the United Nations. House will stand adjourned virtual meetings due to poor On 22 July 2020, a Federal Standing Committee on on ‘systemic racism in policing On 8 June 2020, Karen until 21 September 2020. audio quality and inadequate Court decision ruled that the Finance and the Standing in Canada’. Hogan began her role as These meetings are hybrid: equipment. Safe Third Country Agreement Committee on Access to the new Auditor General of a small number of MPs can The second report makes was unconstitutional and gave Information, Privacy and Ethics Leaders’ Debates Commission Canada. She is the second attend in person, while others recommendations regarding the Parliament of Canada have held meetings to study The Leaders’ Debates woman to be named Auditor are welcome to participate the creation of an online voting six months to respond. The the situation. In addition, the Commission, created in the General since the creation virtually. At this time, only system in order to permit full agreement requires asylum Conflict of Interest and Ethics lead-up to the 2019 federal of the position. She replaced Members who are present in participation of all Members, seekers who attempt to enter Commissioner, Mario Dion, election, published a report Sylvain Ricard, who had been person are able to vote. whether in person or remotely. Canada via the United States of has confirmed that he is also on its work during that period. Interim Auditor General since These temporary measures America to first seek asylum in investigating the alleged Its principal recommendation March 2019. should be fully tested and that country. is to establish a “permanent,

and is still unfolding. The DURING COVID-19 SCRUTINY OF AUSTRALIAN EXECUTIVE government’s and Reserve Bank’s economic response to GOVERNMENT CONTINUES IN PARLIAMENT the pandemic and its effects has to date totalled more than In March 2020, at the height be a Senate inquiry with a are not from the government a House of Representatives AUS$300 billion. It is against of the COVID-19 outbreak, Committee established to and that does make a inquiry or a Joint Committee this background that the lockdown provisions and social be able to perform a whole difference in the role that they to be the way forward. Our Committee will begin its work.’ distancing were implemented. lot of that oversight. This play. That’s the reason why view has been that history has Senator Gallagher explained The sitting pattern of the Parliament has seen for a we have sought for there to be shown that a Senate Select the role of the Committee Australian Federal Parliament long time that, while there a Senate Select Committee, Committee is the strongest commenting that the was also affected with are Joint Committees and rather than there being a way to provide oversight, in ‘Committee is a key vehicle Parliament not scheduled to Reps Committees, the truth House of Representatives the absence of the House and to provide accountability, meet until August. Fortunately, is the Committee system that Committee or a Joint Senate sitting themselves.’ transparency and scrutiny of this was revised, and the has been the most thorough Committee. I put that down At the first hearing of the the Australian government’s Parliament sat for a total of in supervising the work of because I appreciate that some Committee, Senator Gallagher response to the pandemic three weeks during May and government has been Senate Members of the crossbench stated that ‘the economic for the Australian people. June 2020. This ensured Select Committees; that is have raised both with me impact of the health response Over the next 18 months, we that the government could simply a given. A reason for personally and with the Leader has been devastating for will work tirelessly to shine introduce essential legislation that, in part, is that the Chairs of the House - that they wanted millions of Australians a light on every aspect of relating to the COVID-19 the national response. This response. At the same time, the is not your typical Senate additional sittings also provided Committee. We will demand a for the Parliament to scrutinise lot of witnesses in terms of a and hold the Executive to cooperative approach that is account. In addition, this based on working together in important function was also the national interest to ensure performed by the Senate Select all aspects of our response are Committee on COVID-19. the best they can be. Political The purpose of the Senate grandstanding will be kept to a COVID-19 Committee is to minimum; major political points scrutinise the Executive while can be made by Members in expect a swing against them of all those people who voted for of us. Together we have been it delivers some of the largest other places. Public hearings about 3% on average. Kristy McBain, she will make attacked by and fought fires, emergency programs in will be held virtually, with However, in the lead up to them proud. For those who many of us faced floods, and Australia’s history. The Senate Senators and witnesses joining the by-election pressure was didn’t, when they see her in we are still struggling through is non-government controlled in by video link or telephone. placed on the Leader of the operation, they will think about drought. Now we are dealing and was able to establish the We will be conducting our work Opposition, Hon. Anthony and consider giving her a vote with the COVID-19 pandemic. Committee and, in particular, with the assistance of various Albanese, MP, in the rare event at the general election.’ Ms It is a year in which none of ensure that an Opposition technologies. We are hopeful that the government might win. McBain commented that ‘I’m us wanted an election; we all Senator, would be the Chair. that this will be seamless, The last time an Opposition has pleased and honoured to be have more important things Subsequently, Senator Hon. but there may be teething lost a by-election was in 1920. elected the next Member for to focus on than politics. As Katy Gallagher (Labor), problems, so apologies for A loss could have cast some Eden-Monaro. To the people of always, there is one thing we was elected as Chair of the that upfront if we do encounter doubts on Mr Albanese’s grip Eden-Monaro – thank you.’ must all focus on – and that is Committee. those.’ on his leadership. However, On 9 July 2020, the Liberal each other. The next few years Senate Committees have an this was not to be. The Labor candidate, Dr Fiona Kotvojs will be tough for all of us. To effective record in scrutinising Labor Opposition holds key candidate, Ms Kristy McBain, in conceded defeat and get through, we must love, care the Executive. This point marginal seat at by-election a packed field of 14 candidates, congratulated Ms McBain for and respect each other. was made in the House of On 4 July 2020, a by-election retained the seat for Labor with on her victory. Dr Kotvojs We must support each other Representatives by the Leader was held for the Federal a slight swing against her. Labor commented that ‘with only regardless of difference. If we of Opposition Business, Hon. marginal seat of Eden-Monaro claimed it was an ‘against the 1,000 to 2,000 votes still to do this, our communities will Tony Burke, MP, who stated in New South Wales. The odds’ victory while the Liberals count, the result for Eden- grow, and we will come out of that ‘I should also point out by-election was caused by the claimed it was devastating for Monaro is now clear. I have this stronger. While not elected, that while the Parliament resignation of Labor member, Labor because they failed to spoken with Kristy McBain and for me, it was a privilege to should be meeting, it is also Hon. Dr Mike Kelly, AM, who achieve an average 3% swing congratulated her on being stand as the Liberal candidate the case that, in the absence resigned for health reasons. Dr towards them. elected as the Member for for Eden-Monaro; to seek the of the Parliament, and even if Kelly held the seat at the last Mr Albanese stated that Eden-Monaro. I wish Kristy and opportunity to represent, and the Parliament were meeting, election by 0.9%. Normally in a ‘in Kristy McBain, we had an her family all the best as she work for, the people of our oversight during this period by-election, governments can extraordinary advocate for the takes on this new role. 2020 community.’ is really important. There will people of Eden-Monaro. For has been a horrific year for all

all COVIDSafe data held in the National COVIDSafe Data Store to be deleted at the THIRD READING: AUSTRALIA end of the COVID-19 pandemic; protect against decryption of COVIDSafe data stored While the Greens supported the legislation, to the cloud is not deleted. Senator Roberts on users’ devices; provide that no-one can Senator McKim advised that he ‘won’t be stated that ‘if a cloud service is used to back be forced to download or use COVIDSafe or downloading this app, because I simply don’t up or sync a phone, the COVIDSafe app upload their data to the National COVIDSafe trust the government with data about who contact log gets backed up to the cloud. Data Store; and finally, the determination I am proximate to. I wish the government This can be viewed by anyone with a sign- created criminal offences for the breach of the had gone down a different route, one that in without the phone user’s knowledge. above requirements, with a maximum penalty many other governments in the world have I acknowledge that this Bill makes the of five years imprisonment. gone down, in which there is no centralised behaviour illegal, but not storing some of the The Privacy Amendment (Public Health store of data. The data simply remains data in plain English would have been a far Contact Information) Act 2020 enshrines on people’s mobile devices and, should better choice.’ Senator Roberts also claimed the COVIDSafe privacy protections in the someone test positive for coronavirus, a that if a person has ‘named’ their phone then determination in primary legislation. message is sent to people who that person in some circumstances the name is what is Senator Murray Watt (Labor) confirmed was proximate to, letting them know that stored. that the opposition supported the contact they’ve been proximate to someone who has Senator Roberts stated that ‘app users who tracing app but noted that the government tested positive, and therefore gives them the have named their phone with their real name had not achieved its uptake targets for the opportunity to decide to go and get tested may be exposing themselves to danger. app. Senator Watt stated that ‘the Prime themselves.’ This results from the app using different Minister has said that 40% of the Australian Senator Malcolm Roberts (One Nation) ways of broadcasting data to maximise population need to download the app for advised that One Nation would support the the chance of a match. This tells us that the it to be an effective public health tool. That legislation, but he would not be downloading developers have taken a deliberate decision means about 10 million Australians. The the app because ‘the app is not up to scratch’. to compromise safety to achieve the most government is well short of that figure at the Senator Roberts raised a number of security number of matches.’ moment. About 5.6 million Australians have and privacy issues noting that data stored reportedly downloaded the COVIDSafe app. Now the Prime Minister appears to be walking away from his target of 10 million COVIDSafe downloads. He now claims that we only need 40% of all smartphone users in Australia Privacy Amendment (Public Health Contact collected in the app is disclosed or able to contained in the Minister for Health’s to download the app. But that target is not Information) Act 2020 be accessed. Then, once the person agrees determination under the Biosecurity Act based on science; it’s based on politics. The On 26 April 2020, the Australian Government and uploads the data, only the relevant state 2015. Building on this, the purpose of this truth is that many experts believe that the launched the voluntary Coronavirus app, or territory public health officials will have Bill is to enshrine the privacy protections in Prime Minister’s original 40% target falls well COVIDSafe. People can download the app to access to information. The only information the determination into primary legislation by short of what is needed.’ their mobile phones which will then operate they are allowed to access is that of close inserting a new part into the Privacy Act 1988, Senator Nicholas McKim (Australian Greens) in the background. As a person comes into contacts – when a person has come within give the Australian Information Commissioner stated that ‘this Bill is an improvement on the contact with another person with the app, the approximately 1.5 metres of another app user oversight of COVIDSafe app data and determination that it effectively replaces. It phones connect via bluetooth and the apps for 15 minutes or more – in their jurisdiction.’ introduce additional provisions that clarify introduces additional privacy protections record the interaction. If one person is later The Minister for Health, Hon. Greg Hunt, protections in the determination.’ that were not present in Minister Hunt’s diagnosed with the Coronavirus, the people MP, sought to reassure Australians that the Mr Porter noted that before the COVIDSafe determination. It introduces other remedies they came into contact with via the app can COVIDSafe app will only be used for contact app was launched the Minister for Health, that were not present in the determination be advised by health officials that they should tracing in relation to the coronavirus. Mr Hunt made a determination under the Biosecurity and it introduces oversight under the Privacy be tested. stated that ‘once the Coronavirus pandemic Act to provide for strong interim privacy Act that was not present in the determination. The Minister for Government Services, Hon. is over, and Australia no longer needs the protections. The determination included It also provides coverage over state and Stuart Robert, MP, explained that when two app, the app and the information on it will be provisions that: ensure that data from territory health officials.’ Senator McKim noted users with the app come into contact with deleted permanently. No virus, no app.’ COVIDSafe is only used to support state and that ‘we understand the urgency and respect one another ‘it then securely makes a ‘digital On 12 May 2020, the Australian Government territory health authorities’ contact-tracing the need for this legislation, particularly as the handshake’, which notes the date and time, introduced the Privacy Amendment (Public efforts, and only to the extent required to do COVIDSafe app has been live since 26 April distance and duration of the contact. All Health Contact Information) Bill 2020 to so; require that users must consent before and has been downloaded by approximately information collected by the app is securely provide additional privacy protections for data from their device can be uploaded to 5½ million people. However, we retain encrypted and stored in the app on the user’s users of and data collected by the COVIDSafe the National COVIDSafe Data Store; prevent concerns around the security provisions phone. No-one, not even the user, can access app. The Attorney-General, Hon. Christian data from COVIDSafe being retained outside associated with the data that this app will it. Unless and until a person is diagnosed Porter, MP, stated that ‘at release, COVIDSafe of Australia, and protect against unauthorised collect, and we also retain concerns around with COVID-19, no contact information was supported by interim privacy protections disclosure outside of Australia, require transparency.’

become a really, really bad. Let awaited in Trinidad and Tobago The Minister said that the serious parenting, but over the PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO the people decide.” and the wider Region. evidence is overwhelming of years in Trinidad and Tobago, The Opposition Leader the role of alcohol in domestic there has been improvement, also called on the Trinidad Trinidad Parliament violence and noted that and called for opportunities to Government to open up the unanimously approves jealousy has played a role be made available to achieve borders which have been Domestic Violence in 21% of cases, adding that economic empowerment. The closed since March due to (Amendment) Bill 2020 21% alone is not the remedy. MP from Couva North, Central the COVID-19 pandemic and Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Eighteen per cent of women Trinidad, said that in some questioned how COVID-19 Representatives unanimously identified power and control cases of domestic violence, restrictions on gatherings will approved the Domestic while 27% of women identified results show that they are not affect the election hustings. Violence (Amendment) Bill no particular trigger. empowered to move away from She also called for international 2020, probably the last piece “Society has taught men that abusive situations. election observers to monitor of legislation before it goes sexual dominance should be The Minister of State in the the conduct of the elections. into recess leading the way for portrayed, through violence,” Office of the Prime Minister, The elections in Trinidad and parliamentary elections which Minister Deyalsingh said. He Hon. Ayanna Webster-Roy Tobago are projected to be a are constitutionally due by added that men control women who piloted the Bill, pointed very serious campaign, and December 2020. The Upper by isolation and playing mind out that the sharing of videos in addition to the policies of House (Senate) had previously games and using children as a depicting domestic violence the two major political parties, approved the Bill. tool. “If you don’t stay with me was unacceptable. “For the last PNM and UNC, there are The Minister of Health, Hon. and take the abuse, I will kill few weeks, I have noticed an several smaller parties that are Terrence Deyalsingh, in his the children or take away the alarming trend on social media expected to join the electoral contribution, said that alcohol is children if you leave, you will where instances of domestic fray. Both of the main parties one of the triggers of physical never see your children again... violence are shared to serve as have announced many new and sexual violence. “Roughly that plays to the mind game.” entertainment.” Ms Webster- candidates, mixing the old one-third of women have Opposition MP, Ramona Roy told Parliament that the Bill with the new, and many young experienced lifetime sexual Ramdial noted that most empowers the Commissioner of candidates. The outcome of violence. Seven per cent of all women today are strong and Police to establish and maintain the election is being anxiously responses reported having independent, having embraced a Domestic Violence Register. sexual intercourse.” education. She called for She said that since 2015, the sum of $170 million has been allocated to the Gender Affairs Division. “We have worked with various stakeholders Trinidad and Tobago holds Polling Day would be 10 August on 23 September 2015. The President to represent other to implement programmes national elections in August 2020.” previous People’s Partnership sectors of civil society). geared towards changing the On Friday 3 July 2020, the The outgoing Prime Minister Government had called general The Trinidad and Tobago cultural norms and values that Prime Minister of Trinidad and concluded: “I wish all my elections to take place in House of Representatives perpetrate family violence, Tobago, Hon. Dr Keith Rowley colleagues a safe and happy, September 2015, some three consists of 41 Members of and violence on the whole announced in the House of enjoyable productive campaign months after the 24th May date Parliament, with the PNM and worked with private and Representatives that the country and I look forward to seeing all of its 2010 victory. holding 23 seats and the public sector organizations to would go to the polls on Monday of them somewhere in Trinidad The Parliament of Trinidad United National Congress address toxic masculinity which 10 August 2020 to elect a new and Tobago, before the next and Tobago consists of led by former Prime Minister, often leads to violence in our government. Some 1.5 million Parliament.” the President of Trinidad Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar society,” the Minister added. citizens are on the Voters’ List According to records of the and Tobago, the House of winning 18 seats in 2015. Opposition MP, Christine in Trinidad and Tobago and the Parliament of Trinidad and Representatives, which is Changes to 12 of the 41 Newallo-Hosein, said it was population is 1.4 million people, Tobago, the dissolution of the composed of the Speaker constituencies were made important to look at the root made up principally of two main 11th Parliament comes almost in addition to 41 directly earlier this year. causes of abuse in each ethnic groups, Africans and East two months before the end of elected Members serving Speaking to the media after instance which could be helped Indians. the term in September. The a five-year term in single- the announcement of the by counselling. “The only way Hon. Dr Keith Rowley told Election Date of 10 August seat constituencies, and the election, Hon. Kamla Persad- we can change the minds of the Parliament of Trinidad and 2020 is, however, three weeks Senate which has 31 Senators Bissessar said that she was someone is to get them to Tobago: “On this day July 3, I’m before the end of the present appointed by the President very happy that a date has been understand there is a perceived to advise all my colleagues that term. (16 Government Senators made, and the country was behaviour that is not in tandem I have advised Her Excellency The ruling People’s National appointed on the advice of the just “waiting to exhale. We’ve with what is required in the the President [of Trinidad and Movement (PNM) won the Prime Minister, 6 Opposition had five years of brutality, five society, that they need help.” Tobago] to dissolve Parliament last elections on 7 September Senators appointed on the years of neglect, five years of Ms Newallo-Hosein called at midnight. Nomination Day 2015, and the Trinidad and advice of the Leader of the suffering and especially within on the government to make would be Friday 17 July, and Tobago Parliament’s first sitting Opposition and 9 Independent the last year. I think it has counselling mandatory. following the election was held Senators appointed by the

supports our Prime Minister, and continues to - and that’s the Executive Government, not do so.” its agencies - enormous scope to curtail the THIRD READING: NEW ZEALAND Similarly, the Green Party of Aotearoa New civil liberties of New Zealanders under any Zealand Justice spokesperson, Ms Golriz conditions related to COVID equal to what Measures) Amendment Bill implemented protects basic human rights even when the Ghahraman, MP acknowledged that the they have seen over the last seven weeks.” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s absolute worst has happened.” The first part Bill “is a small step towards making all the The COVID-19 income relief payment announcement that she would take a of her amendment was rejected; however, communities affected by mental illness, by programme provides payments to New 20% pay cut during the pandemic, along the second part was voted through with family violence, by gun violence, and by crime Zealanders who have lost their job due to the with Government Ministers and heads of Opposition support, thereby rendering the Bill more safe.” impact of COVID-19. Under the Social Security Government departments. The Bill was unworkable. Parts of the Bill did enjoy Opposition support (COVID-19 Income Relief Payment to be supported by the Opposition. Hon. Dr Nick Hon. Dr Nick Smith, MP (National) said: too. Hon. Nathan Guy, MP (National) said, Income) Amendment Bill, a payment received Smith, MP (National) commented that ordinary “Now, in Part 1 of this Bill, we limit the right to “I do acknowledge the change that’s been under the programme is treated as income for New Zealanders “are taking huge economic vote to extending it to those that have been made for farmers with the ability to apply for social security purposes, meaning recipients pain in the wake of COVID-19, and for that sentenced to a term of three years or less … a pest management regime and hold a semi- may receive higher levels of income support reason, it is appropriate that others, including But in Part 2 of the Bill, with the amendments automatic weapon. I think that’s a good move. than recipients of main benefits. Members of Parliament, share in that burden that have been supported by the House, we But I’m disappointed that the Government Hon. Tim Macindoe, MP (National) personally.” now have … no distinction between those didn’t take this opportunity to get tougher on expressed concern that the Bill would create Funding for the various recovery measures that have served more than three years gangs.” “a two-tier system” and that it is “embedding was set out in the 2020 Budget legislation. than not. We now have a Bill that requires Dr Deborah Russell, MP (Labour), unfairness.” The COVID-19 Response Opposition Finance spokesperson, Hon. Paul a prison manager to act illegally.” Dr Smith Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure (Taxation and Other Regulatory Urgent Goldsmith, MP (National) expressed concern sought leave to discharge the Bill and for it to Select Committee, concluded: “It’s legislation Measures) Bill also aimed to provide cash-flow at the size of the spending, stating, “At the be referred back to the Justice Committee, that about 85% of New Zealanders agree with relief to businesses by making temporary tax moment, New Zealanders have about NZ$60 saying, “It is openly acknowledged now that we do need to have better control over changes. billion of net debt - NZ$60 billion - and that that this Bill has an internal contradiction. firearms in this country. This Bill represents a The COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track NZ$60 billion is going to go up to NZ$200 It is unworkable law.” However, there was step in doing that. We will continue to work on Consenting) Bill was designed to promote billion - an extra NZ$140 billion of debt.” objection to this course of action and the Bill these issues over the years, as should be the employment growth by establishing new fast- subsequently received the Royal Assent on Arms Legislation Bill this Parliament … is how it was possible for case. But today we have achieved something track resource consenting processes for new Electoral (Registration of Sentenced 29 June 2020. The Arms Legislation Bill passed its Third that individual to be able to pull together significant. I commend this Bill wholeheartedly projects, among other measures. Prisoners) Amendment Bill and Electoral The Electoral (Registration of Sentenced Reading on 18 June 2020. The Minister the armaments of which he committed that to the House.” The Associate Minister for the Environment, (Registration of Sentenced Prisoners) Prisoners) Amendment Bill (No 2) passed for Police, Hon. Stuart Nash, MP (Labour) horrific terrorist act. The part that concerns The Bill passed with 63 votes to 50 and Hon. Eugenie Sage, MP (Green) commented: Amendment Bill (No 2) its Third Reading on 30 June 2020. The Bill explained to the House, “The new law is me about this Bill and all the rhetoric that received the Royal Assent on 24 June 2020. “the Green Party was concerned, as were The Electoral (Registration of Sentenced amends the Electoral Act 1993 to remedy the designed to stop firearms falling into the has surrounded it is that that fundamental many submitters, about some key issues: Prisoners) Amendment Bill passed its Third inconsistencies introduced by the Electoral wrong hands. It spells out for the first time question has not been answered.” COVID-19 response legislation public participation, and the constraints on Reading during urgency on 24 June 2020. (Registration of Sentenced Prisoners) that owning a firearm is a privilege, limited Mr Ian McKelvie, MP (National) commented The New Zealand Parliament passed a that; climate change; and the environmental The Bill makes changes to the Electoral Amendment Act 2020 the day before. to responsible, licensed owners. The most in particular on the passage of the legislation: suite of legislation in 2020 in response to bottom lines and safeguards.” However, Act 1993, reversing changes made by the Hon. Clare Curran, MP (Labour) said: “this is significant change is a new firearms register.” “I think that it’s extraordinary that we’d be the COVID-19 pandemic. The various Bills she added that the issues had been worked previous Government through the Electoral what we would describe as a ‘fix-it’ Bill, which However, the Opposition spokesperson for pushing a piece of legislation through the covered topics including public health, through and improved in the Bill. (Disqualification of Sentenced Prisoners) fixes an issue created by the National Party Police, National Party MP, Mr Brett Hudson House and passing it in urgency, when welfare, tax, resource consent, immigration, The Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Act 2010. playing petty politics during the Committee countered that the Bill “places a whole lot we don’t know the result of that Royal and overseas investment. Amendment Bill granted temporary powers The Minister of Justice, Hon. Andrew stage of the Electoral (Registration of more compliance and cost on shooting clubs Commission.” The COVID-19 Response (Taxation and for the Government to amend visa conditions Little, MP (Labour) explained: “This law will Sentenced Prisoners) Amendment Bill last and ranges, almost all of which are, simply, The Minister for Defence, Hon. Ron Mark, Other Regulatory Urgent Measures) Bill set for large groups of people. The Minister of restore the right to vote of those sentenced week.” run by small volunteer groups.” Mr Hudson MP (New Zealand First) spoke in support of out provisions to limit the risk of the outbreak Immigration, Hon. Iain Lees-Galloway, MP to less than three years, because of a very Mr Chris Penk, MP (National) countered: added: “Now, National does not oppose a the Bill: “There is no secret; we’ve had many or spread of COVID-19 by creating public (Labour) explained: “the scale of the epidemic simple principle. At the time of an election, “In response … to the point made … that the firearm registry per se, but what we’ve said conversations … with Minister Nash and health enforcement powers, offences, and means that we need to be more nimble.” for somebody sentenced to less than three National Party has … been inconsistent in all along is that this one … won’t deliver the with the Labour team around some of our penalties. The Minister of Justice, Hon. The Overseas Investment (Urgent years, they will be out before the next supporting one of those parts of the Green objective, which was stated as keeping the reservations with respect to this Bill. New Andrew Little, MP (Labour) explained: “It is Measures) Amendment Bill was designed to election. It might be in a month, it might be in Supplementary Order Paper and not the guns out of the hands of criminals.” Zealand First formed a coalition Government right that we clarify that we have the power improve New Zealand’s foreign investment 18 months, but they will be out before the next other, I would say that it’s been consistent Ms Kiritapu Allan, MP (Labour) said, “The and selected the Rt Hon. Jacinda Ardern to to deal with it as we move down the levels screening regime in response to the election, and they must have a right to have a with our position throughout in relation to the legislative changes that we have made as a be the Prime Minister of this nation, and she and give ourselves the power to respond in a pandemic. New Zealand First MP, Ms Jenny say on those running the country that they are underlying legislation that we oppose it, and nation since March the 15th have meant the was the Prime Minister of this nation when more nuanced sort of way and a more agile Marcroft explained: “this Bill actually aims to about to be released free into.” that we will do nothing to assist its passage Christchurch terrorist would not have been that horrendous attack by that terrorist took sort of way.” protect our national interests, the long-term During the Committee of the Whole through the House because we do not able to purchase the types of weapons that place in Christchurch on March the 15th. As the Opposition MPs expressed concern, interests of New Zealand. It will increase House, Ms Golriz Ghahraman, MP (Green) believe in it.” killed 51 people last year.” Prime Minister of this nation, she made a call. however, at the wide-ranging powers granted the oversight into the foreign investment in put forward an amendment that sought to The Electoral (Registration of Sentenced Hon. Dr Nick Smith, MP (National) It was a loud and clear and very emphatic under the Bill. Mr Brett Hudson, MP (National) Aotearoa, because much has changed in our extend voting rights to all prisoners. She Prisoners) Amendment Bill (No 2) received the disagreed, however, saying: “The question call. As responsible parties and members of commented: “Let’s make no mistake: the COVID world.” explained, “The reason for that is that New Royal Assent on 1 July 2020. in the mind of all New Zealanders and of this coalition Government, New Zealand First powers within this Bill give the Government The Remuneration Authority (COVID-19 Zealand is a proud nation that upholds and

Hon. Earl Howe (Con), Deputy UK PARLIAMENT CONTINUES TO ADAPT TO COVID-19 Leader of the House of Lords, said during the Report stage Both UK Houses of Parliament their workplaces, if possible), was devised to allow for MPs to result of the pandemic. The that the Delegated Powers and continued to adapt to the Mr Rees-Mogg remarked “That physically vote whilst meeting Lords agreed to a Business Regulatory Reform Committee COVID-19 outbreak in recent is why, in line with Government social distancing guidelines of of the House motion on 4 “have made important months. The UK House of advice… I am asking Members two metres. The system was a June 2020 which permitted a recommendations and the Commons agreed to temporary to return to their place of work queue that stretched through hybrid House model whereby Government have sought to motions to permit hybrid after Whitsun.” the Parliamentary estate as Members could participate accept as many of them as ‘substantive’ proceedings from Rt Hon. Valarie Vaz, MP (Lab), MPs took turns to enter the virtually or physically in the possible.” The Bill received 22 April 2020. It allowed for Shadow Leader of the House House of Commons Chamber Chamber, albeit with limited Royal Assent on 25 June 2020. proceedings including stages of Commons, challenged Mr and state aloud whether they capacity. This departed from The Business and Planning of Public Bills to be carried Rees-Mogg during the debate: were voting ‘aye’ or ‘no’. This the fully virtual model which Bill was introduced in the out whilst adhering to social “The Government’s own advice was then recorded by Clerks the House of Lords had used House of Commons on 25 June distancing measures. Up to is that those who can work watching the video feed. Karen since returning from the Easter 2020. The Bill includes a range approximately 50 Members from home should do so - that Bradley’s amendment was recess. The House of Lords also of measures to help businesses of Parliament could physically is still the Government’s advice, defeated by 185 votes to 242, developed and launched an adjust to new ways of working attend the Chamber whilst on grounds of working and and the motion in the name of online voting website, PeerHub, as the country recovers from others participated remotely via travelling safely. Will he confirm Jacob Rees-Mogg was carried to facilitate remote voting. This disruption caused by COVID-19. videoconferencing software. that he is not contradicting by 261 votes to 163. Each was used for the first time on These included relaxing rules The House of Commons also Government advice…?” division took over 40 minutes 15 June 2020 during the Third to make it easier for premises in sanctioned an online remote The Speaker recalled the due to the socially-distanced Reading of the Extradition England serving food and drink divisions system on 22 April House of Commons a day method of voting. (Provisional Arrest) Bill. 544 to seat and serve customers 2020. History was made on early from the Whitsun recess However, further temporary Members of the House of Lords outdoors, and amending 12 May 2020 when remote to consider a new temporary orders were tabled by the took part in the second division legislation to facilitate ‘Bounce voting was used for the first procedural motion tabled Leader of the House on 4 on the Bill, making it the 13th Back Loans’ (Government loans time. Members were given 15 by the Leader of the House June 2020 which permitted biggest division to that date. for small businesses impacted minutes to cast their vote on on 2 June 2020. The motion Members to participate virtually by COVID-19). 42 amendments the MemberHub website, after rescinded the temporary for some proceedings, namely Coronavirus-related legislation were made to the Bill in the which votes were collated orders for hybrid substantive Questions, Urgent Questions Continuing its response to the House of Lords and these by the Public Bill Office and proceedings, thereby ending and Statements, if they have COVID-19 pandemic, the UK were agreed to by the House announced in the Chamber. A the ability of Members to self-certified that they are Government introduced two of Commons. The Bill received further nine divisions were held participate virtually. It also unable to attend at Westminster expedited Bills to Parliament. Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. remotely before the House of provided that divisions may be for medical or public health The first was the Corporate Commons rose for the Whitsun conducted under arrangements reasons. The existing eligibility Insolvency and Governance Bill Curtailment of recesses the EU on 12 June 2020 that it Moving the motion, Mr Rees- for bringing forward the recess on 20 May 2020. made by the Speaker, as long criteria for voting by proxy which was introduced to the In both UK Houses of would not extend the transition Mogg remarked “The behaviour proposal but argued “we have Motions to renew the as Members participate from was also extended, which House of Commons on 20 May Parliament, it was announced period; the period in which of a small number of Members to declare an absolute self- temporary orders regarding within the Parliamentary estate. was previously exclusive to 2020. This Bill was introduced that the summer recess would the UK and EU may negotiate of Parliament over years and denying ordinance in relation remote voting and hybrid An amendment was tabled Members absent for childbirth, in response to the potential be curtailed. The planned a future framework of their decades has disgraced and to debating a decision that has proceedings were not tabled by Rt Hon. Karen Bradley, adoption or childcare, to those economic fallout following September recess held for party relationship before the UK shamed our parliamentary already been reached by an before the recess. Responding MP (Con), Chair of the at high risk from Coronavirus. the lockdown measures conferences was also scrapped ceases to be a member of the democracy… Placing decisions independent body, that has to an Urgent Question on the Procedure Committee, to These orders were agreed imposed due to the pandemic. as a result of the cancellation of single market and customs of this kind in the hands of an an appellate process within matter, the Leader of the House amend the motion to allow for without debate. The numbers Provisions included greater the conferences following the union. The transition period independent expert panel is it, where all the evidence has of Commons, Rt Hon. Jacob remote divisions and remote able to physically attend the flexibility to the insolvency COVID-19 outbreak. Rt Hon. ends on 31 December 2020. a fundamental break with the been considered, where both Rees-Mogg, MP (Con), told participation to continue Chamber remained capped regime so companies could Lord Ashton of Hyde (Con), past that reflects our continuing sides of the argument have an the House “under the hybrid unless the Speaker deems to facilitate social distancing. explore options for rescue Government Chief Whip, told Independent Complaints and efforts to make Parliament a equal opportunity to put their proceedings, the time this that physically participation A system has since been whilst supplies are protected the House of Lords that it was in Grievance Scheme better place to work.” case…many complainants House is able to spend debating is consistent with relevant implemented for divisions in and the suspension of response to the “inevitably slow On 23 June 2020, the Leader of These arrangements proved would be frightened that they legislation faces being cut by public health guidance and which Members scan their parts of insolvency law to progress of business over the the House of Commons, Rt Hon. to be controversial as they would be re-victimised.” Mr around two thirds… if we persist advice and with the legal duties Parliamentary passes located in facilitate trading without the past three months.” Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP (Con), would have allowed the Bryant’s amendment passed by with the present arrangements, of the House of Commons the division lobbies to register threat of directors’ personal This was in reference to the moved motions relating to the House to debate the decisions 243 votes to 238. it will become harder to make Commission and the Corporate their vote whilst maintaining liability. Over 90 Government Government’s intentions to formation of an independent reached by the independent In 2019, the House of Lords progress in a timely fashion.” Officer, or until the House social distancing. During amendments were tabled and pass significant Bills including panel of experts to deal with panel. An amendment was agreed that reports from the Referring to the Prime Minister’s otherwise orders. this period, virtual Public Bill agreed to in the House of Lords. the Agriculture, Environment bullying and harassment tabled by Chris Bryant, MP Conduct Committee relating address to the nation on the As the temporary order Committees were also trialled These included amendments to and Trade Bills before the allegations; a recommendation (Lab) so that the House may to the behaviour of Peers, 10 May 2020 and subsequent sanctioning remote divisions by the House authorities but change statutory instruments end of the transition period in the independent inquiry only ratify decisions from the including those imposing Government guidance (that had expired, the online division have not been implemented. under certain provisions following the UK’s withdrawal report by Dame Laura Cox, QC, independent expert panel sanctions, should be decided advised those who were unable system could not be used to The UK House of Lords from the negative to “made from the EU. The UK The Bullying and Harassment without debate. Mr Bryant by the House without debate. to work from home to return to vote on the motion. A system continued to innovate as a affirmative” procedure. Rt Government formally notified of House of Commons Staff. ‘commended’ Mr Rees-Mogg

CPA Patron, Officers, Executive Committee, Regional Representatives, Commonwealth Women CPA Small Branches Steering Committee CPA Regional Parliamentarians (CWP) and CPA Small Branches Steering Committees and CPA Regional Secretaries CANADA CPA SMALL BRANCHES CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS Secretaries Mr Michel Patrice CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS PATRON: VICE-PATRON: CHAIRPERSON AND THE ATLANTIC Parliament of Canada AND THE ATLANTIC Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Vacant (Canada Federal) Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of the Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, AFRICA Head of the Commonwealth Mr Steven Kagaigai CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS & Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George, Parliament of the Cook Islands JP, Speaker of the Legislative Parliament of Tanzania ATLANTIC MP, Speaker of the House, (2019-2022) Assembly, Mr Pedro E. Eastmond Trinidad & Tobago, (2017-2021)* Cayman Islands, (2019-2020) CPA Executive Committee ASIA Executive Committee Members’ dates of membership are indictated below each name. AFRICA Also: Vice-Chairperson of the Parliament of Barbados CPA Small Branches. Mr Syed Shamoon Hashmi Portrait of The Queen © John Swannell/Camera Press Correct at time of printing. *Terms extended as no CPA General Assembly held in 2018 and 2020. Hon. Andy Glenn Daniel, MP Hon. Gervais Henrie, MNA Parliament of Pakistan Speaker of the House of Seychelles INDIA (2019-2021) PACIFIC Smt Snehlata Shrivastava Officers Regional AUSTRALIA Assembly, St Lucia, (2019-2022) Representatives Hon.Tofa Nafoitoa Talaimanu AUSTRALIA Parliament of India PRESIDENT: (2019-2021)*: Hon. Dwayne Taylor, MHA AUSTRALIA Keti, MP, Samoa Ms Alex Cullum Hon. John Ajaka, MLC, President Hon. Anthony Rota, MP Speaker of the House of Hon. Joy Burch, MLA (2019-2022) Parliament of Australia PACIFIC AFRICA of the Legislative Council, New Speaker of the House of Assembly, Turks & Caicos Speaker of the Legislative Ms Wendy Hart South Wales, (2016-2021)*, Also Commons (Canada Federal) (2019-2022) Assembly, Australian Capital SOUTH-EAST ASIA BRITISH ISLANDS & Parliament of New Zealand Hon. Bernard Songa Sibalatani, CPA Vice-Chairperson. Territory (2019-2021) MEDITERRANEAN MP, Vice-Chairperson of the Hon. Dato’ Haji Hamdan bin VICE-PRESIDENT: (2019-2021)*: INDIA Bahari, MLA, Speaker of the Mr Jon Davies SOUTH-EAST ASIA National Council, Namibia Hon. Bruce Atkinson, MLC Rt Hon. Aaron Mike Oquaye, MP, BRITISH ISLANDS AND Legislative Assembly, Perlis Parliament of the United Mr Nizam Mydin bin Bacha Mydin (2016-2021)* Victoria, (2017-2021)* Speaker of Parliament (Ghana) Shri Premchand Aggarwal, MLA MEDITERRANEAN (2019-2020) Kingdom Parliament of Malaysia Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Deputy Lyndon Trott Hon. Lazarous Chungu Bwalya, Senator Hon. Scott Ryan CHAIRPERSON OF THE Uttarakhand , (2016-2021)* Guernsey The CPA Small Branches Steering MP, Zambia President of the Senate To complete term started by another Committee comprises the CPA Small CPA Headquarters Secretariat EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (2019-2020) Branches Chairperson and seven (2016-2021)* Australia Federal, (2019-2022) Member. (2017-2021)*: Members who represent the seven out Mr Stephen Twigg Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP CANADA of the nine Regions of the CPA with CPA Secretary-General Hon. Dr Makali Mulu, MP BRITISH ISLANDS AND Shri Hitendra Goswami, MLA Small Branches. Deputy Speaker (Cameroon) Hon. Nils Clarke, MLA Kenya MEDITERRANEAN Speaker of the Legislative Speaker of the Legislative Commonwealth Parliamentary Tel: +44 (0)20 7799 1460 (2017-2021)* Assembly, Assam, (2017-2021)* VICE-CHAIRPERSON Assembly, Yukon Association, CPA Headquarters Email: [email protected] Hon. Stuart McMillan, MSP (2019-2021)*: (2019-2022) Secretariat, Richmond House, www.cpahq.org Rt Hon. Sephiri Enoch Scotland (stand-by Branch for Shri Anurag Sharma, MP, Lok Hon. John Ajaka, MLC Houses of Parliament, London Twitter @CPA_Secretariat Motanyane, MP, Speaker of the Northern Ireland), (2016-2021)* Sabha, India Union, (2019-2022) President of the Legislative National Assembly, Lesotho SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom Facebook.com/CPAHQ Council (New South Wales) (2017-2021)* Hon. Leona Roberts, MLA PACIFIC Regional Representative, Falkland Islands, (2017-2021)* Australia Region (2016-2021)* Hon. Mensah Bonsu, MP Hon. Clayton Mitchell, MP A full listing of all CPA Branches can be found at: www.cpahq.org/cpahq/directory Ghana, (2019-2022) Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP New Zealand, (2016-2021)* TREASURER (2019-2022): United Kingdom, (2019-2022) Hon. Datuk Shamsul Iskander Rt Hon. Dr Abass Bundu, MP Hon. Francesca Semoso, MHR Md. Akin, MP (Malaysia) Speaker of the Parliament of CANADA Deputy Speaker, Bougainville, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee Sierra Leone, (2019-2022) (2017-2021)* COMMONWEALTH WOMEN CWP PRESIDENT ASIA CANADA PACIFIC Hon. François Paradis, MNA PARLIAMENTARIANS (CWP) Vacant Hon. Munaza Hassan, MNA Hon. Laura Ross, MLA Hon. Anahila Kanongata’a- ASIA Québec, (2016-2021)* To complete Hon. Sir Ratu Epeli Nailatikau CHAIRPERSON (2019-2022): Canada Federal Pakistan Saskatchewan Suisuiki, MP term started by other Member. Speaker of Parliament of Fiji (2019-2021) (2018-2021) (2017-2020) New Zealand Parliament Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, MP (2019-2022) MNA (Pakistan) (2017-2020) Pakistan, (2016-2021)* Hon. Kevin Murphy, MLA SOUTH-EAST ASIA CWP CHAIRPERSON AUSTRALIA CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS Speaker of the House of CPA SMALL BRANCHES Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, Hon. Michelle O’Byrne, MP AND THE ATLANTIC SOUTH-EAST ASIA Hon. Dr Lal Chand Ukrani, MPA Assembly, Nova Scotia CHAIRPERSON Hon. Suhaizan Kayat, MLA MNA, Pakistan Tasmania Hon. Jeannine Giraudy- Hon. Alice Lau Kiong Yieng, MP Sindh, (2017-2021)* (2017-2021)* (2019-2022): Speaker of Johor State Legislative (2019-2022) Acting CWP Rep (2019-2022) McIntyre, MP Malaysia Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of Assembly, (2016-2021)* President of the Senate, St (2019-2022) Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, MP Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, MP Parliament (Cook Islands) AFRICA BRITISH ISLANDS AND Lucia Speaker of Parliament Canada Federal Hon. Mr Lim Biow Chuan, MP Hon. Zainab Gimba, MP MEDITERRANEAN (2018-2021) Sri Lanka, (2019-2022) (2019-2022) The CPA Coordinating Committee Singapore, (2017-2021)* Nigeria Hon. Samantha Sacramento, MP comprises the CPA Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, (2019-2022) Gibraltar INDIA Hon. Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Hatta CPA Small Branches Chairperson Also CWP Vice-Chairperson (2019-2022) Smt. Kirron Kher, MP and Commonwealth Women *Executive Committee Members’ terms extended as no CPA General Md Ramli, MP, Malaysia (2019- (2019-2020) Lok Sabha, India (2017-2020) Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson. Assembly held in 2018 and 2020. 2022)

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