Experto en democracia recomienda a la ONU propuesta de una Asamblea Parlamentaria
El experto independiente Alfred de Zayas de la ONU presenta informe a la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas, destaca la propuesta de una Asamblea Parlamentaria Mundial
En un informe presentado a las Naciones Unidas en Nueva York el lunes, el experto independiente de la ONU sobre "la promoción de un orden internacional democrático y equitativo", Alfred de Zayas, indicó que la organización mundial debe considerar la convocatoria de "una conferencia para discutir iniciativas prometedoras como la creación de una Asamblea Parlamentaria Mundial y un Tribunal Mundial de Derechos Humanos". Citando al ex Secretario General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, el experto independiente escribió que "Una Asamblea Parlamentaria en las Naciones Unidas - un cuerpo mundial de representantes electos – podría fortalecer
 |
| Experto Independiente Alfred de Zayas, durante la rueda de prensa en la sede de la ONU en Nueva York |
| Imagen : ONU |
nuestras instituciones de gobierno global sin precedentes con la legitimidad democrática, la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas".
Hablando del principal cuerpo social, humanitaria y cultural de la Asamblea General de la ONU, la Tercera Comisión, el experto independiente presentó 35 recomendaciones sobre la democracia internacional y nacional, así como los estudios que se lleven a cabo sobre temas que van desde la auto-determinación de las cuestiones relacionadas con los pueblos indígenas, la guerra y la paz, y la sociedad civil. La sugerencia de que la ONU considere el establecimiento de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas o Mundial fue también uno de los principales temas tratados en una conferencia de prensa posterior en la sede de la ONU. De acuerdo a la clase del Sr. de Zayas dijo que para que la toma de decisiones a nivel mundial que sea realmente representativa, el establecimiento de una asamblea parlamentaria mundial era "imperativo".
Tomando la temperatura de opinión pública mundial
El experto, que tiene el mandato del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU, dijo que en una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas se garantizaría la participación inclusiva y abierta de los parlamentarios de todos los estados. La asamblea, dijo, también servirá como una plataforma para la participación de representantes de los pueblos indígenas, los pueblos no representados y los que viven bajo la ocupación. Aunque la asamblea parlamentaria no tiene poderes legislativos, haría que las Naciones Unidas sean más abiertos y receptivos a las necesidades de los ciudadanos del mundo, facilitando la participación de todos los interesados en la toma de decisiones de las Naciones Unidas.
Durante la conferencia de prensa, el experto independiente recordó que la idea de un parlamento mundial elegido ya fue apoyada por premios Nobel como Bertha von Suttner, Albert Einstein, Shimon Peres, y otros. Sin embargo, dijo que en este momento la propuesta no era dar a la asamblea poderes legislativos, pero que "no es una forma de tomar la temperatura de la opinión pública mundial, si ha elegido directamente a los parlamentarios en una asamblea parlamentaria mundial. Puede que no tengan la facultad de legislar, pero al menos tienen el poder de decir lo que la gente piensa y que no siempre lo tiene en la Asamblea general. La Asamblea General tiene gobiernos, no representantes ciudadanos", dijo el Sr. de Zayas.
El experto independiente sugirió que la creación de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas podría ser un elemento importante de la reforma de las Naciones Unidas en general. Destacando la necesidad de que la democratización de la organización mundial, señaló que, "la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas no solo debe ser revitalizada y fortalecida, sino que también tiene que ser más democrática y representativa. Complementando la Asamblea General un órgano parlamentario podría ser una clave para el logro de otras reformas en el sistema de las Naciones Unidas".
Campaña Internacional acoge con satisfacción la recomendación
El Secretario General de la Campaña internacional para una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas, Andreas Bummel, acogió con beneplácito la recomendación del experto independiente de que la ONU convoque una conferencia internacional sobre la propuesta. "El Sr. de Zayas ha señalado con razón que el establecimiento de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas ya se sugirió en 1949", dijo. "Ha llegado el momento de que la ONU tiene que lidiar con eso."
El Sr. Bummel destacó que más de 1.000 legisladores, así como cientos de profesores y personas distinguidas apoyaron la apelación de la campaña por una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas. Refiriéndose a la "Semana de Acción Mundial para un Parlamento Mundial" que se organizó 17-24 de octubre de este año, por primera vez, señaló que el apoyo popular a un órgano parlamentario mundial estaba creciendo. Durante la "Semana de Acción", ciudadanos de todo el mundo habían pedido un "Parlamento del mundo ahora!"
La semana pasada, una conferencia internacional de la campaña celebrada en el Parlamento Europeo incluyó una consulta especial con el Sr. de Zayas. En una declaración final, la Conferencia pidió a "las Naciones Unidas y sus Estados miembros para avanzar en los procesos necesarios para el establecimiento de una Asamblea Parlamentaria en las Naciones Unidas." El documento dice que una Asamblea Parlamentaria en la ONU "es un componente vital para fortalecer la participación democrática y la legitimidad democrática de las Naciones Unidas y otras organizaciones intergubernamentales como el Grupo del Banco Mundial, el Fondo Monetario Internacional y la Organización Mundial del Comercio".
"Si la ONU decide buscar a la propuesta de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas, esto debe hacerse de manera transparente, abierta e inclusiva", declaró el Sr. Bummel. "Una conferencia internacional auspiciada por la ONU o incluso un taller sobre una Asamblea Parlamentaria en la ONU debe incluir parlamentarios, representantes de la sociedad civil y expertos independientes", subrayó.
Documentos
Informe completo de la experta independiente a la Asamblea General de la ONU
Expert on democracy suggests United Nations conference on a World Parliamentary Assembly
UN's Independent expert Alfred de Zayas presents report to the United Nations General Assembly, highlights proposal for a World Parliamentary Assembly
In a report presented to the United Nations in New York on Monday, the UN's Independent Expert on "the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order", Alfred de Zayas, suggested that the world organization should consider convening "a conference to discuss promising initiatives such as the creation of a World Parliamentary Assembly and a World Court of Human Rights." Quoting former UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the Independent Expert wrote that "A United Nations Parliamentary Assembly – a global body of elected representatives – could invigorate our institutions of global governance with unprecedented democratic legitimacy, transparency and accountability."
|
| Independent Expert Alfred de Zayas during the press conference at UN headquarters in New York |
| Image: UN |
Speaking at the UN General Assembly's main social, humanitarian and cultural body, the Third Committee, the Independent Expert introduced 35 recommendations on international and national democracy, as well as studies to be carried out on topics ranging from self-determination to issues related to indigenous peoples, war and peace, and civil society. The suggestion that the UN consider establishment of a United Nations or World Parliamentary Assembly was also one of the main topics raised at a subsequent press conference at UN headquarters. According to a UN report, Mr de Zayas said that in order for global decision-making to be genuinely representative, the establishment of a world parliamentary assembly was "imperative."
"Taking the temperature of world public opinon"
The expert, who is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, said that a UN Parliamentary Assembly would ensure the inclusive and open participation of parliamentarians from all states. The assembly, he said, would also serve as a platform for the participation of representatives of indigenous peoples, unrepresented peoples and those living under occupation. Although the parliamentary assembly would not have legislative powers, it would render the United Nations more open and responsive to the needs of the world’s citizens by facilitating participation by all stakeholders in UN decision-making.
During the press conference, the Independent Expert recalled that the idea of an elected world parliament was already supported by Nobel laureates such as Bertha von Suttner, Albert Einstein, Shimon Peres, and others. However, he said that at this point the proposal was not to give the assembly legislative powers but that "there is a way of taking the temperature of world public opinion if you have directly elected parliamentarians in a world parliamentary assembly. They may not have the power to legislate but at least have the power to say what people are thinking and you don't always have it in the General Assembly. In the General Assembly you have governments, not citizen representatives" Mr de Zayas stated.
The Independent Expert suggested that the creation of a UN Parliamentary Assembly could be an important element of UN reform in general. Stressing the need for the democratization of the world organization, he noted that, "if the United Nations General Assembly is to be revitalized and strengthened, it also needs to be made more democratic and representative. Complementing the General Assembly with a parliamentary body could be a key to achieving other reforms to the United Nations system."
International campaign welcomes recommendation
The Secretary-General of the international Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly, Andreas Bummel, welcomed the recommendation of the independent expert that the UN convene an international conference on the proposal. "Mr de Zayas has rightfully pointed out that the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly was already suggested in 1949," he said. "The time has come that the UN needs to deal with it."
Mr. Bummel stressed that over 1,000 lawmakers as well as hundreds of professors and distinguished individuals supported the campaign's appeal for a UN Parliamentary Assembly. Referring to the "Global Week of Action for a World Parliament" that was organized from 17-24 October this year for the first time, he noted that popular support for a global parliamentary body was growing. During the "week of action," citizens around the world had called for a "World Parliament Now!"
Last week, an international conference of the campaign convened in the European Parliament included a special consultation with Mr. de Zayas. In a final declaration, the conference called on "the United Nations and its member states to advance the necessary processes for the establishment of a Parliamentary Assembly at the United Nations." The document says that a UN Parliamentary Assembly "is a vital component to strengthen democratic participation in and the democratic legitimacy of the United Nations as well as other intergovernmental organizations such as the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization."
"If the UN decides to look into the proposal of a UN Parliamentary Assembly, this needs to be done in a transparent, open and inclusive manner," Mr. Bummel stated. "A UN-sponsored international conference or even a workshop on a UN Parliamentary Assembly should involve parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and independent experts," he stressed.
Documents
Full report of the Independent Expert to the UN General Assembly
Read more
28 October 2013: UNDPI report on the press conference
28 October 2013: UN Webcast of the press conference
16 September 2013: UN expert recommends study on a UN Parliamentary Assembly
Top image: Flags in front of the UN in New York, by United Nations
Agenda post-2015 debería incluir UNPA electa para fortalecer participación democrática
La 5ª Reunión Internacional de la Campaña para una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas concluye con una declaración / Fuerte respaldo de los principales Miembros del Parlamento Europeo
La quinta conferencia internacional acerca de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas (UNPA), celebrada en el Parlamento Europeo en Bruselas los días 16 y 17 de octubre, solicitó a las Naciones Unidas y a la comunidad internacional que la participación democrática sea el elemento clave
 |
| Uno de los paneles de la conferencia |
| Imagen: Parlamento Europeo |
en la Agenda de Desarrollo Post-2015.
En la declaración final, los participantes provenientes de unos treinta países expresaron unánimemente su preocupación de que "no se hayan tomado las medidas adecuadas para hacerle frente al déficit democrático de la gobernanza mundial en general y de las Naciones Unidas en particular". La conferencia sugirió que debería establecerse: "un organismo democrático mundial de representantes electos para que la gobernanza global introduzca los objetivos de desarrollo post-2015" de manera más cercana a los ciudadanos del mundo.
Conferencia celebrada en el Parlamento Europeo
La conferencia fue celebrada por los miembros del Parlamento Europeo Elmar Brok, Jo Leinen, Isabella Lövin, y Graham Watson pertenecientes a las cuatro mayores agrupaciones políticas: el Partido Popular Europeo (PPE), Socialistas y Demócratas (S & D), Greens (los Verdes) y la Alianza de los Liberales y Demócratas por Europa (ALDE / ADLE), respectivamente. Al inaugurar la conferencia, Elmar Brok quien se desempeña como Presidente de la Comisión de Asuntos Exteriores del Parlamento Europeo declaró que una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas (UNPA) que fuese consultiva le "permitiría a la sociedad civil mundial
 |
| Antonio Vigilante, Jo Leinen, y Alfred de Zayas |
| Imagen: Parlamento Europeo |
vincularse de manera directa al proceso de toma de decisiones".
Jo Leinen, Co-Presidente del Consejo Asesor de la Campaña Internacional para establecer una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas (UNPA), hizo hincapié en que hasta el momento, no existe ningún organismo oficial que le otorgue a los representantes elegidos por los ciudadanos su voz y voto en la gobernanza global. En el mejor de los casos tendrían la calidad de observadores. "Esto es inaceptable", afirmó el Sr. Leinen. "En un sistema democrático, los representantes de los ciudadanos no son meros observadores de lo que realizan los gobiernos, sino que deberían supervisar y responsabilizar a los ejecutivos gubernamentales".
En el panel de debate, Isabella Lövin utilizó el ejemplo de la política pesquera mundial para demostrar que el sistema de gobernanza internacional no es funcional. "Todavía se encuentra regido por principios del siglo XVI", expresó Lövin. Graham Watson señaló que "habrá momentos en los que los intereses nacionales y los intereses globales colisionen. La Asamblea Parlamentaria de la ONU (UNPA) podría actuar como árbitro y garantizar que se escuchen las voces de los ciudadanos del mundo".
En un mensaje emitido con motivo de la conferencia, el Presidente del Parlamento Europeo, Martin Schulz, destacó el apoyo de larga data a la propuesta del Parlamento Europeo. Además declaró que: "El Parlamento Europeo puede servir como modelo para lograr la manera en la que la Asamblea Parlamentaria de la ONU se desarrolle en el transcurso del tiempo. Lo que una vez comenzó como un órgano consultivo integrado por parlamentarios nacionales, constituye hoy una legislatura elegida de manera directa".
Consulta al Experto Independiente de la ONU
Una posición similar, sobre la Promoción de un Orden Internacional Democrático y Equitativo, fue la adoptada por el Experto Independiente de la ONU Alfred de Zayas, quien participó como invitado especial. En su declaración pronunciada a raíz de la consulta especial, confirmó que: "La participación es un sello distintivo de gobernanza democrática" y que "la sociedad civil tiene el derecho de contar con un espacio más amplio". Expresó que el establecimiento de una Asamblea Parlamentaria Mundial sería "una vía prometedora" para lograrlo y que podría modelarse de acuerdo al ejemplo brindado por el Parlamento Europeo. El Sr. de Zayas señaló que su próximo informe para la Asamblea General de la ONU incluye la recomendación de que "se pueda considerar la convocatoria de una conferencia para debatir iniciativas prometedoras, tales como la creación de una Asamblea Parlamentaria Mundial".
En un comentario a raíz de la intervención del Sr. de Zayas, el Miembro del Parlamento Europeo y Presidente de Democracy International, Gerald Häfner, expresó: "No podemos dejar al mundo expuesto ante tomas de decisiones que estén a favor de los intereses de los grandes capitales o de las grandes potencias - pero en contra de los intereses de los ciudadanos del mundo. La Asamblea Parlamentaria de la ONU es el primer paso para establecer la democracia global".
La declaración final adoptada por la Conferencia acoge con satisfacción: "la decisión del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas que autorice a un Experto Independiente sobre la Promoción de un Orden Internacional Democrático y Equitativo", y que aliente al Experto Independiente "a seguir considerando la cuestión de la UNPA y particularmente a examinar los posibles procesos hacia su creación".
Puntos principales de la declaración final
En el debate, el Secretario General de la Campaña para una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas, Andreas Bummel, destacó tres elementos en la declaración final: Que coloca a la propuesta de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de la ONU
 |
| Reunidos en frente del Parlamento Europeo |
| Imagen: CEUNPA |
en el contexto de la Agenda de Desarrollo post 2015. Que pone de manifiesto la posibilidad de tener al acto de la Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas como a una "red de redes". Y, por último, que el documento establece que podrían considerarse "formas innovadoras de participación ciudadana" en la UNPA a través de modelos de democracia electrónica. En la última sesión de la conferencia, también se deliberó sobre una posible hoja de ruta para el establecimiento de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas, así como sobre los objetivos y la estrategia de la Campaña..
Otros oradores de la conferencia incluyeron, entre otros, a: Andrew Strauss de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Widener de los Estados Unidos de América; al representante de la ONU en Bruselas, Antonio Vigilante; al Miembro del Parlamento Europeo y Presidente de la Unión de Federalistas Europeos Andrew Duff; a la Vice-Presidente del Parlamento Europeo Anni Podimata; al Parlamentario suizo Daniel Jositsch; así como también a Juan Behrend representante de Global Greens Coordination; Gregory Engels, como representante de Pirate Parties International; y a Hanno Schedler de Society for Threatened Peoples.
Semana de Acción para un Parlamento Mundial
La conferencia fue el primer evento de la Semana de Acción Global para un Parlamento Mundial celebrada hasta el día de las Naciones Unidas, el 24 de octubre. Al final de la conferencia los participantes se reunieron frente al Parlamento Europeo en la Place du Luxembourg en Bruselas, desplegando el lema de la semana, "World Parliament Now! (¡Parlamento Mundial, Ahora!)"
Documentos
Declaración final de la conferencia
Declaración del Experto Independiente de la ONU
Declaración del Presidente del Parlamento Europeo
Leer más
Imagen superior: Foto oficial del grupo, Parlamento Europeo
UN's Independent Expert Alfred de Zayas: "Time for a World Parliamentary Assembly"
Alfred de Zayas. Picture: European Parliament
The 5th International Meeting on a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly that was held in the European Parliament in Brussels on 16/17 October 2013 (see our report here) included a special consultation with the UN's Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, Alfred de Zayas. After the meeting, the Independent Expert issued the following press release on 18 October 2013:
Time for a World Parliamentary Assembly
The Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, Alfred de Zayas, welcomes the Brussels Declaration of 17 October 2013, adopted upon the conclusion of a Conference hosted by the European Parliament on the modalities of establishing a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly designed to give greater space to civil society and make global decision-making on matters such as peace, the environment, global-warming, fisheries, and the common heritage of humankind genuinely representative of the views of the world citizenry and not only of governments.
In a Welcome message for the 5th International Meeting on a UN Parliamentary Assembly, Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, observed: “The European Parliament may serve as a model for how this global purpose of a UN Parliamentary Assembly could develop over time. What once began as an advisory body composed of national parliamentarians is a directly elected legislature today ... we are delighted that the example of the European Parliament is inspiring and encouraging the efforts for democratizing the UN system and global governance.”
At a panel discussion moderated by Jo Leinen MEP (SPD) the Independent Expert noted that “Participation is a hallmark of democratic governance, entailing a measure of timely consultation so as to legitimize the exercise of governmental power.” He continued: “The right to participation, however, is not a political panacea, a guarantee of social justice or a recipe for peace. While majority rule is an expression of democracy, it may entail a form of populism that disregards the rights of women, indigenous, minorities, migrants, disabled persons, vulnerable groups and others, and therefore results in inequities. Accordingly, the right of participation must be exercised prudently, within the context of the rule of law, and include human rights safeguards.“
The Independent Expert recalled the important publication by former UN Secretary-General Boutros-Ghali An Agenda for Democratization noting that “If democratization is the most reliable way to legitimize and improve national governance, it is also the most reliable way to legitimize and improve international organizations”.
Participants at the conference, including several members of the European Parliament, observed that democratization at the international level entails rendering the UN more open and responsive to the needs of the planet’s population by facilitating participation by all stakeholders in decision-making.
Since 2007 the campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly has been endorsed by more than 1000 members of parliaments and numerous other stakeholders hailing from over 100 countries. The fundamental purpose of the Assembly will be to give the world’s citizens a voice at the United Nations through more direct representation. Delegates would be accountable to their constituencies and not to their governments.
The Independent Expert added that “a World Parliamentary Assembly functioning outside the United Nations, or a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly set up as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly pursuant to article 22 of the UN Charter, could start initially as a consultative body and gradually develop into a legislative assembly.”
The Brussels Declaration stipulates inter alia that “Global problems require global solutions. The daily lives of the world’s citizens are increasingly shaped by economic, social and political forces that transcend national boundaries and demonstrate a growing need for more inclusive, effective and transparent global governance.”
The Independent Expert concluded that such an Assembly should be inclusive and open for participation of parliamentarians of all UN Member States and observer States, and also provide for the participation of representatives of indigenous peoples, unrepresented peoples and peoples living under occupation. It is generally acknowledged that there is need for reform and democratization of the United Nations and its institutions. “If the United Nations General Assembly is to be revitalized and strengthened, it also needs to be made more democratic and representative. Complementing it with a parliamentary body could be a key to achieve this goal.” Accordingly, in his report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/24/38) the Independent Expert recommended that the Council conduct a study on the added value of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly and on the modalities of establishing such a body.
(end of press release)
Post-2015 Agenda should include elected UN Assembly to strengthen democratic participation
5th International Meeting of the Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly concludes with declaration / Strong support from key Members of the European Parliament
The fifth international conference on a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly held in the European Parliament in Brussels on 16th and 17th October called on the United Nations and the international community to make democratic participation a key
|
| One of the conference panels |
| Image: European Parliament |
element of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
In a final declaration, participants from around thirty countries unanimously expressed concern that "no adequate measures have been taken to address the democratic deficit of global governance in general and of the United Nations in particular." The conference suggested that "a global democratic body of elected representatives" should be established "to bring global governance in the pursuit of post-2015 development goals" closer to the world's citizens.
Conference hosted in the European Parliament
The conference was hosted by the Members of the European Parliament Elmar Brok, Jo Leinen, Isabella Lövin, and Graham Watson from the four largest political groups European People's Party EPP, Socialists and Democrats S&D, the Greens, and the liberal ALDE group respectively. At the opening of the conference, Elmar Brok who serves as chairman of the European Parliament's Commission on Foreign Affairs stated that a consultative UN Parliamentary Assembly would "allow world civil society to
|
| Antonio Vigilante, Jo Leinen, and Alfred de Zayas |
| Image: European Parliament |
be directly associated in the global decision-making process."
Jo Leinen who is a co-chair of the advisory board of the international campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly emphasized that until now no formal body exists that would give citizen-elected representatives a say in global governance. At best they had an observer status. "This is not acceptable," said Mr Leinen. "In a democratic system, the representatives of the citizens are not observers of what the governments do. They should provide oversight and hold the government executives accountable."
At a panel discussion Isabella Lövin used the example of the global fishery policy to show that the system of international governance is dysfunctional. "It's still governed by 16th century principles," she said. Graham Watson pointed out that "there will be times when national interests and global interests collide. A UN Parliamentary Assembly could act as an arbiter and ensure that the voice of the world's citizens is heard."
In a message issued on the occasion of the conference, the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, emphasized the longstanding support for the proposal by the European Parliament. In addition, he declared that "The European Parliament may serve as a model for how a UN Parliamentary Assembly could develop over time. What once began as an advisory body composed of national parliamentarians is a directly elected legislature today."
Consultation with the UN's Independent Expert
A similar position was taken by the UN's Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, Alfred de Zayas, who was participating as a special guest. In a statement delivered at a special consultation, he confirmed that "Participation is a hallmark of democratic governance" and that "civil society is entitled to more space." He said that the establishment of a World Parliamentary Assembly was "a promising avenue" to achieve this and could be modelled according to the example of the European Parliament. Mr de Zayas pointed out that his upcoming report to the UN General Assembly includes the recommendation that it "may consider convening a conference to discuss promising initiatives such as the creation of a World Parliamentary Assembly."
In a comment following the statement by Mr de Zayas, the Member of the European Parliament and chairperson of Democracy International, Gerald Häfner, said that "We cannot leave the world to decision-making that is in the interest of big money or big powers – but not in the interest of the world’s citizens. A UN Parliamentary Assembly is a first step to establish global democracy."
The final declaration adopted by the conference welcomes "the decision of the UN’s Human Rights Council to mandate an Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order," and encourages the Independent Expert "to keep considering the question of a UNPA and in particular to examine possible processes towards its creation."
Main points of the final declaration
In the discussion the Secretary-General of the campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly, Andreas Bummel, emphasized three elements in the final declaration: That it puts the proposal for a UN Parliamentary
|
| Gathering in front of the European Parliament |
| Image: CEUNPA |
Assembly in the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, that it highlights the possibility of having a UN Parliamentary Assembly act as a "network of networks" and finally that the document says that "innovative forms of civic participation" in a UNPA through models of electronic democracy could be considered. In its last session, the conference also deliberated on a possible roadmap towards a UN Parliamentary Assembly as well as on the campaign's goals and strategy.
Other speakers at the conference included, among others, Andrew Strauss from Widener University School of Law in the United States, the UN's representative in Brussels, Antonio Vigilante, the Member of the European Parliament and President of the Union of European Federalists Andrew Duff, the European Parliament's Vice-President Anni Podimata, Swiss parliamentarian Daniel Jositsch as well as Juan Behrend as representative of the Global Greens Coordination, Gregory Engels as representative of Pirate Parties International, and Hanno Schedler of the Society for Threatened Peoples.
Week of Action for a World Parliament
The conference was also a kick-off event for the Global Week of Action for a World Parliament that takes place until UN day on 24 October. At the end of the conference participants gathered in front of the European Parliament at Place du Luxembourg in Brussels and displayed the week's slogan, "World Parliament Now!"
Documents
Final declaration of the conference
Statement by the UN's Independent Expert
Statement by the President of the European Parliament
Read more
Top image: Official group photo, by European Parliament
Actividades en todo el mundo promovieron un Parlamento Mundial
Tuvo lugar la primera ¨Semana de Acción Mundial para un Parlamento Mundial¨ con actividades en más de cincuenta localidades de todo el mundo
En más de cincuenta ciudades de todo el mundo, los activistas han organizado eventos para pedir el establecimiento de un parlamento mundial electo. De acuerdo con el anuncio de la primera "Semana de Acción Mundial para un Parlamento Mundial" que
 |
fue lanzado el jueves y que se prolongará hasta el día de las Naciones Unidas el 24 de octubre, "los problemas globales requieren soluciones globales. " El llamado a la acción expresa su preocupación porque el "sistema político actual no es suficiente para hacer frente a los crecientes desafíos globales". Dice que la " principal preocupación " de los gobiernos son los intereses nacionales y no el bien común de la humanidad. " Un "parlamento mundial directamente elegido", por el contrario, " sería un instrumento para encontrar e implementar soluciones que sean democráticas, responsables y que sirvan a los mejores intereses de la humanidad."
El jueves, los participantes de una Conferencia Internacional sobre una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas se reunieron frente al Parlamento Europeo en Bruselas y exhibieron el lema de la campaña "World Parliament Now !" (Parlamento Mundial ahora) .Otros eventos se llevan a cabo en Berlín , Buenos Aires , Jerusalén , Londres , Nairobi , Roma , Sydney , Tokio , Vancouver , así como Guadalajara, en México , Gothenburg en Suecia o Rajkot en la India , entre otros. La información más actualizada sobre las actividades durante la semana se comparte en Facebook, que también sirve como una plataforma para la movilización en línea.
Ciudadanos del mundo " deben votar a sus representantes del mundo"
Los organizadores de la semana argumentan que un parlamento mundial es el siguiente paso lógico en el desarrollo de la democracia. "En un orden democrático ", dicen, " los ciudadanos ya eligen representantes a múltiples niveles. Hay ayuntamientos, parlamentos provinciales o estatales y los parlamentos nacionales. En Europa hay incluso un parlamento continental. Y sin embargo, para las cuestiones globales que afectan a todos y cada uno persona en el planeta, no existe ningún parlamento mundial elegido. "
La semana de acción respalda el apoyo político para una asamblea parlamentaria mundial en las Naciones Unidas. Más de 1.000 representantes electos de más de 100 países , por ejemplo, han apoyado la campaña internacional de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas Recientemente, el experto independiente de la ONU para un orden internacional democrático y equitativo , Alfred de Zayas, recomendó al Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU de llevar a cabo un estudio sobre cómo una Asamblea Parlamentaria Mundial "puede avanzar en la participación genuina. " Hace dos años, el Parlamento Europeo pidió a los gobiernos de la Unión Europea poner en marcha una iniciativa en la Asamblea General de la ONU.
Página web de la Semana Global de Acción para un Parlamento Mundial
Imagen superior: Protesta por un parlamento mundial en Bruselas, imagen: Joan Marc Simon
Worldwide activities launched to call for a Global Parliament that addresses global problems
First "Global Week of Action for a World Parliament" with activities in over fifty locations around the world
In over fifty cities around the world activists have organized events to call for the establishment of an elected world parliament. According to the announcement of the first "Global Week of Action for a World Parliament,"
|
which was launched on Thursday and which will continue until United Nations day on 24 October, "global problems require global solutions." The call for action expresses concern that the "current political system is inadequate to deal with growing global challenges." It says that the "primary concern" of governments is "national interests and not the common good of humanity." An "elected world parliament," by contrast, "would be an instrument to find and implement solutions that are democratic, accountable and serve the best interest of humanity."
On Thursday, attendees of an international conference on a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly gathered in front of the European Parliament in Brussels and held up the week's slogan "World Parliament Now!" Further events are taking place in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Jerusalem, London, Nairobi, Rome, Sydney, Tokyo, Vancouver, as well as Guadalajara in Mexico, Gothenburg in Sweden or Rajkot in India, among others. Up-to-date information on the activities during the week is shared on Facebook which also serves as a platform for online mobilization.
The world’s citizens "should vote for their world representatives"
The week's organizers argue that a world parliament is a logical next step in the development of democracy. "In a democratic order," they say, "citizens already elect representatives at multiple levels. There are city councils, provincial or state parliaments and national parliaments. In Europe there’s even a continental parliament. And yet for global matters that affect each and every person on the planet, there exists no elected world parliament."
The week of action backs the political support for a global parliamentary assembly at the United Nations. More than 1,000 elected representatives from over 100 countries, for instance, have endorsed the international Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly. Recently, the UN's Independent Expert on a Democratic and Equitable International Order, Alfred de Zayas, recommended to the UN's Human Rights Council to conduct a study on how a World Parliamentary Assembly "may advance genuine participation." Two years ago the European Parliament called on the European Union's governments to launch an initiative in the UN General Assembly.
Global Week of Action for a World Parliament's website
Top image: Protest for a world parliament in Brussels, picture: Joan Marc Simon
Martin Schulz: European Parliament may serve as a model for a UN Parliamentary Assembly
Martin Schulz (Image: EP)
On the occasion of the 5th International Meeting on a UN Parliamentary Assembly that started yesterday in Brussels with sessions in the European Parliament, the European Parliament's President Martin Schulz issued the following greetings to the participants:
On the occasion of the 5th International Meeting on a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, I cordially welcome you to Brussels and the European Parliament. The fact that the European Parliament is host to this important meeting for the second time underlines the parliament's important role and exemplary function.
In 1994, the European Parliament was the first parliamentary body in the world to endorse the proposal of a UN Parliamentary Assembly. Most recently, in a resolution adopted in 2011, the European Parliament called on the Council of the European Union to advocate for the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly within the UN system. According to this recommendation, the assembly would serve the purpose “to increase the democratic character, the democratic accountability and the transparency of global governance and to allow for better citizen participation in the activities of the UN.” Since then, this House has continued to call, both in words and deeds, for enhanced democratisation of the UN system and for promoting greater participation of parliamentarians in global activities for the benefit of our citizens.
The European Parliament may serve as a model for how this global purpose of a UN Parliamentary Assembly could develop over time. What once began as an advisory body composed of national parliamentarians is a directly elected legislature today, even if the development is still ongoing. We are delighted that the example of the European Parliament is inspiring and encouraging the efforts for democratizing the UN system and global governance. I strongly believe that more interaction on global issues between governments and parliaments would strengthen global governance and allow for greater public and parliamentary participation in the activities of the UN.
I wish you a successful meeting and a pleasant stay in Brussels.
More information on the meeting will follow soon.
Further statements in support of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly
Statement from Johan Galtung
Since our last post in August, we have collected and published further statements in support of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly.
On 31 August, the Norwegian sociologist and mathematician Johan Galtung who is considered to be a founder of the discipline of peace studies said:
I'm enthusiastic about the idea of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. Representing the world's citizens, it would finally bring democracy to the global stage. If the Indian Union and the European Union can organize a parliament, the world as a whole can do it, too.We interviewed him for this blog and his support is no surprise. He's one of the initial signatories of the international appeal for a UN Parliamentary Assembly and in the 1970s he already voiced support for the proposal of a world parliament.
In another exclusive statement, Sándor Fülöp, former Parliamentary Commissioner for Future Generations in Hungary and a member of the World Future Council, noted that:
Our world is facing ecological disasters and challenges that are systemic and global. The response has to be systematic and global as well. That's why genuinely global institutions such as a UN Parliamentary Assembly are required.In September, the Humanist Association of Germany decided to endorse the campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly (this background might be interesting). On this occasion, their president Frieder Otto Wolf, professor of philosophy at Free University of Berlin, said the following:
The global community will not succeed in solving its deep crisis and huge common problems if the citizens have no say and no right to participation. From a humanist perspective, democratising the UN through a parliamentary assembly thus isn't only merely useful, it's indispensable.Another prominent statement came from Germany in September. Brigitte Zypries, the former minister of justice and member of parliament (who was re-elected in the recent elections) raised the issue of non-democratic states but thinks that a UN Parliamentary Assembly could be a start nevertheless:
The idea of a democratically elected world parliament seems like a nice, but still distant dream if one considers the many dictatorships in the world. The establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly however, that initially has advisory powers and exercises oversight, could be a good and feasible first step into this direction.Finally, the latest statement for now was made by the Greek politician Vasso Papandreou, former minister and former member of the European Commission:
The strengthening of the United Nations will only be achieved by the participation of direct representatives of the citizens in the decision-making process. The setting up of a Global Parliamentary Assembly is fundamental for the functioning of democracy today.As usual, we've posted these statements at Flickr and Facebook.
Conferencia Parlamentaria sobre desertificación apoya a UNPA
Reunión internacional de 65 legisladores adopta la declaración
La Mesa Redonda de Parlamentarios contra la Desertificación, que tuvo lugar en Windhoek , Namibia, el 20 y el 21 de septiembre de 2013, emitió una declaración sobre: "El papel de los Parlamentarios en la lucha contra la desertificación, la degradación de las tierras y la sequía" y sobre "las contribuciones de los parlamentos para lograr un mundo con una degradación neutral de sus tierras en el contexto
 |
| Logo de la conferencia COP11 de UNCCD en Windhoek |
| Imagen: UNCCD |
de la Agenda de Desarrollos Post-2015". Al final de las veinte recomendaciones se señala que los legisladores deben "promover el establecimiento de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas". En el documento también se establece que se deben crear "mecanismos de control parlamentario, por ejemplo, en relación al Fondo para el Medio Ambiente Mundial, los bancos regionales de desarrollo, el Fondo Verde para el Clima".
La 10ª Mesa Redonda de los Miembros del Parlamento se celebró de manera simultánea al undécimo período de sesiones de la Conferencia de los Partidos a la Convención de la ONU para Combatir la Desertificación, (UNCCD, por sus siglas en inglés). Co organizada por el Parlamento Nacional de Namibia y la Secretaría de UNCCD, la Mesa Redonda reunió a 65 parlamentarios provenientes de 18 países. La declaración se presentará en la última sesión plenaria de la Conferencia de los Partidos Estatales, COP11, que finaliza el viernes 27 de septiembre.
El manual de las Naciones Unidas sobre el papel de los parlamentarios en la implementación de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas en la Lucha contra la Desertificación que se publicó a finales de julio, indica que los parlamentarios que participaron en el proceso "podrían desempeñar un papel de liderazgo" en el establecimiento de la Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas (UNPA, por sus siglas en inglés).
En noviembre de 2009, una declaración adoptada por la Mesa Redonda de Parlamentarios sobre la Convención UNCCD estableció que: "La Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas podría fortalecer la eficacia, transparencia, representatividad, pluralidad y legitimidad del trabajo de las instituciones que componen el sistema de las Naciones Unidas. El establecimiento de una UNPA también podría constituir una pieza central en la supervisión parlamentaria del sistema renovado de gobernanza financiera y económica internacional".
Leer más
Imagen superior: Gestión de la Desertificación en Tinfu, Marruecos, 2011, por Richard Allaway, CC BY 2.0