Eurodiputados piden una Asamblea Parlamentaria de las Naciones Unidas y una cumbre para la reforma de la ONU en 2020

En una resolución adoptada el pasado 5 de julio, el Parlamento Europeo le pide a los gobiernos de la Unión Europea promover "el establecimiento de una Asamblea Parlamentaria en las Naciones Unidas" (UNPA) y apoyar la iniciativa por "una cumbre de las Naciones Unidas 2020" que considerará "medidas de reforma integral para la renovación y el fortalecimiento de las Naciones Unidas".

Según el Parlamento Europeo, la UNPA debería establecerse "dentro del sistema de las Naciones Unidas a fin de reforzar el carácter democrático, la accountability y la transparencia de la gobernanza global, así como para permitir una mejor participación ciudadana en las actividades de la ONU y, en particular, para contribuir a la implementación exitosa de la Agenda 2030 y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible".

El Parlamento de los ciudadanos europeos, integrado por miembros electos por sufragio directo, instó a los 28 Estados miembros de la Unión Europea representados en su Consejo de la UE a promover la creación de una UNPA en la 73^o sesión de la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas que comenzará en Septiembre.

El eurodiputado Jo Leinen (S&D), quien impulsó el pedido por una UNPA, declaró que "la ONU requiere urgentemente de mayor apertura y bases democráticas más fuertes. Por tal motivo, el Parlamento Europeo pide el establecimiento de una Asamblea Parlamentaria dentro del sistema de las Naciones Unidas". Agregó que "la Unión Europea y sus Estados miembros deberán jugar un rol activo en la implementación de esta innovación".

El portavoz especial del Parlamento Europeo para la política de la Unión Europea sobre la ONU, Eugen Freund (S&D), comentó acerca de las recomendaciones para este año. Declaró que "desafortunadamente, muy poco ha cambiado" desde la primera vez que escuchó hablar de la reforma de la ONU, hace 40 años. Agregó que "Ahora, la Asamblea General tiene más miembros, pero sigue siendo un cuerpo de diplomáticos que no fueron electos. Por esta razón, la idea de complementarlos eventualmente con parlamentarios electos es muy atractiva. Indudablemente estarían más cerca del pueblo y, por ende, deberían responder regularmente ante los pedidos de los ciudadanos. Queda por verse si esto además podría facilitar el proceso de toma de decisiones”.

Otros adeptos del llamado por una UNPA en la Comisión de Asuntos Exteriores son Elmar Brok (EPP), Soraya Post (S&D), Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D), Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL) y Andrey Kovatchev (EPP).

La resolución de la Unión Europea también fue acogida por Ivone Soares, parlamentaria de Mozambique y del Parlamento Panafricano de la Unión Africana. Soares comentó que "tras haberse adoptado las resoluciones en el Parlamento Europeo, Panafricano y Latinoamericano, llegó el momento para que los gobiernos progresistas de estas tres grandes regiones del mundo consideren la implementación de una Asamblea Parlamentaria en las Naciones Unidas".

Daniel Jositsch, miembro del Consejo de Estados de Suiza, dijo que "la crisis creciente en la cooperación internacional demuestra que se deben encontrar nuevas formas de combatir los problemas globales. Por lo tanto, es muy positivo que el Parlamento Europeo le pida a los Estados europeos que se expresen a favor de la creación de un Parlamento en la ONU. Es importante que vayan más allá de las palabras de apoyo y tomen medidas concretas de implementación."

"De las muchas iniciativas en favor de un mundo más pacífico, justo y democrático; la creación de una Asamblea Parlamentaria de la ONU es la decisiva. El reciente apoyo del Parlamento Europeo a esta propuesta demuestra que los miembros del organo parlamentario supranacional más importante están preparados para trabajar por su establecimiento”, comentó Fernando Iglesias, miembro de la Cámara de Diputados de Argentina.

Jo Leinen, Ivone Soares, Daniel Jositsch y Fernando Iglesias son co-presidentes del grupo parlamentario consultivo de la campaña internacional por la UNPA, que fue apoyada por más de 1,5000 representantes electos de todo el mundo. El secretario general de la campaña, Andreas Bummel, declaró que el pedido del Parlamento Europeo por una UNPA fue "un paso valiente e importante en un momento donde el multilateralismo está amenazado. Los gobiernos que están interesados en defender y fortalecer la ONU y la democracia alrededor del mundo deberían comenzar a trabajar urgentemente en pos de la democratización de las instituciones globales, y una Asamblea Parlamentaria en la ONU es clave para lograr esta meta", agregó. Recientemente, el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores de Irlanda, Simon Coveney, declaró que Irlanda tiene "una mente abierta" ante las propuestas por una UNPA.

La resolución del Parlamento Europeo acerca de la política de la UE en relación a la ONU también recomendó, entre otras cuestiones, establecer "un proceso preparatorio intergubernamental, abierto e inclusivo para una cumbre de la ONU en 2020, bajo el patrocinio de la Asamblea General de la ONU, con el motivo del 75^o aniversario de la ONU" que consideraría "medidas de reforma integral para la renovación y fortalecimiento de las Naciones Unidas".

A comienzos del año, Jo Leinen y Andreas Bummel publicaron un libro acerca de la historia, la relevancia actual y la futura implementación de la propuesta de un parlamento mundial. La publicación también aborda formas de mejorar la gobernanza democrática global.

Imagen superior: Plenario con votos del dìa 18 de Abril de 2018, Genevieve Engel/Parlamento Europeo

United Nations Association of Sweden reaffirms support of a UN Parliamentary Assembly

Resolution adopted at Svenska FN-förbundet's congress in Örebro

At its national congress from June 16-17, the United Nations Association of Sweden, UNA-Sweden, passed a resolution that reaffirms the organization’s support for the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA). The resolution commits the board to seek ways to "strengthen and broaden the support of the Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly, nationally and globally", and to start a "long-term and strategic project" in order to promote a democratization of the United Nations.

As one of the new board members UNA Sweden's Congress elected Petter Ölmunger, the UNPA Campaign’s national coordinator and chairperson of Democracy Without Borders Sweden. The latter organization was established earlier this year with the purpose of promoting global democracy and a UNPA in particular.

“We can see how the gap is growing ever wider between our greatest political challenges and the actual power of elected politicians. If we want local and national democracy to survive in the age of globalization, a democratization of the United Nations and of global decision-making has become a most urgent necessity,” said Ölmunger.

UNA-Sweden is an umbrella organization supported by some 130 national civil society organizations. It enjoys the support of 7,000 individual members organized in over 100 local chapters. UNA’s national congress is meeting every third year and represents the highest decision-making body of the organization.

Around fifty member of parliament from Sweden are on record as supporters of the international appeal for a UNPA. 

Ireland "remains open minded" on the idea of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, says Foreign Minister

In a written answer to a question put forward in the Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish legislature, by the independent member Thomas Broughan, the deputy head of government of Ireland and Minister on Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, stated that he has "noted proposals for the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly" and that "Ireland remains open minded on the concept of such an assembly."

In the answer that was published on Thursday, Coveney explains that "as a steadfast supporter of the UN, Ireland continues to advocate, through a range of fora, for reform of the UN’s structures and systems to best equip the organisation to respond to the many and interlinked global challenges of the twenty first century. Ireland is committed, in this context, to consider proposals seeking to improve the effectiveness of the UN and the contribution it can make to the peace, stability and development of all nations."

He goes on to point out that in his opinion, "any proposals for a UN Parliamentary Assembly should add value to the multilateral governance system and, importantly, have broad support among the UN membership."

According to the minister's statement, "Ireland will consider how best to engage on this proposal, and other efforts at reform of UN institutions, as the concept of a UN Parliamentary Assembly progresses."

The Secretary-General of the international Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly, Andreas Bummel, welcomed the statement of the Irish foreign minister and noted that the proposal could be considered "as part of the ongoing discussions on the UN General Assembly's revitalization."

The campaign has been endorsed by over 1,500 current and former members of parliament from over 100 countries. Before assuming office in 2011, the current President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, was among those who endorsed the campaign's appeal as a member of the Dáil Éireann.

Historically, other prominent Irish politicians who voiced support for the idea of a global parliamentary body include the former foreign minister and lawyer Seán MacBride who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1974.

Top image: Simon Carbery Coveney arrives at informal meeting of ministers for foreign affairs in Gymnich, September 2017. Picture: EU2017EE Estonian Presidency/CC BY 2.0 

New book on a world parliament and world governance presented at the UN in New York

On April 11th, the United Nations Correspondents Association with support of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies hosted an event at the UN headquarters in New York marking the launch of the book "A World Parliament: Governance and Democracy in the 21st Century", authored by Andreas Bummel, the Director of Democracy without Borders and Jo Leinen, a Member of the European Parliament.

The book describes the history, today’s relevance and future implementation of the idea of a democratically elected world parliament and explores how world governance may be improved. In the introduction the authors write that “we know that a world parliament and a world legal order cannot be realized from one day to the next. But we argue that it is high time to set this process in train by establishing a UN Parliamentary Assembly.”

At the event, Andreas Bummel said that the confrontation between the United States and Russia in the UN Security Council over the carnage in Syria represents “the darkest hour in international relations in recent history.” In his opinion, forward-looking visions such as that of a world parliament are now all the more important. He outlined the proposal of a UN Parliamentary Assembly as a means to better represent the world’s citizens in UN affairs. The assembly could be established as a consultative body composed of national or regional parliamentarians by a decision of the UN General Assembly as part of the latter’s “revitalization”.

Luke Vargas, UN Bureau Chief of Talk Media News, moderated a discussion with Bummel with a number of journalists and diplomats from member states’ missions to the UN, with William Pace, the Executive Director of the World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy and Convener of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, introducing.

Vargas pointed out the “rare, precious optimism” of the book in the context of the current political climate, which Pace also acknowledged, calling it a “period of severe retreat of the principles of multilateralism and of how policy elites are implementing globalism.” Both highlighted the exceptional way that a world parliament could address today’s issues. One of the most prominent supporters of the idea was Albert Einstein.

Bummel, who is also Director of the international Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly, fielded a number of questions from the audience regarding the premise of the book as well as the concept of a UN Parliamentary Assembly. An essential distinction was made between international law and global law, which is explored in the last chapters of the work. Bummel argued that international law does not represent a legal system in the strict sense of the term as it does not provide for mechanisms for the adoption of universally binding rules, for mandatory settlement of disputes before courts or means of enforcement.

In a review posted on his blog, American professor emeritus of international law at Princeton University Richard Falk strongly recommended the book and called it “a great gift to humanity at a time of global emergency.”

Experts who had an opportunity to read an advance copy included Frank Biermann, chair of the Earth System Governance project and professor at Utrecht University. According to Biermann, the book represents “the new standard work on the idea of a world parliament” and “a milestone in the debate on the democratization of global governance.”

The book can be ordered in print and ebook edition on Amazon or any other retail and online bookstores around the world. 

More information

Webpage on the book 

Alfred de Zayas

In a time where we see less connection between the will of peoples and the policies put forward in their name, the world's citizens need representation on the global stage. Democratic initiatives, including the proposal to create a World Parliamentary Assembly, would include all citizens in global decision-making and give voice to currently neglected global public opinion.

UN expert highlights proposal of a World Parliamentary Assembly in final report

Last week, the UN’s first Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Alfred de Zayas, presented his seventh and final report to the Human Rights Council at an event on the margins of the Council’s 37th session in Geneva.

In the document, the expert surveys his previous reports to the Council and the UN General Assembly and highlights numerous recommendations on issues such as strengthening democracy, the right of self-determination, the social responsibility of business corporations, bilateral investment treaties, free trade agreements, military expenditure, tax evasion, reform of the United Nations system and the obligations of intergovernmental organizations.

Relative to a reform of the United Nations the expert suggested an expansion of the membership of the Security Council and a limitation of the veto power of the permanent five members. “The use of the veto power to shield States from criticism or sanctions is illegitimate,” the document says.

Another proposal which was raised again in the final report is the creation of a World Parliamentary Assembly. “The idea is to address democracy deficits by giving expression to global public opinion and including citizens in global decision-making through elected officials,” the report explains.

"In a time where we see less connection between the will of peoples and the policies put forward in their name, the world's citizens need representation on the global stage. Democratic initiatives, including the proposal to create a World Parliamentary Assembly, would include all citizens in global decision-making and give voice to currently neglected global public opinion", the independent expert commented in a statement.

In 2013, Mr. de Zayas recommended to the UN General Assembly to consider “a conference to discuss promising initiatives such as the creation of a World Parliamentary Assembly and a World Court of Human Rights.” He said at the time that in order for global decision-making to be genuinely representative, the establishment of a parliamentary assembly was “imperative”.

The proposal of a UN Parliamentary Assembly is supported by over 1,500 current and former members of parliament and numerous UN experts. A prime supporter quoted in Mr. de Zayas' final report was former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

Top image: A general view of participants during the 37th Session of the Human Rights Council on 13 March 2018, UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

Read more

3 November 2016: United Nations experts endorse the creation of a UN Parliamentary Assembly

29 October 2013: Expert on democracy suggests United Nations conference on a World Parliamentary Assembly

Jens Holm

My longterm vision is the creation of a World Parliament. Instead of power lying in the hands of a few ministers of government who are to decide about the most pressing challenges of the world behind locked doors, I want more of the influence to be placed in a directly elected Parliamentary Assembly, which could be a complement (like a second chamber) to the UN's General Assembly.

Justin Baldoni

Our world is getting smaller, and we’re becoming a more tolerant, and integrated human family. We’re also seeing trends that are resisting these changes, and anxieties about multiculturalism spur the forces of disintegration. Ultimately, unity in our diversity will win over. Love will win over. After all, we are one people, and one planet.

Our needs to establish a single social order to celebrate our oneness as a human family are practical as much as they are spiritual. We cannot meet global challenges like climate change, multinational corporate exploitation, nuclear proliferation, and so many more threats to humanity without international regulation. We need a World Parliament elected by the peoples of the world to give them a voice in the process of globalization.

Nations should have their own borders, and constitutions, and of course their cultures must be unique, but we need a federal government above nations that ensures peace and prosperity, too.

I’d like to add my name to the list of supporters of the proposed UN Parliamentary Assembly because our survival depends on us all realizing we are in this together and, as a Baha’i, I believe in the message of Baha’u’llah: “The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens”.

Citizens for Global Solutions consider United Nations reform at annual meeting in St. Louis

Conference looks at 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020 as opportunity for UN reform

This year's annual meeting of Citizens for Global Solutions, in short CGS, was held under the theme of "citizen action for an effective and inclusive United Nations." With a view of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020, the event's main speaker, Dr. Richard Ponzio, presented ways in which CGS chapters and individual members may help bring about a meaningful UN 2020 Summit that would lead to a number of innovative reforms toward making the world body more participatory, effective, and accountable.

The Director of the Stimson Center's Just Security 2020 Program underscored in particular how civil society can help shape the agenda of the gathering of world leaders in September 2020 in New York, including by advocating for a United Nations Parliamentary Network created under Article 22 of the UN Charter which allows the General Assembly to establish new consultative bodies. According to Dr. Ponzio, a UN Parliamentary Network should be understood as "an important step towards the creation of a more authoritative and representative United Nations Parliamentary Assembly."

Ahead of the annual meeting CGS members came together to discuss topics related to its World Federalist Institute that "aims to advance education about federal world government and steps towards it." One of the sessions included a video conference with Andreas Bummel, director of the Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly, who reported on the current state of play in the international campaign.

During the conference, participants supported the Global Week of Action for a World Parliament that was held for the fifth time this year from October 20-30.

CGS is a grassroots membership organization in the United States that was established in 1947. According to its website, it promotes "a peaceful, free, just and sustainable world community" and "democratic international institutions that respect the rights of people and nations".

The annual meeting in St. Louis was held from October 20-22.

Top image: Skyline of St. Louis by Capt. Timothy Reinhart, USAF, public domain

One world, one parliament: "General Assembly" in Berlin wants to give a voice to the underrepresented

Model world parliament met from 3rd to 5th November at Schaubühne theatre in Berlin, bringing together approximately 60 delegates / Art project wants to fill "gap"

"Despite worldwide economic and political implications, there are neither effective legal institutions nor sufficient democratic structures on a global level to adequately regulate the world market, prosecute violations of international law, enforce human rights or direct ecological developments into the right channels," explained Swiss stage director Milo Rau last Friday in Berlin at the opening of the "General Assembly" that was organized by him and his team. 

The conference had been announced as the "first world parliament in human history" and, according to Milo Rau, is supposed to fill a "global gap" by making the voices of those heard who are affected by political decisions but are not included in the  decision-making process.

The General Assembly's purpose is to give "a voice to those who are underrepresented, who are not heard, the global Third Estate: labor immigrants, children and future generations, war victims, textile workers, miners, farmers, economic and climate refugees, the victims of the dawning ecocide, the oceans, the atmosphere, animals and plants."

In his opening speech, Rau referred to the French Revolution and the Constitution of the National Assembly by the Third Estate in 1789.

A Charter for the 21st century

In front of the crowded auditorium of the Schaubühne in Berlin around 60 delegates met for two and a half days to exchange views on "where we stand as a global community and what actions to take - from a social, ecological, technological and political perspective." 

In the course of five plenary sessions, the implementation of human rights, military interventions, the regulation of the global economy, migration and border regimes as well as cultural and natural common goods were discussed.

Finally, a "Storming of the Reichstag" and the presentation of a "Charter for the 21st century" is planned to take place on 7th November. The demands stipulated in the Charter are addressed in particular to the new German Bundestag that was elected in September. 

In a speech at the opening session, Andreas Bummel, the representative of the international campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly, demanded the creation of a "world parliament, democratically elected by all world citizens", equipped with the competence "to make binding decisions on issues that affect humanity as a whole."

The "General Assembly" was organized by the International Institute of Political Murder (IIPM) in cooperation with the "Schaubühne" at Lehniner Platz in Berlin. The project was sponsored by the German Federal Cultural Foundation, the city of Berlin and the German Federal Center for Political Education. 

The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), Medico International, the foundation "Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung" as well as "Brot für die Welt" were listed as the most important civil society supporters. The large number of supporters also includes Democracy Without Borders, the host organization of the UNPA campaign. 

The conference was broadcasted live in five theatres in Paris, Ghent, Brussels, Hamburg and Munich. Numerous reports were published in the German-speaking media, such as Deutschlandfunk, Berliner Zeitung, Luzerner Zeitung, SWR2 as well as Spiegel-Online.

Images: Schaubühne

More information

Website of the General Assembly