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

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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

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

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Website of the General Assembly

Geneva International Centre for Justice recommends the creation of a UN Parliamentary Assembly

On the occasion of United Nations Day on October 24, 2017, the Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) published a statement that included recommendations on improving the democratic character of the world organization. In particular, GICJ recommended the creation of a UN Parliamentary Assembly:

"To include the voices of those who are most affected by global decisions, the world’s citizens must find a democratic platform within the world’s governance. One possible platform would be a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, to be established by the General Assembly or through a new international treaty – an idea that has long been debated. Such assembly could address the UN’s democratic deficit by including citizens in global decision-making through elected representatives."

The primary objectives of the Centre are to combat human rights violations, reinforce commitment to human rights principles, raise awareness of violations, hold violators accountable and seek justice for victims.

GICJ follows up on the work and activities of human rights mechanisms, in particular the UN's Human Rights Council in Geneva and associated special rapporteurs and working groups. 

Need for "reinvention" of the UN highlighted at Global Forum of Young Diplomats

The need for a "reinvention" of the United Nations was the focus of a keynote speech by Professor Hans Köchler, President of the International Progress Organization, held at the first Global Forum of Young Diplomats in Sochi, Russia, from October 16-20.

According to a report by DOC Research Institute that co-hosted the forum, Professor Köchler called for the UN to become "an inclusive and democratic community of states that is truly representative of the aspirations of all the peoples of the world, as solemnly stated in the Charter’s preamble."

In his speech titled "Formation of a Multipolar World and the Potential for United Nations Reform" the philosopher and international law expert pointed out that "measures of reform that require amendments of the UN Charter need the consent of the permanent members of the Security Council, which will be difficult to obtain, especially as regards decision-making procedures in the field of peace and security. Measures that do not require changes in the Charter are more realistic." 

In his opinion, "one such step to make the world organization more democratic and transparent would be the creation of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA) as subsidiary organ of the General Assembly."

The event was opened by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey V. Lavrov. It was attended by 150 young diplomats from 70 diplomatic services from around the world.

Brylyne Chitsunge

The United Nations needs to become more representative and inclusive relative to those who are most affected by its work and global challenges. A United Nations Parliamentary Assembly would be a way to achieve this. This new body would have to guarantee that the voices of farmers from around the world are better heard and understood, especially for developing countries particularly in Africa.

Toshiki Kaifu

I support the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. For a better world order we need a World Parliament now!

Campaign welcomes Pan-African Parliament's "pioneering role" in efforts for a UN Parliamentary Assembly

Statement and meetings at the 5th ordinary session of the 4th Pan-African Parliament

In a statement to a plenary session of the Pan-African Parliament on October 11 in Midrand, South Africa, the Secretary-General of the Campaign for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, Andreas Bummel, welcomed the African Union body's "pioneering role" in the efforts for  a UN Parliamentary Assembly, in short UNPA.

"Almost exactly ten years ago, just six months after the campaign for a UNPA was launched, the Pan-African Parliament took on a pioneering role and adopted a resolution in support of a UN Parliamentary Assembly," Mr. Bummel said. He added that PAP rightfully pointed out in another resolution adopted in May last year that "a UN Parliamentary is necessary to establish democratic participation and representation of the world’s citizens in the UN."

The campaign's representative who was invited to attend the opening ceremony of PAP's 5th ordinary session stated that in his opinion, "citizens, parliaments, member states and the UN alike would benefit from a UNPA in many ways."

Mr. Bummel argued that as a formal connection between the UN and parliaments, a UNPA would be helpful to support implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. "On the other hand, UNPA would complement the High Level Political Forum in providing the necessary oversight and accountability, and help maintain global momentum in pursuit of the Agenda 2030," he said.

He recalled that last year PAP had called on the African Union and its member states to initiate an intergovernmental process at the UN for establishing a UNPA and emphasized that the UN's 75th anniversary in 2020 would be "a good opportunity to put reform proposals such as a UNPA onto the agenda." "Now it is the right time to start preparing the ground for 2020," he stated.

On the occassion of Mr. Bummel's visit to PAP, bilateral meetings were held with PAP's President, Roger Nkodo Dang, and the Chairperson of PAP's Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, Victor Hlatshwayo, among others.

Top image: The President of the Pan-African Parliament responds to questions after presenting an activity report, October 10, 2017, by PAP

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