Ben Kalu: We must reconsider approach to addressing emergency at IPU assembly

Ben Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, has called for an amendment to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) general assembly rule to accommodate more emergency items for deliberation.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu’s chief press secretary (CPS), the deputy speaker made the demand while addressing the 148 IPU general assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

Section 1.1 of the extant rule states that only one emergency rule can be proposed and must get a two-thirds majority of all members of the IPU general assembly.

“A request for the inclusion of an emergency item must relate to a recent major situation of international concern on which urgent action by the international community is required and on which it is appropriate for the IPU to express its opinion and mobilize a parliamentary response. Such a request must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes cast in order to be accepted,” the section reads.

“The Assembly may place only one emergency item on its agenda. Should several requests obtain the requisite majority, the one having received the largest number of positive votes shall be accepted.”

The deputy speaker called for an amendment of the IPU rule to allow every continent to present at least one emergency item for consideration.

THE PROPOSALS BEFORE THE 148 IPU ASSEMBLY

During the 148 general assembly, about five emergency items were proposed.

South Africa proposed urgent action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israel proposed the immediate release of the hostages in Gaza; while Indonesia and Malaysia presented a proposal on parliamentary diplomacy for peace in Palestine.

Denmark, France, Hungary, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom proposed urgent action on the conflict in the Middle East.

Argentina, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay also proposed free, fair and transparent elections without prohibitions for an orderly and peaceful democratic transition in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

A proposal was also presented on the need to end the aggression and violations of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

KALU’S DEMAND FOR AMENDMENT OF IPU RULE

Kalu told the assembly that the IPU rule does not favour Africa, noting that there are issues on the continent that require intervention.

“I am proposing one item per continent at every assembly to energise the voices of concern across the globe,” the deputy speaker said.

“We must reconsider our approach to addressing emergency items. Rule 11.2 allows for flexibility, suggesting the possibility of addressing multiple urgent issues. Neglecting regions like Africa, where significant challenges persist, is unacceptable.

“Let us interpret the rule’s purpose – addressing pressing issues – to allow for consideration of multiple emergency items. By reforming our processes, we can ensure parliamentary diplomacy truly reflects the world’s diverse needs.

“It’s concerning that Africa’s plight, where ongoing conflicts claim thousands of lives, hasn’t been addressed urgently.

“From Sudan’s horrific situation with over 13,000 lives lost to the ongoing tragedy in the D.R. Congo and the militancy and terror in Sahel Africa, the human cost of these conflicts can’t be overlooked. These crises in Africa have ripple effects that ultimately impact the world.”

Kalu also called for an increase in women’s participation in politics and parliament.