Against the backdrop of an unprecedented flow of people into Europe and displacement crises around the world, MPs will examine the moral and economic imperative for fairer, smarter and more humane migration at IPU’s 133rd Assembly in Geneva from 17-21 October. Rising xenophobia combined with the ongoing impact of the global economic crisis continue to be at odds with the reality of regional demographics, skills shortages and an increasingly mobile workforce when defining national policies on migration. With nearly 60 million people either a refugee, asylum-seeker or displaced by the end of 2014 according to UNHCR, thought will be given to how best to handle large flows of asylum-seekers and ensure protection.
IPU Members will also adopt a resolution on democracy in the digital era and the threat to privacy and individual freedoms at the conclusion of the Assembly. Other major issues under the spotlight include counter-terrorism, protecting cultural heritage and discussions on how to strengthen parliament’s oversight capacities. This will be particularly relevant given the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the recent UN Summit that includes targets on the building of accountable and inclusive institutions needed to ensure peace, justice and the effective implementation of 17 SDGs.
The 133rd Assembly will also convene the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians, IPU’s Forum of Young Parliamentarians, the Committee on Middle East Questions and the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, which will hold several hearings and examine cases involving the violations of the rights of MPs. The 2015 Future Policy Award on best policies on protecting children will also be presented at an award ceremony on 20 October. Online registration for the 133rd Assembly is open until 2 October. To take part in the debates on social media, use #IPU133 on Twitter. Photos from the Assembly will be available for use on Flickr from 18 October.
