Parliamentarians for Global Action - Mobilizing Legislators as Champions for Human Rights, Democracy and a Sustainable World.

Parliamentarians for Global Action - Mobilizing Legislators as Champions for Human Rights, Democracy and a Sustainable World.
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Global Parliamentary Call for De-escalation, Dialogue, and Peace
A Call for Responsible Leadership
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Use your voice as a member of parliament and take action on these issues.
Global Parliamentary Call for De-escalation, Dialogue, and Peace
Support the Establishment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy
Solidarity with the International Criminal Court
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Sign the Global Parliamentary Code of Democratic Conduct
20 April 2026
International Justice Update - April 2026
PGA's Update on International Justice is provided as a resource to our members and the general public on important headlines on the Impunity Gap, Legislative and Parliamentary Developments and Judicial News.
The International Law and Human Rights Program prepares this update on International Justice for informational purposes only. Any opinions expressed in articles contained in this update are not necessarily endorsed by PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA; nor does PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA vouch for the accuracy of the contents of these articles.

2026April1–15




Highlight




Burkina Faso
On 2 April 2026, Human Rights Watch published a report documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all parties to the conflict in Burkina Faso since 2023, including mass killings, widespread attacks on civilians, and forced displacement.

Human Rights Watch







Cooperation




Italy
On 2 April 2026, the International Criminal Court announced that its Presidency had referred Italy’s failure to cooperate with the Court to the Assembly of States Parties, after Pre-Trial Chamber I found that Italy had breached its obligations under the Rome Statute by failing to arrest and surrender Mr. Njeem, a Libyan general wanted for alleged war crimes, while he was on Italian territory.

ICC







Impunity Gap




Iran
On 2 April 2026, Amnesty International reported that Iranian authorities are recruiting and deploying child soldiers as young as 12 into a military campaign, putting them in grave danger and violating international humanitarian law.

Amnesty International


Global
On 3 April 2026, the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch warned that, amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, leaders are showing blatant disregard for international law and the safety of civilians, risking complicity in war crimes. He urged governments to speak out in defense of justice and accountability for such crimes.
Al Jazeera


Rwanda
On 7 April 2026, Rwanda began a week of commemorations marking 32 years since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, during which approximately 1 million people were killed over 100 days by Hutu extremists.
Anadolu Agency


Iran, United States
On 13 April 2026, more than 100 international law experts signed an open letter warning that U.S. strikes on Iran clearly violate the United Nations Charter and raise serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law and potential war crimes.

Just Security







Legislative/Parliamentary Developments




Spain
On 10 April 2026, UN human rights experts welcomed Spain's decision to establish a Truth Commission to investigate human rights violations committed during the Spanish Civil War and Franco dictatorship, calling it a historic step toward truth, redress and reparations for victims.
OHCHR









Judicial Developments




Myanmar
On 7 April 2026, Rohingya activists and rights groups filed a criminal case against Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing, accusing him of committing genocide against the Rohingya, including mass rape, arson, torture, and persecution. Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office formally accepted the case under the country’s new penal code, which incorporates the principle of universal jurisdiction.
The Diplomat
31 March 2026
Afghanistan’s Human Rights Crisis: Afghan Women MPs Address the European Parliament
On 18 March 2026, Afghan women parliamentarians, forced into exile since the Taliban’s military takeover in August 2021, spoke at a session of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI).
Afghanistan’s Human Rights Crisis: Afghan Women MPs Address the European Parliament

On 18 March 2026, Afghan women parliamentarians, forced into exile since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, spoke at a session of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI). The event was organized in partnership with Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and focused on the increasingly alarming and ongoing worsening of human rights and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Through poignant testimonies, Hon. Fawzia Koofi and Hon. Mariam Solaimankhil, PGA member, demanded justice for Afghanistan and called on the international community to stand with Afghan civilians, especially women and girls who have been banned from public life since the Taliban’s return to power.

Women’s Rights as First Priority

Since August 2021, the Taliban have issued over 100 decrees establishing a systematic oppression of women and girls in their daily lives. While 21 March traditionally marks the start of the education year in Afghanistan, Hon. Fawzia Koofi solemnly highlighted that this date marks the fifth anniversary of the ban of girls from secondary schools and universities. This prolonged deprivation of their right to education has had devastating consequences, both in their overall development and their health, including mental health. Furthermore, the shortage of female doctors, in a country where the health system is already on the brink of collapse, coupled with the institutionalized system of gender-based oppression and violence, poses grave risks to the lives of Afghan women and girls.

The latest Taliban measure, Decree No. 12, further diminishes their rights by legitimizing psychological and sexual violence, criminalizing severe domestic violence. When seeking justice, the decree places serious obstacles on women, such as the requirement to be accompanied by a male guardian (who could as well be the perpetrator of the crime). Women who visit a relative’s home without the permission of their husbands may face jail, as well as relatives who shelter them. “The Taliban question the very existence of women as a gender, as human beings,” said Hon. Koofi.

She cautioned the international community against normalizing gender apartheid and letting the Taliban use women’s rights as a bargaining chip in negotiations. “Let’s not normalize this reality (...) we must hold them accountable.”

Demanding Accountability and a Democratic Future

The visit of Hon. Koofi and Hon. Solaimankhil to Brussels is marked by the intensification of geopolitical crises, including the recent declaration of open war between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as in Iran, where Afghan refugees face increasingly precarious conditions. The delegates condemned recent attacks and violations of international humanitarian law, especially regarding civilian casualties, which they attribute to the absence of a legitimate government and the Taliban’s policies. Pointing at the devastating airstrike on a rehabilitation center in Kabul, which killed more than 400 people on 16 March 2026, Hon. Solaimankhil reminded that civilians consistently bear the brunt of violence and instability: “When instability spreads, when borders become battlefields, when governments collapse, it is always the ordinary people who suffer first.”

Addressing members of the European Parliament, she emphasized the urgent need to effectively focus on the situation in Afghanistan to avoid spillover effects in the region. “The world must begin preparing for a future beyond the Taliban,” she stated, outlining three foundations for the country’s future: legitimacy (a democratic government through free and fair elections), inclusion (of all communities, especially women), and rights (girls returning to school, women returning to public life).

Hon. Koofi and Hon. Solaimankhil welcomed recent progress on international accountability, expressing gratitude to the European Union for sponsoring the investigative mechanism for Afghanistan in October 2025, which now requires sufficient funding and support from UN Member States to become operational. They emphasized the importance of such developments for Afghans, whose demands for justice remain strong, as evidenced by the widespread anticipation generated by arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders, issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Meanwhile, they urged the international community to accelerate efforts for a potential case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold Afghanistan accountable under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. “We must use these institutions to protect us,” Hon. Koofi stated.

EU Support for Afghanistan

Members of the European Parliament reaffirmed Europe’s support for Afghanistan, where more than 22 million people currently need humanitarian assistance. Visibly moved, they reiterated their solidarity, committing to keep Afghanistan at the forefront of the international agenda and asserting that the situation, especially that of women and girls, will never be normalized. The EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Mr. Gilles Bertrand, indicated that the EU has provided over €1 billion in humanitarian and development aid to Afghanistan, following a “for women, by women” approach that particularly supports women-led businesses. He confirmed the EU’s commitment to sustain its engagement, including through its presence in the country. “We cannot forget what is happening in Afghanistan," he said, underlining that the EU follows a principled approach, centered on the Afghans’ human needs.

Call to Action

Afghan parliamentarians in exile stressed that Afghanistan has become a test case for the international community’s commitment to fundamental human rights principles. They urged the European Parliament, EU member states, and parliamentarians to translate their words of solidarity into concrete action:


Uphold a principled stance on women’s and girls' rights: make women's rights a non-negotiable agenda item in any engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.

Strengthen accountability and justice processes, including by supporting the recognition and codification of gender apartheid, ensuring funding for the accountability mechanism for Afghanistan, supporting ongoing investigations at the ICC, and advancing accountability efforts before the ICJ.

Guarantee humanitarian assistance that benefits women and girls equally.

Support Afghans, including women parliamentarians and human rights defenders.

Adopt policies that reflect the severity of the human rights crisis in Afghanistan, avoiding any measures that could be interpreted as suggesting that the country is safe for returns, especially for women and girls.


“Women's rights in Afghanistan and human rights are directly linked to a legitimate government that embraces the diversity of Afghanistan. Afghanistan is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with 29 languages and many ethnic and religious groups. We all must work for a government that is representative of that diversity and inclusive of women,” Hon. Koofi concluded.



Examples of recent parliamentary actions taken by members of the European Parliament:


Resolution on the Situation in Afghanistan: supporting women and communities affected by the recent earthquakes (9 October 2025)
Resolution on The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” (19 September 2024)

Resolution on The repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women (14 March 2024)


Examples of parliamentary questions asked by members of the European Parliament:

Forced returns of Afghan women to Afghanistan under Taliban rule (11 November 2025)

EU evacuations of Afghans at risk (24 March 2025)

New Afghan morality law or law of silence, the culmination of a regime of ‘gender apartheid’ (5 September 2024)
27 March 2026
Parliamentarians for Global Action Elects New Board Members at 46ᵗʰ Annual Forum in Mexico City
PGA’s International Council is made up of legislative leaders from 18 countries who serve as the chairs of PGA national groups
Mexico City, Mexico — Following the close of the
46th Annual Forum and 46th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the
Oceans (4th CAP-Oceans), held March 26–27 in Mexico City, Parliamentarians
for Global Action (PGA) convened its International Council to elect PGA’s
Executive Committee for the 2026-2027 term.
PGA’s
International Council is made up of legislative leaders from 18 countries who
serve as the chairs of PGA national groups. These cross-party caucuses of
parliamentarians enable legislators to work collectively on domestic
legislation and policies while staying integrated into PGA’s global advocacy
work.
The
International Council elected a new Chairperson of the International Council
and a new Treasurer, while re-electing Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan) as
President of PGA.
PGA
extends its heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected members of the
2026–2027 Executive Committee:






Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan) — President







Dip. Jorge Cálix (Honduras) — Chairperson, International Council






Hon. Bernard Georges, MP (Seychelles) — Treasurer






Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, MP (The Gambia)






Sen. Janelle Chanona (Belize)






Hon. Daniel Fortune Molokele, MP (Zimbabwe)







Hon. Millie Odhiambo, MP (Kenya)







Dep. Christelle Vuanga (Democratic Republic of Congo)







Hon. Ebu Jones, MP (Suriname)





“We
are proud to welcome this extraordinary group of legislators to PGA’s
leadership,” said Mónica Adame, Secretary-General of PGA. “The diversity of
this Executive Committee — representing government and opposition parties, all
regions of the world, and both chambers of parliament — reflects the breadth of
our global parliamentary movement. At a moment when democracy and international
cooperation face serious headwinds, we are grateful for the commitment and
leadership that each of these legislators brings to our network.”
PGA
expresses its deep gratitude to its outgoing Board members - Mr. Ali Ehsassi,
MP (Canada), Ms. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria), Hon. Valerie Woods, Speaker of the
National Assembly (Belize), and Sen. Boris Dittrich (The Netherlands) - for
their years of dedicated service to PGA’s governance and mission. Their
leadership has been invaluable in advancing PGA’s work across programs,
regions, and campaigns.
19 February 2026
#MPsShapeTheFuture
Rarely has the world been so in need of credible, human voices explaining why cooperation matters and what it achieves.
WE STAND AT A CROSSROADS.
For nearly
two decades, democracy has been in decline worldwide. Across the globe, democratic
institutions are under attack — often from within. The separation of powers, a
fundamental foundation for a healthy democracy, is being dismantled. Civic
space is closing. Disinformation is drowning out truth. Electoral integrity is
being compromised. The very foundations that make cooperation possible are eroding.
But here is
what we know: when systems break, they create space for transformation.
As the
democratic branch closest to the people, parliamentarians are uniquely
positioned to shape what comes next. To defend what must be protected. To build
what must emerge. To affirm the principles and values upon which our
communities stand. And to do it together.
This is why
Parliamentarians for Global Action is launching #MPsShapeTheFuture — a campaign to unite
parliamentarians as champions of democracy and international cooperation.
We are
calling on parliamentarians from all corners of the globe who believe in the
promise of democracy, the call for justice, and the right to freedom that is
inherent to humanity, to commit to the following activities and practices:

① DEFEND
DEMOCRACY AT HOME
Strong
democracies are the foundation for communities to
feel safe, enjoy equal rights and thrive. We commit to concrete action
that:

Protects the separation of powers and
judicial independence
Safeguards civil and political rights
for all communities
Ensures civic space remains open for
dissent and dialogue
Combats disinformation with media
literacy and transparency
Guarantees electoral integrity against
interference




② CHAMPION
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
International cooperation is not simply idealism. It brings opportunities to have a voice in global decision-making that reflects our national needs and transforms our local communities. The problems we face — the climate crisis, cybercrime, pandemics, mass displacement — cross borders. The solutions we develop must also be global.
International
cooperation is not simply idealism — it's how we participate in decision-making
processes that benefit our communities and help solve problems that cross
borders.
We commit to
advancing international frameworks that protect the rights and dignity of all
individuals and the planet, including:

Supporting the integrity of
international law, including defending the International Criminal Court and
accountability for atrocities
Advocating for regulation of
international arms trade to keep our communities safe
Protecting our oceans, seas, and marine
resources through conservation and sustainable use
Addressing global cybercrime and
responsible AI use through good governance
Strengthening climate action that
ensures environmental democracy and climate justice
Guaranteeing every individual
has equal value, lives with dignity, and can achieve their highest
potential, free from all forms of violence and discrimination
Calling for a UN Special Rapporteur on
Democracy to monitor and protect democratic governance worldwide




③ PRIORITIZE
DIALOGUE AND SOLIDARITY
Parliamentarians
must model the bridge-building we ask our governments to practice. We commit
to:

Upholding PGA's Global Parliamentary Code of Democratic
Conduct
Participating in peer-to-peer learning
networks across borders
Standing in solidarity with
parliamentarians under threat
Creating cross-party coalitions focused
on solutions, not divisions
Engaging with civil society to
strengthen our communities
Advancing
inclusive, transparent, and accountable democratic governance across the globe.




Why This
Matters
The
international rules-based order — built to prevent the devasting global
conflicts the world saw in the early 20th century — faces
existential threats. The cornerstone institutions of this world order are rupturing.
Multilateral cooperation and the architecture of collective problem solving
that once held promise is under direct threat.
But we are
not powerless.
As elected
representatives, we translate global frameworks into local impact. We hold our
governments accountable to international commitments. We provide credible,
human voices that distant institutions cannot.
Our
constituents need to hear from us why cooperation matters.


The
Opportunity Before Us
This
campaign is about envisioning and building the governance systems we need for
the 21st century. Systems that:

Serve all communities, not just the
powerful
Protect future generations, not just
today's interests
Enable cooperation while respecting
sovereignty
Use technology responsibly to enhance
democracy, not undermine it


Parliamentarians
are the architects of what emerges from this moment of crisis.




Join #MPsShapeTheFuture
Over the
coming months, Parliamentarians for Global Action will be offering a series of
resources — peer-learning exchanges, convenings, communications tools,
coordinated advocacy — to support you in defending democracy at home, articulating
the importance and relevance of  international cooperation, and fostering a
vision of the future that we can all be proud to leave to the generations that
come after us.
This is our
moment to innovate and transform.

Immediate
Opportunities to Take Action

✓ Sign the Global Parliamentary Call for De-escalation, Dialogue, and Peace

✓ Sign the Resolution
supporting a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy
✓ Commit to using PGA's Democracy Defense Toolkit in your parliament
✓ Join upcoming webinars on democratic innovation and cooperation
✓ Share why you're an MP for democracy using #MPsShapeTheFuture
✓ Connect with PGA to access resources and peer support

The world needs parliamentarians who will defend

democracy at home, champion cooperation across borders, and model the dialogue
that builds bridges rather than walls.
The world needs MPs for democracy.
ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
10 February 2026
A Promising Start: the GIAI Welcomes Progress Towards a Convention on Crimes against Humanity
The first session of the Preparatory Committee for the UN Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity marked an important step forward in advancing negotiations toward a long-overdue international treaty.
Advancing towards a Convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity
The first session of the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations (UN) Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity, held in New York from 19 to 30 January 2026, marked an important step forward in advancing negotiations toward a long-overdue international treaty. Over the course of two weeks, countries engaged in substantive consultations on the Draft articles on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity, prepared by the UN International Law Commission and published in 2019, which will serve as a basis for negotiations of the future convention.

As mandated by the UN General Assembly in Resolution 79/122, discussions addressed the scope of the future convention, the definitions of crimes to be included, States’ obligations in relation to prevention and punishment, international cooperation, and implementation, as well as procedural questions guiding the next phases of the process. The discussions reflected strong interest among States and regional groups in the development of a dedicated convention and helped identify both areas of convergence and issues requiring further consideration.

Civil society’s inclusive participation as a foundation for a credible Convention

The Global Initiative Against Impunity (GIAI) welcomes the Preparatory Committee’s decision to ensure inclusive participation in the forthcoming stages of the negotiations. This includes extending participation to civil society organisations without ECOSOC consultative status, as well as representatives of academic institutions and the private sector.

This decision strengthens the legitimacy, transparency, and effectiveness of the process. It recognises the essential role of victims, affected communities, and civil society actors in shaping a meaningful, survivor-centred convention, and the importance of lived experience in ensuring that the future convention is credible, responsive to real harms, and capable of delivering justice.

FIDH, on behalf of the GIAI, delivered a statement during the session outlining key priorities for a strong and effective convention. In particular, the GIAI emphasised the need for the future Convention to:

be progressive and reflect contemporary international law, including its recent developments;

be unambiguously victim-centred, explicitly guaranteeing victims’ rights to information, participation, protection, and full and effective reparation;

address crimes that have too often remained invisible or unpunished, including by explicitly recognising gender-based crimes - such as gender apartheid and serious violations of reproductive autonomy - as well as incitement to crimes against humanity as a standalone crime; and

establish a dedicated monitoring and complaints mechanism to ensure effective implementation.


The full statement is available here, as well as a video recording of the intervention here.




Next steps


States must submit formal proposals for amendments to the Draft articles no later than 30 April 2026. These proposals will be compiled into a consolidated text, which will serve as the basis for negotiations at the diplomatic conference scheduled to take place in early 2028 and again in the course of 2029.

Ahead of the April deadline, GIAI partners contributed to a series of thematic briefs to inform the negotiations, including:


Victims’ rights – joint briefing note by REDRESS and FIDH on behalf of the GIAI, supported by TRIAL International, Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), and Global Survivors’ Fund
Liability of legal persons for crimes against humanity – TRIAL International, endorsed by FIDH, ECCHR, REDRESS, Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, Amnesty International, and Alessandra De Tommaso, among others
“Towards a Convention on Crimes against Humanity: Key Recommendations for Ongoing Negotiations” – ECCHR
“Advancing Gender Justice in the Crimes Against Humanity Convention: A Declaration” – Crimes Against Humanity Treaty Now
Justice for Children in the Future Convention – Children and Crimes Against Humanity Coalition
Proposed Revision to the Definition of Torture - joint briefing by the American University Washington College of Law, REDRESS, Parliamentarians for Global Action, and OMCT


These contributions aim to support States in ensuring that the future convention delivers concrete advances in accountability, prevention, and justice for victims of crimes against humanity.
06 February 2026
Parliamentary Resolution in Support of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy
This initiative builds on decades of parliamentary advocacy and complements existing UN human rights mechanisms, providing a dedicated, cross-cutting focus on democracy worldwide.
Overview

Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) calls on the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy to report and advise the United Nations on the state of democracy as it relates to human rights. This independent authority would:


Monitor global and regional democratic governance

Identify risks of democratic backsliding

Promote good practices and advise governments and parliaments

Engage civil society and marginalized communities to inform policy


This initiative builds on decades of parliamentary advocacy and complements
existing UN human rights mechanisms, providing a dedicated, cross-cutting focus
on democracy worldwide.

Background

Democracy is under unprecedented pressure worldwide. Shrinking civic
space, rising authoritarianism, and the erosion of democratic norms threaten
human rights, peace, and accountable governance. At this critical moment,
Parliamentarians for Global Action is advancing a new initiative to strengthen
democratic governance through the international human rights system.

Building on PGA’s ongoing efforts and broad parliamentary support, we are
launching a Parliamentary Resolution in Support of the Establishment of a UN
Special Rapporteur on Democracy. This resolution calls on the United Nations
Human Rights Council to create a dedicated mandate — a Special Rapporteur on
Democracy — to monitor democratic practices, identify emerging risks, promote
good practices, and support effective, rights‑based democratic governance
worldwide.

The resolution draws on decades of successful advocacy on democracy and
emphasizes the unique role parliamentarians play in safeguarding democratic
accountability, inclusiveness, and the rule of law. It also responds directly
to calls
from civil society organizations, inter‑parliamentary bodies, and democratic
actors for a more structured and systemic approach to democracy within the
United Nations human rights architecture.

Why Sign?

Democracy is facing a critical global moment. Shrinking civic space, rising authoritarianism, and eroding democratic norms threaten human rights, peace, and accountable governance. Using your voice as a parliamentarian can:



Protect
democratic institutions and uphold civic freedoms

Amplify the voices of women, youth, and marginalized communities

Support a UN mandate that provides early warning and guidance on democratic risks

Position yourself as a global defender of democracy


Why This Matters - Next Steps for Legislators

The establishment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy would enhance the international community’s capacity to safeguard democratic governance at a moment of profound global challenge. For legislators, this initiative offers a
strategic opportunity to reinforce democratic norms internationally while
advancing national commitments to human rights, the rule of law, and
accountable institutions.
A
dedicated UN mandate would:

Provide early warning of
democratic erosion, enabling States and parliaments to respond before
crises escalate;
Promote good practices in
electoral integrity, parliamentary independence, inclusive political
participation, and checks and balances;
Elevate citizen voices,
particularly those of women, youth, and marginalized groups whose
participation is essential to democratic legitimacy;
Strengthen multilateral
cooperation on democracy promotion by aligning national policies with
international human rights standards;
Reaffirm the UN’s commitment
to the rights articulated in Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, ensuring democracy remains a core priority across the UN
agenda.




Parliamentary
Resolution in Support of the Establishment of a UN Special Rapporteur on
Democracy
Preamble
Recognizing
that democracy is the best system to protect human rights, enshrined in key
international instruments, including Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, which affirms that “the will of the people shall be the basis of
the authority of government,” and that democratic principles are central to the
legitimacy, accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness of political
institutions;
Affirming
that democratic backsliding, the erosion of civic space, and the rise of
authoritarianism pose serious and growing risks to the enjoyment of human
rights, as well as to peace, stability, and sustainable development worldwide;
Acknowledging
that existing United Nations mechanisms, including Human Rights Council
thematic mandates, protect key democratic rights, but that no dedicated mandate
currently provides a comprehensive, structural, and systemic focus on
democracy;
Further
acknowledging that civil society organizations, inter-parliamentary bodies, and
other relevant stakeholders have called for the creation of a United Nations
Special Rapporteur on Democracy to help address this gap in the international
human rights architecture;
Recalling
that the United Nations Human Rights Council has established a wide range of
independent,  pro bono Special
Rapporteurs under its “special procedures” system, who serve as impartial
experts tasked with fact-finding, consultation, research, reporting, and the
formulation of recommendations;
Recognizing
that a Special Rapporteur on Democracy could complement existing mandates by
providing cross-cutting institutional and structural analysis, identifying
emerging risks and good practices, and supporting capacity-building efforts
related to democratic governance;
Affirming
that parliamentarians play a critical role in safeguarding democracy, promoting
accountability, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring inclusive political
representation, particularly for women, youth, marginalized groups, and
underrepresented communities.
Operative
Clauses


Calls upon the United Nations Human
Rights Council to establish, as soon as feasible, a new thematic mandate, namely,
a Special Rapporteur on Democracy, under the system of independent special
procedures.


Requests that the mandate of the
Special Rapporteur on Democracy be clearly defined and grounded in
international human rights law. It may include the following core
functions:


a.
Monitoring and Analysis


Conduct structural,
institutional, and comparative analysis of democratic governance at the
global and regional levels;
Identify trends, risks, and
opportunities related to democratic backsliding, democratic resilience,
and reform;
Assess the state of civic
space, political participation, electoral integrity, checks and balances,
parliamentary effectiveness, and accountability mechanisms.


b.
Fact-Finding and Reporting


Undertake country visits,
with the consent of States, to assess democratic practices, challenges,
and reforms;
Gather information from a
wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, civil society
organizations, marginalized communities, parliaments, political parties,
and regional and international bodies;
Prepare and present reports
to the Human Rights Council, and where appropriate to the General
Assembly, containing findings, analysis, identified good practices, and
recommendations.



c.
Cooperation and Coordination


Work closely with existing UN
Special Rapporteurs and mandate holders, including those on freedom of
expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the
independence of judges and lawyers, to ensure complementarity and avoid
duplication;
Establish consultative
mechanisms, including engagement with democracy scholars, civil society
practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders, to inform the mandate’s
work and ensure expert input.



Urges United Nations Member States,
particularly those committed to democratic governance and human rights, to
co-sponsor and actively support establishing the Special Rapporteur on
Democracy.


Encourages parliamentarians, through
national parliaments, parliamentary caucuses, and inter-parliamentary
organizations, to champion this initiative within their national
delegations to the United Nations and to build sustained political
momentum for the creation and support of this mandate.


Calls for meaningful engagement with
civil society organizations, youth movements, marginalized groups, and
grassroots democratic actors in supporting the work of the Rapporteur,
ensuring that their perspectives and lived experiences inform its analysis
and recommendations.


Requests that the Special Rapporteur
pay particular attention to issues of democratic inclusion, including the
political participation and representation of women, youth, minorities,
indigenous peoples, and other marginalized or underrepresented groups.


Affirms that the establishment of
this mandate would strengthen global efforts to uphold human rights,
reinforce the rule of law, and reaffirm the centrality of democracy within
the United Nations system, consistent with the purposes and principles of
the UN Charter.


Decides to transmit this resolution
to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Permanent
Missions of Member States, and relevant inter-parliamentary and
multilateral networks.


The health
and resilience of democratic systems worldwide are essential to the protection
and fulfillment of human rights. Supporting the creation of a UN Special
Rapporteur on Democracy would help strengthen democratic institutions, counter
authoritarian backsliding, and empower citizens to participate meaningfully in
shaping their societies. We therefore call upon all democratically minded
parliamentarians and States to join this effort and to lend their voice and
influence to making this mandate a reality.



Concrete
Next Steps for Legislators

Table a Parliamentary Question
Introduce a parliamentary question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to
clarify the government’s position on the proposed Special Rapporteur on
Democracy and to encourage proactive support.
Introduce a Parliamentary
Motion or Resolution
Sponsor or support a motion affirming parliamentary backing for the
mandate, reinforcing the government’s diplomatic position and signaling
cross-party commitment.
Engage with the Foreign Ministry
and UN Mission
Request briefings and urge your country’s Permanent Mission in Geneva or
New York to explore co-sponsorship of a resolution establishing the UN Special
Rapporteur on Democracy.
Coordinate with Regional and
Inter-Parliamentary Networks
Build momentum through cross-party and cross-border collaboration,
encouraging collective action within regional and thematic parliamentary
bodies.
Amplify Civil Society Voices
Engage with democracy and human rights organizations to inform
parliamentary advocacy and strengthen public messaging.
Public Communication and
Awareness
Use parliamentary statements, media engagement, social media, and opinion
pieces to highlight the importance of protecting democracy globally.
Prepare for United Nations
Human Rights Council or United Nations General Assembly Sessions
Monitor upcoming sessions where the initiative may be tabled and encourage
early endorsement or co-sponsorship by national governments.
23 January 2026
African Parliamentarians Advancing International Justice
On 28 November 2025, 22 parliamentarians from 14 countries in Africa convened in Nairobi, Kenya, for the PGA-organized Africa Working Group Dialogue on International Justice and the International Criminal Court.
On 28 November 2025, 22 parliamentarians from 14 countries in Africa convened in Nairobi, Kenya, for the PGA-organized Africa Working Group Dialogue on International Justice and the International Criminal Court. The event culminated in the adoption of the Nairobi Plan of Action, which outlines concrete steps to strengthen criminal justice at both international and domestic levels, promote universality of the Rome Statute and other international justice initiatives, and defend the independence of the ICC.
Context
Members of Parliamentarians for Global Action in Africa have played a critical role in advancing ratification of the Rome Statute. However, renewed debates on balancing peace, accountability, and sovereignty, alongside persistent perceptions of ICC bias toward African States, have led Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to announce intentions to withdraw from the Statute.
In this context, the Dialogue—bringing together members of parliaments of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, The Gambia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as international experts from the ICC and civil society organizations—served as a timely and strategic intervention. It enabled candid discussions on barriers to universality and effective implementation, strengthening engagement between African States and the ICC, building parliamentary capacity to advance Rome Statute obligations, and identifying concrete pathways to enhance cooperation among national, regional, and international justice mechanisms.
Africa's engagement within the Rome Statute system
During discussions on Africa’s relationship with the ICC, experts clarified arguments relating to the ICC bias toward Africa. They provided a detailed overview of current investigations and situations, demonstrating that the ongoing ICC investigations and situation countries span multiple regions, reaffirming the Court’s global reach. Speakers underscored the need to counter persistent misperceptions about the Court and to deepen constructive engagement through the Assembly of States Parties and national reforms.
Experts shared legislative pathways to incorporate crimes, principles, and cooperation procedures into national law, including non‑application of immunities, command responsibility, and clear arrest and surrender frameworks, so that international crimes can be investigated and prosecuted effectively at domestic or ICC level —in case the domestic system is unable or unwilling to do so genuinely. Following a detailed legal overview of content of effective implementing legislation provided by PGA Program Director, Frederika Schweighoferova, international criminal lawyer from the Wayamo Foundation, Linda Bore Kamp, emphasized the need for robust domestic frameworks and universal jurisdiction to close accountability gaps:



National systems are the first line of defense. It is incumbent upon us in our own national jurisdictions to strengthen our domestic systems to foster international criminal justice... If we strengthen our own domestic capacity, many cases will not need to go to the ICC.
Linda Bore Kamp, International Criminal Lawyer and Project Coordinator, Wayamo Foundation


Parliamentarians from Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, and others shared their experiences and legislative strategies to incorporate Rome Statute crimes and cooperation mechanisms into national law. They emphasized the urgent need to adopt victim-centered approaches and address gender-based crimes to ensure justice for survivors. They referenced ongoing implementation efforts and complementary avenues for accountability, including challenges associated with the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, and special jurisdictions such as the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic.

Advancing International Justice Initiatives
Parliamentarians have a critical opportunity to strengthen and advance the Rome Statute through several ongoing normative developments. These include efforts to promote amendments addressing international crimes subject to ongoing normative development or codification, such as the crime of aggression, the proposed crimes of ecocide, slavery, and the slave trade. In parallel, complementary international justice instruments—most notably the Ljubljana–The Hague Mutual Legal Assistance Convention (adopted in 2023) and the Draft convention on Crimes against Humanity (negotiations ongoing with the adoption expected in 2029)—further reinforce the Rome Statute system by enhancing cooperation, closing accountability gaps, and supporting effective domestic implementation through the principle of complementarity.
Dr. Ewelina Ochab, program lawyer at the International Bar Association, stressed the importance of parliamentary engagement in reforming the jurisdiction concerning the crime of aggression (foreseen for 2029), as well as the need for domestic reforms to close gaps in the implementation of the Rome Statute. Professor Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum, Professor of Law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, discussed the proposed amendments on the inclusion of slavery and the slave trade as war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the aim of ending impunity for contemporary enslavement.
Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim (MP, Ghana) addressed environmental harm through the proposed amendment to the Rome Statute on ecocide and domestic oversight:


The Rome Statute has evolved before on genocide, child soldiers, and the crime of aggression because humanity recognized new threats. Today, the existential threat is environmental collapse. If we fail to act, our children will inherit poisoned rivers, barren land, and a climate of instability. If we act decisively, Africa can lead the world in advancing a new era of environmental justice... Recognizing ecocide is not merely a legal technicality; it is a moral duty and a generational responsibility.
Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim (MP, Ghana)


Finally, in view of the external threats, sanctions, and cyberattacks against the Court, parliamentarians were urged to provide the ICC with steadfast political and operational support.

Parliamentarians committed to international justice

Through the unanimous adoption of the Nairobi Plan of Action for International Justice, legislators pledged to promote the ratification and effective domestic implementation of the Rome Statute and its amendments and advocate for stronger international cooperation among African states. In addition, they agreed to strengthen national legal frameworks to address gender-based crimes, defend the independence and impartiality of the ICC, support ongoing international justice initiatives, provide sufficient political and financial support to the ICC and Trust Fund for Victims, and acknowledge the critical role of human rights defenders and civil society organizations in upholding accountability and the international rule of law.
22 January 2026
Quarterly Update of the Campaign for the Abolition of the Death Penalty – October - December 2025
2025: alarming developments for the abolition of the death penalty
2025: alarming developments for the abolition of
the death penalty

The final quarter of 2025 left the
movement for the abolition of the death penalty facing grim
realities. Executions reached record highs, especially for offences not
meeting the “most
serious crimes” threshold (intentional crimes with lethal or other
extremely grave consequences) required under international law. Across all
regions, concerning trends emerged:

A surge in the number of executions in Iran, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore
and the United
States of America, alongside the continued use of public executions by the
Taliban in Afghanistan;
Legislative setbacks – including expansion of
the death penalty to drug-trafficking offences in The
Maldives, a discriminatory bill targeting Palestinians in Israel,
and an amendment to reinstate the death penalty in Burkina
Faso.
The need for parliamentary leadership
Now more than ever there is the
need for parliamentarians worldwide to take action and mobilize. The death
penalty is not an effective tool in the fight against crime it is often applied
arbitrarily and discriminatorily; it represents a form of torture; and it does
not guarantee security. Parliamentarians for Global Action highlighted this
message on the 10th World Day Against the Death Penalty with its factsheet
“The Death Penalty protects No One.” This document provides
parliamentarians with concrete arguments to counter prevailing narratives and describes
how governments have used “security” as a political tool to justify capital
punishment.
An important focus of the abolitionist work must also
address the gender
dimension of the death penalty. Between 500-1,000 women in 42 countries sentenced to
death live in deplorable conditions. The Guardian
published the stories of five women on death row describing the intersectional nature
of their situation and more difficult conditions of detention, such as
heightened security and solitary confinement. Read more about the gender
dimension of the death penalty and work of the World Coalition Against
the Death Penalty on gender here.
Hope in action: parliamentarians driving change
Despite these worrying
developments, hope remains fueled by the commitment of parliamentarians around
the world. Hon. Musowa, MP and PGA Member (Malawi), exemplified this during
Malawi’s Universal Periodic Review, where Parliamentarians for Global Action
and civil society partners organized an “Information
Meeting on the Universal Periodic Review Process in Malawi: Towards the Abolition
of the Death Penalty in Malawi and the Region.” The event highlighted
Malawi’s journey towards abolition, discussed remaining challenges, and shared
best practices. On this occasion, Hon. Musowa reaffirmed: “I make the
commitment knowing where we are coming from, knowing what we are able to
achieve and knowing what we are able to do as Malawian Parliament.”
Mobilization was also key during
the fifth
regional congress on the death penalty in East Asia, organized by Ensemble
contre la peine de mort in Tokyo (Japan), and to which Parliamentarians for
Global Action Secretariat attended, alongside former PGA members and allies of
the abolitionist movement, such as Hon. Oyungerel Tsedevdemba (Mongolia) or
Mario Marazziti (Italy). Japanese parliamentarians also attended the Congress
and made a strong commitment to reopening the debate on abolition, and to
working on the need for more transparency in death penalty proceedings, judicial
reform, and regional cooperation.
Hope for generating progress in the
region also came from Malaysia, as Hon. Kulasegaran, Deputy Law Minister in the
Malaysian Prime Minister’s Department and PGA Member announced a comprehensive
study on the abolition of the death penalty,
launching in January 2026. This could represent the first step toward full
abolition of the death penalty in the country.
The year 2025 thus ended on a
somber note, but it is worth remembering that globally, two third of UN Member
States have abolished the death penalty in their legislation and nearly
three-quarters have ceased executions – notably thanks to the action and
commitment of parliamentarians. Progress continues, and the will to uphold
human rights is evident, as demonstrated by the adoption, with 31 votes in
favor, of the resolution on the
death penalty at the Human Rights Council.
October to December 2025 at a Glance

Positive developments:

 Council of Europe:
 The Committee of Ministers (the Council of
Europe’s decision-making body, comprising Ministers of Foreign Affairs of all
the Member States) adopted a set
of decisions reviewing the existing measures against the trade in goods used
for the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment, including further actions to strengthen their
implementation.
 Kyrgyzstan:
 The Constitutional Court ruled as unconstitutional
the government’s proposal to reinstate the death penalty for crimes against
women and children, declaring that “bringing back the death penalty is
unacceptable and legally impossible,” as it would constitute a violation of the
constitutional guarantee of the right to life and breach Kyrgyzstan’s
international human rights obligations.
 Malaysia:
 Malaysian government announced
that it will launch a comprehensive study on the abolition of the death
penalty beginning in January 2026. This announcement follows the decision in 2023 to
abolish the mandatory death penalty and reduce its scope. According to Amnesty
International, in 2025, 97 individuals remain on death row, including 47 waiting
for an appeal.
 Sudan:
 Lawyer and human rights defender Montaser
Abdullah, who offered legal assistance to survivors of gender-based
violence and was facing the death penalty, has been released after the Criminal
Court in Port Sudan acquitted him. Montaser Abdullah was charged for alleged
espionage and denied the charges. Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in 2023, lawyers
have been among those most targeted by both warring parties, including
cases of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and arbitrary
killings.





Setbacks:

 Afghanistan:
 The Taliban de facto authorities
conducted new
public executions, bringing the number to at least 12 public executions
since the Taliban took over in August 2021. The international community and UN experts,
including the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Afghanistan, condemned
the public executions and called on the de facto authorities to
immediately impose a moratorium and abolish the death penalty.
 Bangladesh:
 The International Crimes
Tribunal sentenced, in absentia, Bangladesh’s former prime minister to death,
for crimes against humanity. She was found guilty of ordering a deadly
crackdown on student-led protest in 2024, which led to the death of at least
1,400 people and thousands wounded – most by gunfire from security forces. The death
sentence was condemned by civil society organizations, including the
Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network, who recalled that “the death penalty does
not enhance accountability, nor does it strengthen the rule of law.”
 Burkina Faso:
 Burkina Faso’s government adopted a draft
bill to reform the Penal Code, which includes reinstating the death penalty
for offences such as “high treason,” “terrorism,” and “acts of espionage,”
seven years only after it abolished capital punishment for ordinary crimes. The
bill was passed to the Transitional Legislative Assembly. Civil society
organizations urge
the Transitional Legislative Assembly to oppose the reintroduction of the
death penalty in the Penal Code, as it would represents a serious setback for
human rights in the country, and the rule of law.
Iran:
 According to Iran Human Rights, at least 1,500 people were executed in 2025
(including at least 700 for
drug-related offences), the highest number since the late 1980s and a rise
of 106% compared to 2024. Many stakeholders, including the UN
Fact-Finding Mission expressed alarm by the surge in repression and executions,
especially since Israeli airstrikes in June, which were followed by a government
crackdown that has further “constricted civic space, undermined due process and
eroded respect for the right to life.” The Fact-Finding Mission noted that most
death penalty cases investigated appear to contravene international human rights
law, thereby violating the right to life.
 The Guardian Council approved new anti-espionage
legislation which expands penalties for spying and collaboration with
Israel and the United States, including the death penalty.
Israel:
 The Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) approved a bill
in its first reading which aims at introducing a mandatory death penalty
for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis. The bill
requires two more readings before becoming law. It raised serious concerns
among human rights organizations and UN
Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urged the Israeli authorities to not pass
the bill, recalling its discriminatory principle, and its inconsistency with
Israel’s obligations under international law.
 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
 At
least 356 people were executed in Saudi Arabia in 2025, making this year
the “bloodiest year of executions in the Kingdom since monitoring began”
according to Reprieve.
Among these, at least two thirds were convicted for drug-related offences, in
violation with international norms and standards. Other important cases include
a journalist and two individuals who were children at the time of their alleged
protest-related crimes.
 Kuwait:
 New anti-drugs
legislation expands the death penalty cases for at least 10 drug offences,
including for those who repeat the drugs-related crime.
 Maldives:
 The People’s Majlis (Maldives’s parliament)
adopted legislation expanding the scope of the death penalty to
drug-trafficking offences through amendments to the Drugs Act. Civil society
organizations, including Parliamentarians for Global Action, joined the Anti-Death
Penalty Asia Network's call to the government of the Maldives to repeal the
amendment, to maintain the moratorium on executions, and to adopt a clear plan
towards full abolition.
 Singapore:
 In 2025, at least 17
people have been executed, most for drug-related offences. It represents
the deadliest
year since 2003 according to the NGO Capital Punishment Justice Project.
Tunisia:
 A man was sentenced
to death for social media publications criticizing the President. The man
received a presidential pardon one week later, but this unprecedented sentence
for nonviolent expression raises serious concerns about restrictions on the
freedom of expression and the rule of law in the country.
 United States of America:
 In 2025, 47
executions took place in the country, the highest level in 16 years. Methods
used included nitrogen
gas execution in Alabama and Louisiana, despite it being considered as
amounting to cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment and torture.
 From October-December 2025, a total of 13
executions were recorded, included:

6 executions in Florida;
1 execution in Indiana;
1 execution in Missouri;
1 execution in Mississippi;
1 execution in Arizona;
1 execution in Alabama;
1 in South Carolina; and
1 in Tennessee.




New Reports and Resources:



 African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
 The ACHPR adopted the activity
report of the Working Group on the Death Penalty, Extrajudicial, Summary or
Arbitrary Executions and Enforced Disappearances in Africa. The latter
confirms the predominantly abolitionist trend in the African continent,
although it underlines concerns for the fairness of proceedings in retentionist
States and for the extent to which the continued existence of the death penalty
violates the prohibition of torture and other cruel or inhuman treatment.
 International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
 FIDH published a new
report on the death penalty in Asia (2020-2025), “Enduring injustice.” It
finds that in most of the retentionist countries in Asia, the death penalty
remains in force for offences that do not meet the threshold of the “most
serious crimes under international law.”
 Universal Periodic Session – 50th
session:
 States formulated recommendations
to abolish the death penalty to Belarus, Jamaica, Liberia, Libya, Malawi and
the Maldives.
 UN Human Rights Council 60th session:
 The Human Rights adopted the resolution on the question of the
death penalty, with 31 votes in favor, 8 abstentions and 7 votes against.
The resolution urges States to protect the rights of persons facing the death
penalty, to respect international standards that provide safeguards
guaranteeing protection of the human rights of those facing the death penalty,
to ensure fair trial guarantees, and to consider acceding or ratifying the Second
Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.
17 December 2025
Parliamentarians call for accountability at the 24th session of the Assembly of States Parties
From 1 to 5 December 2025, representatives of countries who are States Parties to the Rome Statute, international organizations, and civil society met in The Hague, The Netherlands, for the 24th session of the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court.
From 1 to 5 December 2025, representatives of countries who are States Parties to the Rome Statute, international organizations, and civil society met in The Hague, The Netherlands, for the 24th session of the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court. Against a backdrop of increasing political pressure on the Rome Statute system, the session provided an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to fighting against impunity, and defend the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court tasked to investigate and prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
Despite eroding cooperation, withdrawal from the Rome Statute, and growing geopolitical tensions, Parliamentarians for Global Action was honored to invite Hon. Grace Neema Paininye, MP (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and Hon. Fawzia Koofi, MP in exile (Afghanistan), to address participants and call for strengthening international justice mechanisms and increasing support for survivors and communities of victims in their respective countries and around the world.
The urgency of advancing the universality of the Rome Statute
On 1 December 2025, in a side event co-organized with Parliamentarians for Global Action, the focal points on universality, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Ambassador Seok-in Hong, and the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the International Criminal Court, H.E. Govert Jan Bijl de Vroe, highlighted the efforts undertaken by their countries to expand universal jurisdiction of the Rome Statute. They reiterated their commitment to continue promoting the ratification of the Rome Statute, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region (the least represented among States Parties). To achieve this goal, they noted the importance of global cooperation and the critical role played by civil society and Parliamentarians for Global Action's reach with its global membership.
The President of the International Criminal Court, H.E. Judge Tomoko Akane, emphasized that universality strengthens the Court's legitimacy and consolidates the international commitment at the center of its adoption. She stressed the importance of domestic implementation and the principle of complementarity, which allows national authorities to prosecute core crimes. As the workload of the Court grows, advancing the universality of the Rome Statute is a parameter that enables it to function more effectively.
Addressing the withdrawals from the Rome Statute, the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), H.E. Ambassador Päivi Kaukoranta, outlined the ASP Secretariat's role in engaging at an early stage with countries while encouraging all other stakeholders to do the same to reinforce efforts addressing misperceptions about the Court.
The Ambassador of Ukraine to the Netherlands, H.E. Ambassador Andriy Kostin, stated that Ukraine's decision to ratify the Rome Statute in October 2024 was in direct response to Russia's war of aggression, demonstrating his country's willingness to establish itself as a defender of the international rule of law. To him, the six public arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against senior Russian officials serve as proof that even the most senior officials can be held accountable – an essential element in building confidence in international justice. Warning that "justice delayed is often justice denied," he stressed the need to prioritize accountability for the most serious crimes by supporting the efforts of judicial mechanisms at national, regional, and international levels. He acknowledged the limitations of the ICC's jurisdiction over the crime of aggression, and the importance of the creation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine to fill the accountability gap for the Ukrainian situation.
Parliamentarians urge accountability in a context of atrocity crimes
Hon. Grace Neema Paininye, MP (Democratic Republic of the Congo) described the decades of conflict and atrocity crimes affecting communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She stressed the decisive role parliamentarians play in supporting survivors and communities of victims, including strengthening national legislation and harmonizing domestic legislation with the Rome Statute. She mentioned that DRC parliamentarians also play an important oversight role and contribute to the advocacy towards the establishment of a Special Criminal Court in the country. She noted the importance of supporting psycho-social and health programs, to finance reparation and strengthen transitional justice mechanisms.



We know that lasting peace requires truth, recognition of victim suffering, and the restoration of trust between citizens and institutions. (...) The DRC expects from the international community clear and unwavering support for the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute to not remain theoretical but to become living, applicable, and effective.
Hon. Grace Neema Paininye, MP (Democratic Republic of the Congo)


Hon. Fawzia Koofi, MP in exile (Afghanistan), reminded the audience that the ability to give a voice to the voiceless and ensure their protection through accountability mechanisms is being challenged more than ever before. Afghanistan is the only country where more than 18 million women are oppressed because of their gender. Such repression amounts to a crime of gender apartheid, which needs to be recognized and codified under international law, including within the framework of the draft crimes against humanity convention and by amending the Rome Statute (see PGA's Gender Apartheid Policy Brief outlining the parliamentary role in calling for the recognition and codification of gender apartheid as a crime under international law). Emphasizing the importance of developments at the International Criminal Court, particularly the two public arrest warrants against Taliban leaders, she insisted that more support from the international community was needed for accountability to prevail. Actions such as these warrants give the Afghan community hope and a sense that the world has not forgotten them.


There is a systematic erasure of women from the public, social, and political life in Afghanistan. (...) Women are being oppressed, which is not their choice. We did not choose to be women, so we should not carry the burden of dictators. What is happening in Afghanistan can happen anywhere tomorrow. It is a global responsibility to support global accountability.
Hon. Fawzia Koofi, MP in exile (Afghanistan)

The promise of solidarity through stronger commitments
At the end of the week, States Parties adopted six resolutions by consensus on:

strengthening the International Criminal Court and the Assembly of States Parties;
cooperation;
amendments to the Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the International Criminal Court,
implementing recommendation R108 of the Group of Independent Experts related to the establishment of ad hoc investigative panels in case of complaints against elected officials;
procedure and criteria for the waiver of the loss of voting rights, and
programme budget for 2026.


The increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape prompts all stakeholders to recognize the urgent need to reinforce collective efforts to uphold accountability. This includes safeguarding and expanding the Rome Statute system, instrumental to protecting survivors and communities of victims, as well as supporting civil society organizations and human rights defenders standing at the forefront of justice efforts and increasingly facing risks. The surrender of a suspect in the Libya situation by Germany to the International Criminal Court was a significant development in the sidelines of the Assembly. Since the investigation was opened in 2011, this is the first time a suspect of international crimes committed in Libya has been brought before the Court bringing hope to hundreds of victims and survivors longing for justice.
08 December 2025
PGA 2025 Year in Review and Looking Ahead to 2026
As another year draws to a close, we reflect on the extraordinary resource at the heart of everything we do: our member parliamentarians.
Dear Colleagues,

As another year draws to a close, we reflect on the extraordinary resource at the heart of everything we do: our member parliamentarians. They are the cornerstone of PGA's work and the reason this network exists. In legislative bodies around the world, PGA members are championing the principles that define our organization — the very same core values that we want to define our societies: justice and the rule of law, respect for each other and the environment, democracy, accountability, and sustainable peace.


The achievements highlighted below reflect the deep level of commitment and dedication that PGA members give to seeing our civic space thrive. They prove that legislative action, when guided by principle and informed by peer-to-peer learning, can create meaningful change for communities at home and abroad.




In a time of increased polarization, when differences often seem insurmountable, PGA members demonstrate that cross-party collaboration to advance the most fundamental principles of our societies is not only possible but essential.




From The Gambia to Ecuador, from Pakistan to the Netherlands, PGA members have been working across political divides at the national level to ensure that support for human rights transcends partisanship. Whether convening to advance gender equality, strengthen environmental protections, or bolster international justice mechanisms, PGA members show us that shared values can unite even the most diverse political perspectives.




This year, PGA took an important step to ensure that the valuable insights and expertise of our parliamentary community can continue to inform PGA’s work even after a member’s term in office has concluded. We launched our Alumni Network, led by former PGA member, Esther Cuesta (Ecuador), to create a lasting connection to former members whose commitment to PGA principles extend beyond their parliamentary mandate. Current PGA members will benefit from the mentorship and experience of PGA alumni, while alumni will have the opportunity to stay connected to peers and PGA campaign issues.


As we look toward 2026, we do so with gratitude for the tireless work of our members and partners and with renewed commitment to supporting them in every way we can. Together, we continue building the rules-based international order necessary for a more equitable, safe, sustainable, and democratic world.


With appreciation,


Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan)
President, Parliamentarians for Global Action



2025 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS







OCEANS PROTECTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE



Dep. Bilaine de Ceita (São Tomé and Príncipe); Minister Nilda da Mata, Ministry of Environment, Youth, Tourism, and Sustainability (São Tomé and Príncipe); and Dep. Arlindo dos Santos (São Tomé and Príncipe)

Ratification of the High Seas Treaty

The groundbreaking United Nations High Seas Treaty achieved 60 ratifications in September 2025, triggering its entry into force in January 2026 as the first international, legally binding framework for the protection of the high seas. PGA members have championed the Treaty as an effective tool for robust ocean governance since 2019, with parliamentarians from countries around the world leading the calls for its universality and effective implementation.






Launch of the Escazú Agreement Toolkit
Parliamentarians for Global Action published the Toolkit for Parliamentarians on the Escazú Agreement: Promoting Human Rights in Environmental Matters, providing parliamentarians with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to effectively enhance climate governance and environmental rights throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.





PGA delegation to the Third UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France

Strengthening Protection of Marine Areas
This year brought an over 1.6 percent increase of marine protected areas around the world, including the announcement of the first network of marine protected areas in São Tomé and Príncipe where PGA members have been increasing their calls for more robust implementation and co-management of these areas.









EQUALITY AND INCLUSION



Hon. Sharmila Faruqui, MP (Pakistan) and PGA member



Ending Early Forced Marriage in Pakistan
Pakistan's National Assembly passed a landmark bill raising the legal age of marriage to 18 for all children, thanks in large part to the activism of PGA member, Hon. Sharmila Faruqui, MP.





Afghan Delegation to The Hague, June 2025

Raising awareness on gender apartheid
In June, the Senate of the Netherlands hosted a PGA roundtable where eight Afghan parliamentarians in exile led a dialogue on accountability mechanisms for Afghanistan. In September, PGA published a Gender Apartheid Policy Brief highlighting parliamentary pathways to codify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.
Mónica Adame, PGA’s Secretary-General, spotlighted the issue of gender apartheid at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative where she participated in the Democracy and Human Rights Working Group.







Promoting Inclusion in the Pacific
We launched a culturally grounded toolkit equipping Pacific parliamentarians with strategies for legislative reform and coalition-building to advance inclusion for Pacific Islanders with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and sex characteristics.
Former PGA member Amb. Louisa Wall (New Zealand) presented the Pacific toolkit to the Deputy Speaker and civil society leaders in Kiribati, directly bridging parliamentary leadership with community voices. Amb. Wall also highlighted the toolkit's impact in her article in The Parliamentarian: 2025 Issue Three (pages 22-23), helping to elevate the importance of inclusive parliamentary leadership across Commonwealth nations.












INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY




Launch of the Global Parliamentary Initiative on Responsible Artificial Intelligence
Parliamentarians for Global Action launched an initiative mobilizing legislators across the globe to ensure AI innovation protects human rights and democracy. Through regional webinars in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia Pacific, parliamentarians learned about the Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The Chair of the PGA National Group in Malaysia, Hon. M. Kulasegaran, MP, issued a public statement encouraging Malaysia to seek Observer Status with the Council of Europe's Committee on AI.





Hon. Bernard Georges, MP (Seychelles) and member of the PGA Executive Committee


Addressing Cybercrime through Ratification of the Budapest Convention
Following PGA's Regional Pacific Islands Workshop on Cybercrime in Fiji in 2024, several participating countries ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. In 2025, that list grew to include Vanuatu and New Zealand. In addition, and largely due to the efforts of PGA Executive Committee Member, Hon. Bernard Georges, Seychelles was invited to join the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The Convention provides vital safeguards for human rights, including freedom of expression and privacy.









INTERNATIONAL LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS






Special session on the review of the amendments on the crime of aggression at the UN Headquarters in July 2025


Review of Amendments on the Crime of Aggression
In July, Parliamentarians for Global Action participated in the special session on the review of the amendments on the crime of aggression to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The session offered States Parties the opportunity to harmonize the Court's jurisdiction over the crime of aggression with that of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes — a matter for which PGA has long advocated.





Meeting of the Africa Working Group on International Justice in November 2025


Africa Working Group on International Justice
On 28 November, PGA convened 22 legislators from 15 African countries in Nairobi to discuss challenges and ways forward in achieving universality and effective implementation of the Rome Statute. Parliamentarians adopted a plan of action to reinforce efforts for the fight against impunity. Notably, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, MP (The Gambia), tabled a motion urging his government to incorporate the Rome Statute into domestic law and develop necessary legislation.





Informational Meeting on the Universal Periodic Review Process in Malawi in Geneva in November 2025


Advancing Efforts to Abolish the Death Penalty
PGA participated in the UN's Universal Periodic Review of Malawi's human rights record and co-organized a dedicated event to promote national abolition efforts during which a PGA Member, Hon. Musowa, reaffirmed Malawi’s strong commitment to achieve full abolition of the death penalty.










LOOKING FORWARD TO 2026

As we enter 2026, we do so with both resolve and hope. The challenges before us are significant, but so too is the strength of our global parliamentary network.

On 26 – 27 March, we will gather for the 46th PGA Annual Forum and 4th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the Oceans (CAP-Oceans) in the Senate of Mexico in Mexico City. This convening will focus on the role pf parliamentarians in accelerating action for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources through the effective implementation of marine protected areas in both national waters and the high seas.

Building on the momentum of this past year, we will continue to foster dialogue among parliamentarians and with our civil society partners. We will explore the development of new tools and resources to support our member parliamentarians in making meaningful progress on the issues at the heart of PGA’s mission. And we will continue our efforts to further international justice, strengthen thoughtful environmental governance, foster greater inclusion and equality in our legislatures and communities, safeguard democracy, and support the flourishing of peace and security.

Like many nonprofit organizations, PGA was challenged by cuts to our U.S. government funding in 2025. But the challenges we faced also yielded new opportunities from funders who demonstrated their trust and belief in the PGA model. These new partnerships affirm that our approach to empowering all parliamentarians to be champions for human rights remains as relevant and necessary as ever.

We are hopeful for what 2026 will bring and the opportunity to expand our partnerships to advance our shared vision for an equitable, safe, sustainable, and democratic world. Together with our member parliamentarians, we will continue to show that democracy, despite its imperfections, remains our best hope for creating a world where all people can live in peace, with dignity, freedom, and justice.



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03 December 2025
Strengthening Protections for Parliamentarians: A Dialogue with the European Parliament
To address this serious threat to democracy and to demonstrate solidarity with its members, Parliamentarians for Global Action created the Parliamentary Rapid Response Team in 2020.
Violence against parliamentarians has intensified across all
regions of the world, even within long-standing democracies. Attacks that were once
exceptional have now become a part of the daily reality faced by many elected
representatives.
To address this serious threat to democracy and to
demonstrate solidarity with its members, Parliamentarians for Global Action
created the Parliamentary
Rapid Response Team in 2020. This team brings together committed parliamentarians
from all regions of the globe who are ready to mobilize when legislators or
human rights defenders are placed at immediate risk.
On 3 December 2025, we had the opportunity to present our
work before the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights during an exchange
of views on the protection of parliamentarians at risk worldwide. The session
was organized in partnership with the Committee
on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). It featured Senator Etienne Blanc, Chair of the IPU
Committee, and Hon. Job Sikhala, MP (Zimbabwe), who testified about the political
repression and arbitrary detention he endured, as well as attacks suffered by his
family because of his political work.
Parliamentarians at risk: an increasing phenomenon
A decade ago, the Inter-Parliamentary Union recorded approximately
300 to 350 cases of legislators in danger through its dedicated Committee
on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, with which PGA collaborates
closely. Today, this number exceeds 1,000 cases worldwide.
Such an environment threatens the ability of
parliamentarians to carry out their mandate. They may lose their political rights
following politically motivated prosecutions, arbitrary arrests, unfair trials,
and suspensions driven by the government or parliamentary majorities. Existing disciplinary
mechanisms to address misconduct by MPs often remain unused or prove ineffective.

Threats vary across regions, but they follow a global
pattern:

Weaponization of justice through politically
motivated charges, arbitrary detention, and unfair proceedings.
Digital attacks, including smear campaigns,
online publication of personal information (doxing), misogynistic online
harassment, and threats amplified by algorithms.
Physical violence such as assaults, abductions,
and assassinations.
State-sponsored repression, including
surveillance and suspension of parliamentary immunities.
Growing attacks on political parties.
Violence targeting women MPs, in all their diversities

It is important to raise awareness about the specific threats
faced by women parliamentarians, who are victims of disproportionate harassment
and intimidation, both online and offline, as well as gender-based and sexual
violence, among other forms of physical assaults. Many of these attacks go
unreported, in part because official reporting systems are often inadequate or
nonexistent. This situation discourages many women from engaging in politics, a
sphere where they remain underrepresented. The consequences can be devastating for
a truly representative democracy.
Answering the threats: Parliamentary Rapid Response Team
The Parliamentary Rapid Response Team (PARRT) is committed
to addressing the needs of parliamentarians at risk through urgent action alerts,
public statements, direct or quiet advocacy, referrals to specialized civil
society partner, and coordinated engagement with governments, diplomatic
missions, and international partners. Parliamentarians at risk, or their
colleagues, can refer cases directly to PARRT. The team then reviews the case according
to rigorous criteria before deciding the appropriate action to take. This
approach allows PARRT to act rapidly, responsibly, and effectively in
partnership with parliamentarians.
Since its creation in 2020, the Parliamentary Rapid Response
Team has intervened in a wide range of situations across regions, including the
cases of Hon.
Leila de Lima, MP (The Philippines), Fabien
Banciryanino, MP (Burundi), Soledad
Buendía, MP (Ecuador), and numerous other cases in Afghanistan,
Bangladesh,
Nicaragua,
Sudan, Venezuela, and
beyond.
This solidarity is not symbolic — it has a real impact. In
several cases, international pressure has helped secure due process guarantees,
obtained release from detention, or improved the safety conditions of
threatened MPs.
Leadership to protect democracy
Violence against parliamentarians is part of a broader
context of democratic backsliding, misogyny, disinformation ecosystems,
shrinking of civic space, and normalization of authoritarian practices. To stop
these attacks, institutions must address their root causes and protect the rule
of law.
In this context, it is also essential to counter hate
speech, which is on the rise and for which parliamentarians should be the first
ones to lead by example. Parliamentarians for Global Action developed a Global
Parliamentary Code of Democratic Conduct, open to signatures of all
parliamentarians worldwide, to hold legislators accountable for their speech, encourage
respectful and inclusive dialogue, and ensure they refrain from disseminating disinformation.

Continued leadership can protect democratic institutions. By
reporting on cases of legislators at risk; strengthening international initiatives
such as PARRT; and promoting early detection, rapid solidarity, and coordinated
international action, parliamentarians can exercise their mandates in a safer
environment, ensuring a stronger democracy.
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Events & Activities
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Until 30 April, States can submit proposals for the draft
#CrimesAgainstHumanity
Treaty.
???? Enquire with your government and advocate for a strong
#humanrights
-based treaty that fully protects victims and closes impunity gaps. ✅
Read more in our Brief:
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— Parliamentarians for Global Action (@PGAction)
April 13, 2026
Congratulations to the National Assembly of Austria for approving ratification of the United Nations
#HighSeasTreaty
to protect the high seas and its resources for all people for generations to come.
@PetraBayr
@BayrPetra
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— Parliamentarians for Global Action (@PGAction)
February 26, 2026
Promoting nuclear security is key for peace. Thanks to legislators from ???????? Tanzania,, ???????? Eswatini, ???????? Liberia, ???????? Uganda, ???????? South Sudan, ???????? Cameroon, ???????? Gambia and ???????? Zambia for the engaging discussion at PGAction workshop in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
@GAC_Corporate
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— Parliamentarians for Global Action (@PGAction)
February 27, 2026
Earlier this month, the Scottish Parliament voted to advance the
#Ecocide
Bill, which would criminalize severe environmental destruction by individuals and organizations. ????
@EcocideLaw
⚖️ Read more
#InternationalJustice
updates:
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— Parliamentarians for Global Action (@PGAction)
February 18, 2026