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Mobilizing Legislators as Champions for Human Rights, Democracy, and a Sustainable World
Mobilizing legislators as champions for human rights, democracy, and a sustainable world. Learn more

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A Historic Milestone in High Seas Ocean Governance

In a momentous display of effective global cooperation, the High Seas Treaty achieved 60 ratifications.


Gender Apartheid – Policy Brief

Gender Apartheid – Policy Brief

Parliamentarians can play a critical role in advocating for the recognition and codification of gender apartheid as a crime under international law, as well as in promoting solidarity and support for the voices of Afghan and Iranian women.

Background The call to recognize the crime of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity first emerged in the 1990s, when UN experts reported that the Taliban had “introduced what is in point of fact a system of apartheid in respect of women.” Yet, no concrete action led to enshrining this crime in international law, leaving a persistent accountability gap for its survivors and victims. Gender apartheid is unique in its intent and institutionalized character: it aims not only to discriminate against a group based on their gender identity through inhumane acts, but also to establish and maintain a system of domination and total exclusion of that group from the social, economic, cultural, and political life of a country. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has underscored the urgent need to recognize gender apartheid. Through state-imposed laws and institutionalized practices, Afghan women and girls are excluded from education, employment, healthcare, political participation, and any kind of public engagement. They are denied their human rights and control over their own bodies and lives. Afghan and Iranian women’s rights defenders are leading the global campaign for recognition of this crime through the End Gender Apartheid initiative. Their demand is clear: the international community must codify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity and take decisive action to dismantle and prevent gender apartheid regimes. Parliamentarians can play a critical role in advocating for the recognition and codification of gender apartheid as a crime under international law, as well as in promoting solidarity and support for the voices of Afghan and Iranian women. What is gender apartheid? The crime of apartheid is an internationally recognized crime against humanity, rooted in the history of South Africa. The International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court define it as the institutionalized domination of one racial or ethnic group over another. However, neither of these instruments extends the concept to include gender-based forms of apartheid. UN experts and human rights advocates have documented gender persecutions and violations in countries such as Afghanistan and Iran, where state-designed, coordinated, and institutionalized mechanisms are used to oppress a specific group based on their gender. This results in their exclusion and separation from the country’s social, economic, cultural, and political life. In Afghanistan, the elimination of rights and freedoms of women and girls, imposed by Taliban laws, policies, and practices, reflects the system of apartheid based on gender. The current definition of the crime of apartheid in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court should therefore be adapted to recognize gender apartheid, conceptualized as: “inhumane acts committed in the context of an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one gender group over any other gender group or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime.” Why recognizing and naming gender apartheid matters Under international law, there is currently no recognition of the crime of gender apartheid. While available legal tools, such as the crime of gender persecution, address the existence of serious violations depriving individuals of rights on the basis of gender, they do not account for the systematic, state-designed, and institutionalized nature of gender apartheid. Nor do they reflect the specific intent to maintain a regime of domination, which is an element that distinguishes apartheid from other crimes against humanity. In the fight against impunity, crimes must be named, defined, and codified to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, victims and survivors obtain justice and reparations, and future violations are prevented. Without codification in legal frameworks, the cycle of violence cannot be broken, leaving victims and survivors without remedies and perpetuating an accountability gap. Recognizing gender apartheid as a crime against humanity would complement existing provisions on gender-based crimes and human rights violations, while creating a stronger legal framework to hold accountable regimes that seek to erase women and girls from the social, economic, cultural, and political life of a country. Ongoing developments and opportunities for recognition of the crime of gender apartheid The leadership of Afghan and Iranian women’s rights defenders has grown momentum to codify the crime of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. The term is now increasingly used by experts, civil society organizations, parliamentarians, and other stakeholders, creating a unique window of opportunity to recognize it under international law. 1) The Convention on Crimes Against Humanity The most immediate and concrete opportunity lies in the ongoing negotiations of a new UN Convention on Crimes Against Humanity, where countries could ensure that gender apartheid is explicitly recognized and defined. This process requires strong political support to avoid gender apartheid being sidelined. In November 2024, countries adopted a resolution mandating a Conference of Plenipotentiaries to convene in 2028 and then in 2029, to negotiate the final text of the Convention with the aim of opening it for signature and ratification thereafter. During 2026, a preparatory committee will review draft articles and consider proposed amendments, thus providing an opening to advocate for the inclusion of gender apartheid in the Convention. 2) Amending the Rome Statute A parallel path to include gender apartheid as an international crime is to amend the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, granting the Court the mandate to investigate this crime and prosecute its perpetrators — thereby recognizing the individual criminal responsibility in the commitment of this crime. This route, however, may be lengthy and would require significant political will: any State Party to the Rome Statute may propose amendments, which must be adopted by consensus or a two-thirds majority of States Parties at the Assembly of States Parties or a Review Conference. To date, no formal amendment on this matter has been introduced, making this a crucial moment to open debate among States Parties to take leadership in advancing recognition of gender apartheid within the Rome Statute system. 3) Collecting data in line with the SDGs To ensure effective monitoring and accountability, parliamentarians should call for the systematic tracking of indicators that reveal the scope and impact of gender apartheid, framed within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include access to education (SDG 4), particularly the enrollment and attendance of girls at the secondary and tertiary levels; women’s participation in the labor force and access to decent work (SDG 8); restrictions on freedom of movement, including the enforcement of male guardianship and compulsory dress codes (SDG 5 and SDG 16); and the prevalence of punishments, arrests, and surveillance technologies used to enforce gender-based segregation (SDG 9 and SDG 16). By collecting and publishing disaggregated data on these indicators, parliaments can both identify areas where systemic oppression persists and evaluate progress toward achieving gender equality under SDG 5. Given the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 in New York, parliamentarians have a timely opportunity to advocate for the integration of these indicators into global reporting frameworks, thereby strengthening international consensus and accountability on eliminating gender apartheid. What can parliamentarians do? Parliamentarians can open debates on gender apartheid to push the issue to the top of national and international agendas and to adopt recommendations for its legal codification and global recognition. As a parliamentarian, you can: Advocate for the recognition and codification of gender apartheid: Call on your government to support the inclusion of gender apartheid in the draft UN Convention on Crimes Against Humanity. Call on your government to initiate support for proposing an amendment to include gender apartheid in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Establish parliamentary working groups and issue parliamentary resolutions dedicated to the recognition and codification of gender apartheid at the national, regional, and international levels. Promote solidarity and support: Elevate the voices of Afghan and Iranian women’s rights defenders leading the global campaign to End Gender Apartheid, notably by including them in any discussions or events related to the issue. Engage with international organizations and civil society groups to raise awareness and advocate for the inclusion of gender apartheid under international law. Ensure effective monitoring: Call for the systematic tracking of indicators that reveal the scope and impact of gender apartheid, framed within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Parliamentary actions by PGA members In the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe: Petra Bayr, MP (Austria) and member of PGA Executive Committee, introduced a resolution adopted on June 26, 2025 urging “Council of Europe member States that are Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to consider proposing an amendment to the statute in order to include the crime of ‘gender apartheid’.” In the Netherlands: PGA organized a roundtable on gender justice for Afghanistan in June 2025 bringing together Dutch Senators, Afghan parliamentarians in exile, and experts to foster dialogue on the need for gender accountability in Afghanistan and the recognition of gender apartheid. In the European Parliament: Members — including PGA member Hannah Neumann, MP (Germany) — tabled a motion for a resolution adopted on September 19, 2024, calling the “EU to support the recognition of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.” In Canada: on April 18, 2024, Mr. Ali Ehsassi, chair of PGA’s International Council, introduced two petitions in the Senate of Canada, on behalf of Afghan and Iranian women, respectively. The petitions demanded that international institutions recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity under international law, advocating for feminist principles and for universalism of human rights to be reflected in existing and emergent international law. The petitions urged other countries to take steps to adopt similar policies. In the United Kingdom: In 2024, Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws LT KC, director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and PGA member, established an ad-hoc parliamentary inquiry on gender apartheid to examine the issue and push for government action.

Episode 22: Ms. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria) and Hon. Amanza Walton Desir, MP (Guyana) on PGA Oceans Campaign

Episode 22: Ms. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria) and Hon. Amanza Walton Desir, MP (Guyana) on PGA Oceans Campaign

PGA Treasurer, Ms. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria) and PGA Board Member, Hon. Amanza Walton Desir, MP (Guyana), reflect on PGA’s Oceans Campaign, highlighting the inextricable link between human rights and the health of our oceans. They underscore the urgent need to advance the High Seas Treaty to protect marine ecosystems, uphold human rights, and secure the livelihoods of communities that depend on the ocean.

PGA Treasurer, Ms. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria) and PGA Board Member, Hon. Amanza Walton Desir, MP (Guyana), reflect on PGA’s Oceans Campaign, highlighting the inextricable link between human rights and the health of our oceans. They underscore the urgent need to advance the High Seas Treaty to protect marine ecosystems, uphold human rights, and secure the livelihoods of communities that depend on the ocean. In 2022, the UN General Assembly recognized a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a universal human right (Resolution 76/300). Climate change, a threat multiplier, has placed already disenfranchised populations to bear the increasing cost of its impacts. Climate health is directly linked to the Oceans as they serve as a vital buffer against climate change, absorbing nearly one-quarter of carbon dioxide emissions and roughly 90 percent of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions. Climate threats are adversely affecting both marine and land ecosystems and populations on the forefront. Human rights defenders on environmental matters are urgently mobilizing to protect this recently adopted universal human right. Protections for both human rights defenders on environmental matters, including for Oceans and land are more urgent now than ever before. Through the Campaign to Mobilize Parliamentarians on Climate Action and the Campaign for the Protection of the Oceans and Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, PGA Members champion these human rights protections and call for an end to impunity for crimes committed on and against the world’s oceans and their related human rights violations. The Insights by Lawmakers on Human Rights and the Environment series (#InsightsByLawmakers) highlights ongoing efforts, national experiences, lessons learned and good practices implemented by parliamentarians to advance the goals of these Campaigns. In each episode, lawmakers from around the world share their insights, raising awareness and underlining the importance of taking action to protect our Ocean, our planet, and all human rights defenders on environmental matters.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

This year’s theme, “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures,” highlights the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents for Indigenous communities.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is held annually on 9 August since 1994. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted this Day to honor Indigenous Peoples, recognize their knowledge systems, and promote their rights.  This year’s theme, “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures,” highlights the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents for Indigenous communities in helping preserve endangered languages, mapping ancestral lands, and amplifying Indigenous knowledge in the fight against climate change. Yet, without the full and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples, these technologies risk reinforcing exclusion and violating their rights. Visit PGA’s resources to learn more about two landmark agreements that elevate the voices and rights of Indigenous Peoples: the Escazú Agreement— ensuring access rights in Latin America and the Caribbean, and protecting all human rights defenders in environmental matters, including Indigenous Peoples; and the High Seas Treaty—recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge from Indigenous communities in protecting marine biodiversity. Factsheet for Parliamentarians: United Nations High Seas Treaty, a Historic Agreement to Protect the Ocean Toolkit for Parliamentarians: the Escazu Agreement, Promoting Human Rights in Environmental Matters

Parliamentarians Demand Progress on the Crime of Aggression

Parliamentarians Demand Progress on the Crime of Aggression

From July 7 to 9, 2025, Parliamentarians for Global Action’s executive committee participated in the special session on the review of the amendments on the crime of aggression of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC.

From July 7 to 9, 2025, Parliamentarians for Global Action’s executive committee participated in the special session on the review of the amendments on the crime of aggression of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The session offered States Parties the unique 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. Parliamentarians actively participated throughout the session alongside civil society organizations. Our president, Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan), delivered a statement during the general debate. Hon. Amanza Walton-Desir, former MP (Guyana) intervened during a side event we co-organized. And board members from Austria, Argentina, Cameroon, Pakistan, and Ukraine joined official meetings. The PGA secretariat addressed the plenary with a strong message to harmonize the jurisdiction during informal consultations on behalf of a group of civil society organizations. Despite strong support and recognition for the urgency of harmonization, the initiative was ultimately stalled by the opposition of a small group of States Parties, including Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Due to the lack of consensus, the Assembly of States Parties adopted a resolution to convene another special session in 2029, at which time the proposal of amendment addressing harmonization – and deposited in April 2025 by Costa Rica, Germany, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Vanuatu – will be revisited. The need to close the accountability gap The Kampala amendments, adopted unanimously by States Parties in June 2010, defined the crime of aggression and established the procedure for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to exercise jurisdiction. These amendments entered into force in 2018, empowering the Court to hold political and military leaders accountable for the most serious forms of unlawful use of force. However, unlike the three other core crimes under the Rome Statute, the ICC cannot prosecute acts of aggression involving non-party States, or States Parties that have not ratified the amendments. Even when aggression is committed on the territory of a State Party that has accepted the jurisdiction over the crime of aggression, the Court remains blocked from exercising its jurisdiction. These restrictions have created a serious accountability gap for victims of aggressive wars. As unlawful use of force continues around the world, the need to close this gap by harmonizing the ICC’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression has become more urgent than ever. Acts of aggression not only violate the international prohibition on the use of force – a fundamental principle of international law enshrined in the U.N. Charter – but also result in grave human rights abuses and atrocity crimes. Challenges to consensus: addressing key objections States Parties agreed to review the amendments seven years after their activation, resulting in the July 2025 special session. Throughout the preparatory meetings and the general debate, many countries confirmed their support for accountability and harmonization as the only possible avenue to strengthen the Rome Statute system and advance the fight against impunity. However, several States Parties raised objections, often citing legal and political arguments such as: The Role of the U.N. Security Council Some contend that only the U.N. Security Council has the authority to determine the existence of acts of aggression. While the Council plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security, the ICC operates independently and impartially. The Court must be able to make its own legal determinations. Relying solely on a political body undermines the Court’s impartiality and effectiveness, particularly in instances when the U.N. Security Council is deadlocked, as seen with its inaction on the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. Jurisdictional challenges Critics claim the crime is too complex for the ICC, or that it may be more appropriately addressed by national courts. While many States Parties include the crime of aggression in their criminal codes, domestic prosecutions face significant limits stemming from the status of the crime as a leadership crime and its complexity. A country is unable to undertake such a prosecution against another country’s high-level leaders due to the application of personal immunities. The ICC is the only institution capable of holding States Parties’ leaders accountable. The definition of the crime of aggression Some countries consider the definition of aggression to be too vague, particularly in relation to its potential implications for legitimate self-defense or humanitarian interventions. However, the Rome Statute offers a clear, consensus-based definition of aggression developed through decades of legal deliberation and negotiations. Many States Parties that have already ratified the amendments and incorporated them into their national legislation, providing valuable practices that can guide others in addressing these concerns. Lack of ratification by all States Parties As of today, 49 States Parties have ratified the crime of aggression amendments, making it the most widely ratified amendment to the Rome Statute. Recent ratifications, such as Seychelles on July 1, 2025, show growing momentum as noted by PGA executive member, Hon. Bernard Georges, MP (Seychelles). Parliamentarians can play an active role in this process. Solidarity with victims of the crime of aggression Parliamentarians for Global Action stands in solidarity with the victims of the crime of aggression, underscoring the crucial role of parliamentarians in championing accountability. As representatives of citizens who are directly affected by the crime of aggression, parliamentarians’ voices matter in our collective effort to close the accountability gap and ensure equal access to justice for all victims. PGA Board President Qamar urged states to adopt the proposed amendment under Article 121 (5) of the Rome Statute - the same procedure as the original Kampala amendments. “There is no room for compromises that would betray victims of this atrocity crime,” he said. To amplify the voices of affected communities, Parliamentarians for Global Action also co-organized a side event on July 7, titled “What’s at stake: the devastating impact on victims of aggression and the case for harmonization from a civil society perspective.” In partnership with the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, Global Initiative for the Prevention of Aggression, and Trial International, and hosted by Switzerland, the event brought together diverse perspectives from Armenia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guyana, and Ukraine. Drawing from their experiences in their respective countries, speakers from civil society organizations shared harrowing accounts of the devastating impact of the crime of aggression on civilians. Their stark and moving testimonies underscored the wide range of atrocities endured by victims and survivors, including forced displacement, extrajudicial killings, torture, rape and other sexual violence, the destruction of livelihoods, severe humanitarian crises, and profound psychological trauma. Human rights defenders, in their efforts to document and expose these crimes, have also faced abductions and other forms of retaliation. A recurring message throughout their interventions was the urgent need to address the current accountability gap, as the lack of effective prosecution for the crime of aggression only fuels further impunity and the continued commission of atrocity crimes. Hon. Amanza Walton-Desir, former MP (Guyana) emphasized the political will needed to advance harmonization. Drawing from Guyana’s own experience with territorial tensions, she stressed the importance of harmonizing the jurisdiction, especially for small countries. “This is not an abstract debate […]. When smaller nations are threatened, the effectiveness of international law is our only protection,” she said. The event concluded with strong remarks underscoring the significance of civil society organizations in voicing their concerns regarding the crime of aggression, particularly from those most affected. Speakers also highlighted the importance of justice in the healing process of victims, and concluded with a strong call to action urging states not to delay reforms that would finally hold perpetrators of aggression accountable. Parliamentarians for Global Action’s mobilization sent a strong and united message: justice must be consistent, the rights of all victims must be upheld, and the Rome Statute system must be reinforced. In a global context marked by the escalation of aggressive wars, we will continue to work closely with our parliamentary members to ensure that harmonization of the Rome Statute becomes a reality, and that no one affected is left behind in the fight against impunity.

Victims ignored, justice denied - ACT NOW!

Victims ignored, justice denied - ACT NOW!

On the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Global Initiative Against Impunity reaffirms the essential role of international justice in upholding the international rules-based order.

Day of International Criminal Justice – Global Initiative against Impunity Statement On the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Global Initiative Against Impunity reaffirms the essential role of international justice in upholding the international rules-based order. Victims and survivors of atrocity crimes must be at the heart of these processes and have the right to meaningful, equal, and effective access to justice and reparation. In the face of unprecedented threats over the past year, international justice mechanisms have demonstrated resilience and resolve. Nonetheless, we remain deeply concerned about the continued erosion of accountability that jeopardizes victims’ rights and weakens the international rule of law. In many contexts, transitional justice efforts are being undermined or co-opted, failing to confront the root causes of violence or deliver redress to those most affected. We have witnessed selective responses driven by political interests, interference and attacks that threaten the independence, impartiality and effectiveness of judicial bodies. The absence of concrete and coordinated action to preserve the international justice system—often in defiance of States’ obligations under international law—has allowed atrocities to persist and escalate, causing devastating suffering for civilians. In this difficult context, it is even more inspiring to see the unwavering commitment of human rights defenders and civil society in their fight against impunity, despite the risks they face, sometimes at the cost of their lives. Many have pursued legal action, documented and denounced atrocities, or mobilized international and national solidarity through public demonstrations. Survivors, victims’ groups, and affected communities have taken up the charge to lead efforts to demand truth, justice, and reparation, including guarantees of non-recurrence, even in the absence of institutional support, and the dearth of funding. Such determination for justice to prevail and for perpetrators to be held accountable must remain our shared guiding principles in the pursuit of international justice. To preserve the international justice system that we have collectively built over decades, we must demonstrate our commitment to human rights and democracy through firm and bold action. This moment demands responsibility from all stakeholders—States and decision-makers, international organizations, and corporate actors—to uphold their international obligations and reinforce the fight against impunity. In particular, the Global Initiative Against Impunity urges all States to deploy every tool at their disposal—legal, political, diplomatic, and economic—to honor their commitments and to: Ensure the safe and equal access of victims and survivors of international crimes, including by supporting meaningful participation in judicial processes and the implementation of reparations frameworks. This includes investing in survivor-centred, trauma-informed mechanisms that go beyond consultation and enable co-creation of justice processes at local, national, regional, and international levels. Take effective and coordinated actions to unequivocally support and strengthen international justice institutions and those who defend them, by adopting legal instruments and other safeguards that adequately protect these bodies and individuals, and by ensuring sustainable financial support. Support UN accountability mechanisms and experts in their efforts to access victims, investigate, protect, advocate for human rights, and bring about justice for international crimes. This includes adopting a firm stance and taking action, including through diplomatic pressure, in response to smear campaigns and attacks against them. Implement decisive measures to prevent international crimes and serious human rights violations, as well as the risk of complicity through activities that benefit from their commission, and ensure accountability for all perpetrators, whether individuals, states, or corporate actors. This includes respecting international legal obligations, complying with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions and judgments, and fully cooperating with the International Criminal Court. On the Day of International Criminal Justice, the Global Initiative Against Impunity reaffirms its commitment to advancing comprehensive justice and accountability for international crimes and serious human rights violations across the globe—including through inclusive, locally rooted transitional justice approaches that challenge structural impunity and foster long-term peace and equality—until justice works, everywhere and for all. About the Global Initiative Against Impunity The Global Initiative Against Impunity for international crimes: Making justice work (GIAI) is a Consortium of eight international NGOs and the Coalition for the ICC, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to contribute to the fight against impunity by supporting a comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive approach to justice and accountability for serious human rights violations and international crimes.

Democracy in Action: The Vital Role of Parliaments

Democracy in Action: The Vital Role of Parliaments

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, defending human rights, and promoting inclusive governance

On this International Day of Parliamentarism, celebrated every year on June 30, Parliamentarians for Global Action reaffirms our unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, defending human rights, and promoting inclusive governance.  As a global, cross-party network of committed legislators, we believe that democracy is not only a goal but an ongoing process that must be continually renewed, protected, and deepened. It is through active, transparent, and accountable parliaments that the will of the people is translated into laws, oversight, and meaningful public policy. At our last Annual Forum in Pakistan, parliamentarians from every region reaffirmed that democracy must be safeguarded through action, not just aspiration. On this International Day of Parliamentarism, we renew our collective resolve to build inclusive, accountable, and rights-based institutions that truly serve the people." Hon. Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan), President, Parliamentarians for Global Action Parliamentarians for Global Action remains dedicated to equipping parliamentarians with the tools, knowledge, and global solidarity needed to uphold democratic values and advance justice, equality, and peace. As a network that champions inclusive leadership, we actively support efforts to ensure that women and gender-diverse voices are fully represented and empowered at every level of decision-making. Achieving gender equality in parliaments is not only a matter of representation, it is essential to building laws and policies that reflect the realities of all people. Societies thrive when people are empowered to contribute, engage, and hold power to account, regardless of background, identity, or belief. Today’s observance underscores that the legitimacy of democratic systems depends on the full and equal participation of all members of society. Together with civil society organizations and partners around the world, we will continue working to ensure that parliaments remain strongholds of democracy and engines of positive change for all.  

Afghan Women on the Front Lines for Gender Justice

Afghan Women on the Front Lines for Gender Justice

On June 19, 2025, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) organized a high-level roundtable under the Global Initiative Against Impunity to foster dialogue on the need for stronger gender justice accountability in Afghanistan.

Human rights in Afghanistan have continued to deteriorate gravely under the Taliban regime, which has implemented systematic oppression and targeted discrimination against women and girls. Experts consider that this institutionalized discrimination amounts to “gender apartheid,” defined as an “extreme, systematic and structural war against [women] … designed to dehumanize and repress for purposes of entrenching power.” On June 19, 2025, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) organized a high-level roundtable under the Global Initiative Against Impunity to foster dialogue on the need for stronger gender justice accountability in Afghanistan. The Senate of the Netherlands generously hosted the event, welcoming Afghan parliamentarians in exile, Afghan human rights defenders, Dutch senators, international experts, and representatives from civil society organizations and countries. Advocating for Accountability in Afghanistan “We are together in this fight,” declared Senator Jan Anthonie Bruijn, chairman of the Senate of the Netherlands, affirming the shared commitment to defend and promote the rule of law and democracy. Senator Boris Dittrich (Netherlands) and convenor of our Campaign for the Rome Statute of the ICC, underscored the international community’s collective responsibility to ensure that the people of Afghanistan, particularly Afghan women, are not left behind. He called on all stakeholders to speak out and utilize every international justice tool to deliver accountability and end impunity, especially as the global justice system faces increasing pressure and growing threats. Afghan leaders in exile, who remain deeply connected to Afghans on the ground, expressed concerns about the marginalization of Afghan women and civil society. Ms. Fawzi Koofi, former MP in exile (Afghanistan) and recipient of PGA’s 2024 Defender of Democracy Award, highlighted the interconnectedness among human rights, women’s rights, peace, and security. She warned against granting the Taliban any form of recognition, including in their counterterrorism claims, as they represent the primary source of insecurity. No step should be taken at the expense of Afghan society, and Afghans, including Afghan women, must remain at the center of any processes shaping the country’s future. Ms. Mariam Solaimankhil, MP in exile (Afghanistan) echoed these sentiments: “Afghanistan fell because of a deal made behind closed doors that excluded women. Today, Afghan women are fighting on the front lines.” She warned that the situation in Afghanistan will not remain within its borders if the international community fails to act and called on other countries and stakeholders to raise their voices and pursue accountability at all levels. Recognizing Gender Apartheid During the roundtable, speakers emphasized the need to codify gender apartheid as a crime under international law. Dr. Ewelina Ochab, senior program lawyer at the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), explained that naming and prosecuting gender apartheid is a critical step to ending impunity. She highlighted positive developments in legal avenues for accountability, such as the State Party referral supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s investigation into Afghanistan, and the two applications for arrest warrants filed by the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC. Additionally, she welcomed the initiative by Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands before the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women Committee, supported by 26 governments, calling on Afghanistan to cease violations of the Convention. She stressed the need for further action, such as bringing the case before the International Court of Justice, which remains a long-awaited development by the Afghan people. Mr. Richard Bennett, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan,  emphasized the need for an “all-tools approach” to accountability, ensuring that Afghan women’s rights are central to all international responses. In his latest report, he detailed how the Taliban have instrumentalized Afghanistan’s justice system to impose a repressive and deeply misogynistic order. “Justice should not be a privilege,” he affirmed,  underscoring the urgent need to create conditions in which Afghan women and girls can live with dignity and freedom. Mr. Bennett called for gender-competent investigations, including the use of universal jurisdiction. He urged countries to: Support the establishment of an independent accountability mechanism under the UN Human Rights Council this October to investigate violations under international human rights and humanitarian law. Provide sustained political and financial support to Afghan civil society organizations. Increase resettlement opportunities. Ensure the safe, meaningful participation of Afghan women in all peace, security, and accountability processes. Ms. Valeria Babără, legal advisor at Women’s Initiative for Gender Justice, addressed the long-standing gap in recognizing gender harm, warning that codification does not guarantee accountability. She urged stakeholders to support efforts to codify gender apartheid, champion its inclusion in the draft Crimes against Humanity Treaty, and amplify Afghans’ demands through dedicated resolutions. Empowering Afghan Voices Ms. Mónica Adame, PGA secretary-general, concluded the roundtable with a shared call to action: to ensure Afghan voices remain visible, supported, and empowered. She encouraged PGA members to ask their respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs to support ongoing processes of accountability for Afghanistan, including by expediting the case before the ICJ. PGA remains committed to working alongside Afghan parliamentarians in exile and mobilizing its global parliamentary network to help bring accountability and dignity to the people of Afghanistan.

Vanuatu and Fiji Take Important Steps to Address Cybercrime

Vanuatu and Fiji Take Important Steps to Address Cybercrime

PGA's Global Parliamentary Campaign against Cybercrime actively promotes universalization of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, as well as its two Additional Protocols,  including in the Pacific Islands region.

PGA congratulates Vanuatu on its recent ratification of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, as well as Fiji on the same occasion signing the Second Additional Protocol on enhanced cooperation and sharing of electronic evidence to the Budapest Convention. PGA's Global Parliamentary Campaign against Cybercrime actively promotes universalization of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, as well as its two Additional Protocols,  including in the Pacific Islands region. We partner with the Council of Europe worldwide and many relevant regional organizations in promoting this key treaty to effectively address cybercrime. The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, adopted in 2001, has been ratified by 80 States worldwide to date and 50 States have now also signed its Second Additional Protocol on enhanced cooperation and sharing of electronic evidence. It was the first — and remains the preeminent — international treaty seeking to address cybercrime by harmonizing national laws related to cybercrime, improving investigative techniques and fostering international cooperation. PGA organized a Regional Pacific Islands Workshop to Address Cybercrime in Fiji in May 2024 in which numerous prominent MPs from Fiji and across the region participated. Attendees included then Speaker of Parliament and now President of Fiji, Hon. Ratu Niqama Lalabaluva, as well as the then First Deputy Speaker and current Minister of Internal Affairs of Vanuatu, PGA Member Hon. Andrew Solomon Napuat. Fiji deposited its Instrument of Accession to the Budapest Convention in June 2024, approximately six weeks after the conclusion of this regional PGA Workshop.

New Resource for Parliamentarians Aims to Build More Inclusive Communities in the Pacific

New Resource for Parliamentarians Aims to Build More Inclusive Communities in the Pacific

It addresses the specific challenges parliamentarians face when navigating complex social, religious, and political landscapes while working toward inclusive governance.

Parliamentarians for Global Action is pleased to announce the publication of "Promoting Inclusion for People of Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions, and Sex Characteristics: A Toolkit for Legislators in the Pacific Region.” This resource is designed to support elected leaders across the Pacific with the knowledge, strategies, and legislative tools needed to advance greater inclusion and equality for Pacific Islanders with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (PIDSOGIESC+). The toolkit guides parliamentarians in how to take concrete action to shape more equitable communities, providing them with approaches to policy development, coalition building, and oversight that can transform how their governments serve all members of their communities. “Our goal is to support Pacific leaders with practical, respectful guidance tailored to their national contexts,” said Melissa Verpile, program director for Democracy, Gender, and Inclusion at Parliamentarians for Global Action. “This resource gives them the tools to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.” Developed in close collaboration with civil society leaders, parliamentarians, and human rights experts, the resource reflects both international human rights standards and the lived experiences of PIDSOGIESC+ individuals in the region. It addresses the specific challenges parliamentarians face when navigating complex social, religious, and political landscapes while working toward inclusive governance. From Tuvalu to Aotearoa to Papua New Guinea, Pacific cultures have long recognized diverse gender and sexual identities — like binabinaaine, takatāpui, and palopa. The laws that criminalize their expressions of intimacy are not our own — they are colonial imports. Decriminalization is not just a legal reform; it is a collective act of reclaiming our shared Pacific identity and values. Ms. Louisa Wall (New Zealand), former MP and current Women’s Chair of ILGA Oceania The toolkit emphasizes the intersectional nature of inclusion work, particularly highlighting how PIDSOGIESC+ individuals face heightened vulnerabilities during climate-related disasters — a critical consideration for Pacific Island nations on the frontlines of climate change. The resource also explores the economic benefits of inclusion, demonstrating how non-discrimination policies contribute to stronger, more prosperous Pacific Island economies. How You Can Use the Toolkit? As a reference for legislative reform and inclusive policymaking To inform dialogue between parliamentarians and civil society For capacity building and sensitization sessions with members of parliament, staff, or political party caucuses Whether you are a lawmaker, advocate, or development partner, we invite you to explore the toolkit and share it so that we can build momentum for human rights and democratic progress in the Pacific region.

Transforming Dialogue into Action: A Toolkit for Inclusive Parliamentary Leadership in the Pacific

Transforming Dialogue into Action: A Toolkit for Inclusive Parliamentary Leadership in the Pacific

Many Pacific Island nations continue to face legal, social, and cultural barriers that hinder full inclusion of people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (PIDSOGIESC+)

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