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

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46ᵗʰ Annual Forum and 4ᵗʰ Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the Oceans

Hosted by the Senate of Mexico, we hope you will join us in the capital for two days of engaging conversations and connecting with fellow parliamentarians.

Take Action

Use your voice as a member of parliament and take action on these issues.

Support the Establishment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy

Solidarity with the International Criminal Court

Support a Moratorium on Deep Sea Mining

Sign the Global Parliamentary Code of Democratic Conduct

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 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 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 advanc

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.

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. 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

17 December 2025

Parliamentarians call for accountability at the 24th session of the Assembly of States Parties

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. div.breakout .clear

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.

18 November 2025

International Justice Update - November 2025

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.

04 November 2025

International Leaders Champion Abolition of the Death Penalty in Malawi at UN Review

The event highlighted Malawi’s journey towards abolition, discussed remaining challenges, and shared best practices.

On 4 November, the United Nations Human Rights Council reviewed Malawi’s human rights record through a process called the Universal Periodic Review. This peer-review mechanism enables every United Nations Member State to evaluate each other’s progress on human rights and to offer recommendations for improvement. For Malawi, one issue stood out: despite several attempts and commitments, the country has yet to abolish the death penalty. While the country hasn't executed anyone in three decades, maintaining what's called a de facto moratorium, the death penalty remains on the books. The Universal Periodic Review provided an opportunity to definitively put an end to this practice. During this 2025 review, 31 UN Member States recommended that Malawi abolish the death penalty and/or ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. Within this context, Parliamentarians for Global Action, Reprieve, and The Advocates for Human Rights gathered national and international experts in Geneva for 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. Malawi’s Evolving Stance on the Death Penalty Opening the meeting, Ms. Grace Malera, Commissioner of the Malawi Human Rights Commission and Ombudsperson for Malawi, traced the country’s journey towards abolition. She explained that while Malawi’s 1993 Constitution enshrines one of the most progressive Bills of Rights, including the right to life, the death penalty persists as a holdover from the colonial era, embedded in the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code. A turning point came in 2007 with a landmark Constitutional Court ruling declaring the mandatory death penalty unconstitutional. Ms. Malera emphasized that abolishing the death penalty isn’t just a legal matter — it’s a political and human rights issue requiring inclusive dialogue, engagement, and leadership. That leadership can be seen in recent parliamentary actions in Malawi. PGA member Hon. Victor Musowa, First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, highlighted the work done in 2022 when the Legal Aid Committee conducted the largest public consultation ever held in the country and demonstrated unequivocal support for abolition across Malawi. I make the commitment knowing where we are coming from, knowing our commitments, knowing what we are able to achieve and knowing what we are able to do as Malawian Parliament. The work out here is enormous but manageable if we catch the new MPs to understand the whole concept of the abolition of death sentence. Honorable Victor Musowa, MP (Malawi), PGA Member Mr. Chimwemwe Chithope-Mwale, Director of the Legal Aid Bureau, shared an encouraging success story from the Malawi Resentencing Project, carried out in partnership with Reprieve and the Cornell Centre on the Death Penalty Worldwide. The initiative followed the 2007 High Court landmark ruling abolishing the mandatory death penalty, which allowed prisoners to seek reduced sentences based on mitigating factors the courts had previously overlooked. Through careful investigation and presentation of new evidence, sentencing hearings were held under international fair trial standards. Many prisoners were released immediately, others received reduced sentences (with only one case resulting in life imprisonment), and no individual was resentenced to death. For Mr. Chithope-Mwale, this project demonstrated that when mitigation is conducted and fair trials are ensured, the death penalty loses its appeal as a sentence. Even more striking were the stories of reconciliation: Traditional leaders and communities welcomed back former inmates after resentencing — powerful examples of forgiveness and social healing in action. Mr. Chithope-Mwale also emphasized the importance of addressing prison conditions in the justice process, as they are often degrading and inhumane. They must be urgently addressed to uphold justice and human dignity. Lessons from other countries and international commitments Dr. Rajiv Narayan, Co-Executive Director of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty, brought a more global perspective, citing the different paths that other countries have taken toward abolition, including: Legislative reforms and political leadership, such as in Zambia, Zimbabwe, or France Ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, such as in Mongolia or Kazakhstan Breaking away from an oppressive past, such as Rwanda or Cambodia Constitutional Court judgement, such as in South Africa Malawi has already taken important steps, Dr. Narayan observed. Now the country should consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — the key international instrument for abolition. Ms. Liza Sekaggya, OHCHR Desk Officer for Malawi, welcomed the growing momentum across Africa. She highlighted recent progress in Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire as the last two countries to have ratified the Second Optional Protocol. She reminded participants that the UN provides crucial frameworks for this work. The Universal Periodic Review and States’ pledges create structured pathways for countries to advance human rights and monitor compliance with international law. She also pointed to the 2024 General Assembly Resolution on a Moratorium on the use of the death penalty, which received a record 130 votes in favor — clear evidence of increasing global momentum toward abolition. Calling Malawi to Action: Mr. Victor Mhango, Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA), urged the new government and parliamentarians to act swiftly and hold an early debate in the new legislature to pass legislative reform. Malawi has the opportunity and responsibility to join the growing number of African nations that have abolished the death penalty. Continuing diplomatic engagement and peer-to-peer dialogue among parliamentarians will be essential to sustaining this momentum and supporting Malawi on its path towards full abolition.

11 October 2025

PGA National Group in The Gambia leads the way on Gender Equality and Inclusive Leadership

The virtual briefing brought together members of parliament, civil society leaders, and international partners to reflect on both the progress made and the structural challenges that persist in ensuring that every girl in The Gambia can live free from violence, discrimination, and exclusion.

On the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, Parliamentarians for Global Action’s National Group in The Gambia, under the leadership of Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, convened a cross-party high-level parliamentary dialogue to reaffirm The Gambia’s commitment to gender equality, the empowerment of girls, and the creation of inclusive political spaces for women. The virtual briefing brought together members of parliament, civil society leaders, and international partners to reflect on both the progress made and the structural challenges that persist in ensuring that every girl in The Gambia can live free from violence, discrimination, and exclusion. In his opening remarks, Hon. Ceesay highlighted the urgent need to move from commitment to implementation, emphasizing that while The Gambia has a solid legal framework protecting the rights of women and girls, gaps in enforcement and deep-rooted cultural practices continue to hinder progress. He further stressed the importance of legislative leadership in promoting justice, particularly in aligning customary, religious, and international laws to uphold the rights of girls in areas such as marriage, inheritance, and reproductive health. Removing Tax on Sanitary Pads: "A Matter of Dignity and Public Health" Hon. Ceesay also called for the elimination of import taxes on sanitary pads, framing menstrual hygiene as a public health and human rights issue. He argued that continued taxation of menstrual products disproportionately affects girls, especially those in rural areas, who may miss school, suffer embarrassment, or resort to unsafe alternatives during their periods. "As a father of two daughters, I know firsthand that sanitary pads are not a luxury — they are a necessity," he said. "Removing taxes on these essential products is a matter of dignity, health, and equality." His call to action echoes long-standing advocacy from grassroots organizations, such as Women in Liberation and Leadership, who have raised awareness on "period poverty" and its impact on education and social participation. Structural Barriers to Transformative Change Dr. Fatou Baldeh, founder of Women in Liberation and Leadership, delivered a powerful address underscoring the persistence of harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and sexual and gender-based violence. She emphasized the critical need for political will, legislative reform, and collaboration with civil society to shift social norms and ensure the safety and inclusion of girls. Participants also discussed several other actions to be taken: The need for greater representation and training for women in political spaces, including efforts that could re-introduce a gender quota bill to reserve at least 30% of parliamentary and local government seats in The Gambia for women. Although the bill failed to pass in the 5th Legislature due to political and procedural obstacles, renewed momentum aims to build consensus and ensure stronger women’s representation in decision-making. Support for policies that allow pregnant girls and adolescent mothers to stay in school. The importance of strengthening oversight bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman to promote greater accountability, transparency, and equal protection under the law. By equipping these bodies with sufficient resources, independence, and authority, they can more effectively safeguard rights, address discrimination, and reinforce public trust in democratic governance. Notably, Hon. Gibbi Mballow shared personal experiences of backlash faced by MPs who speak out against female genital mutilation, underscoring the risks and resistance encountered in pushing for gender-sensitive reforms. He called for greater public awareness and education, and stronger enforcement of legislative reforms. The dialogue also highlighted key national initiatives under way in The Gambia: The National Gender Policy 2025 - 2034, which provides a comprehensive framework to mainstream gender equality across all sectors. The Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030, which outlines a roadmap for implementing gender commitments through cross-sectoral collaboration. Plans to host a regional Women, Peace and Security training in 2025, displaying leadership in gender-inclusive peacebuilding. Towards Real Change: A Shared Responsibility Ms. Melissa Verpile, Director of Democracy, Gender, and Inclusion at Parliamentarians for Global Action, closed the session by reaffirming support for The Gambia’s efforts and encouraging legislators to be bold in translating principles into practice. Participants left the convening with the following key steps for further action: Menstrual health must be addressed through practical policies, including tax exemptions on sanitary products. Customary and international laws must be harmonized to uphold gender equality in all spheres of life. Civil society partnerships are essential for reaching communities, challenging norms, and providing support to survivors. Political representation of women and girls must be increased through quotas, mentorship, and capacity building. Oversight and enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure that rights are protected and violators held accountable. This year’s commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child in The Gambia served, as more than a symbolic observance, it was a strategic platform for action. Parliamentarians for Global Action celebrates the leadership of its National Group in The Gambia and calls on parliamentarians worldwide to continue building inclusive, safe, and equitable political spaces, where girls today can become the empowered women leaders of tomorrow.

09 October 2025

We Call Upon Parliamentarians to Take Action on this World Day Against the Death Penalty 2025

Each year on 10 October, the global abolitionist movement comes together to observe the World Day Against the Death Penalty. In 2024 and 2025, the focus has been on addressing the myth that the death penalty ensures safety, with the message: “The Death Penalty Protects No One: Abolish it Now.” A primary duty of any country’s government is to ensure the security of citizens. Living in a safe and secure society not only means living in a community free from conflict. It also requires creating the conditions that foster peace, uphold accountability, and protect individuals from threats and violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms. The death penalty has no place in these societies. We are living in challenging times, marked by escalating global crises and the erosion of the rules-based international order. But as complex as the current context may be, no one should justify executions as a means of strengthening security. The death penalty protects no one, and to claim otherwise, is both false and dangerous. The use of capital punishment perpetuates cycles of violence and disproportionately targets marginalized and vulnerable communities. It is an ineffective, irreversible punishment that amounts to torture and other cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment. A year of contrasts for abolitionists The World Day Against the Death Penalty’s bi-yearly theme has focused on the link between the death penalty and security, challenging the false narrative that executions ensure safety. It highlights the progress gained by advocates for abolition: fewer countries are carrying out executions and retentionist countries are increasingly isolated. Today, 113 countries have abolished the death penalty in law and 29 countries observe a moratorium on executions. This means that 77% of the world’s countries no longer carry out executions. Yet despite this progress, there has been a sharp rise in executions, with at least 1,518 people executed in 2024 across just 15 countries — the second consecutive year in which executions reached their highest level since 2015 according to Amnesty International. This alarming trend has continued into 2025, with more than 1,000 executions already recorded in Iran alone — the highest figure in over three decades according to the NGO Iran Human Rights. Many of these recorded executions are carried out under the guise of maintaining public order (despite clear evidence that the death penalty does not deter crimes). They also violate international law, as they fail to meet the “most serious crimes” threshold (defined as crimes of extreme gravity involving intentional killing). For example, in 2024, 43% of recorded executions were for drug-related offences, which do not meet this criterion. While there is growing consensus to put an end to the death penalty, continued action is vital to prevent backsliding and promote universal abolition. The international community must redouble efforts to combat punitive narratives and to reaffirm a human rights-based approach to justice and security. Dangerous revivals: security as a pretext for executions In several countries, some political leaders are reviving rhetoric that equates security with punishment, calling for reinforcement or even the reintroduction of capital punishment. Some very recent developments are particularly worrying: United States: a Presidential proclamation reintroduces the death penalty in Washington D.C. to “deter and punish the most heinous crimes.” Kyrgyzstan: the President instructed the drafting of a bill to reinstate the death penalty for severe crimes against children and women, despite the country’s abolition in 2007 and its commitment under the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to abolish the death penalty. Chad: a new commission has been established to consider restoring the death penalty, only four years after the country abolished the death penalty. Israel: a bill allowing the death penalty for “terrorist” crimes has passed its first reading. Invoking “security” to justify executions is common political rhetoric. Security comes by addressing the root causes of violence, ensuring the good management of security and justice sectors, while promoting accountability. Resorting to the death penalty only deepens social divisions, entrenches unfairness and replaces justice with vengeance. Even in the most difficult contexts of insecurity and conflict, we have chosen the path of abolition – proof that strong political will can pave the way for positive change. We know that executions bring neither peace nor justice. Only truth, accountability and reparations can do that. Abolishing the death penalty means investing in human rights. I call on my fellow parliamentarians around the world to work together to ensure that the death penalty becomes a thing of the past. Hon. Émilie Béatrice Epaye, MP (Central African Republic), member of Parliamentarians for Global Action Parliamentarians at the forefront of abolition Parliamentarians have a crucial role to play in advancing universal abolition of the death penalty and countering the narrative that seek to justify it, whether they hold roles in abolitionist, abolitionist in practice, or retentionist countries. Legislators have the power to amend, draft, and adopt legislations that narrow the scope of the death penalty and lead to its eventual abolition. To support these efforts, Parliamentarians for Global Action and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty published a factsheet in honor of World Day: “The Death Penalty Protects No One.” The publication outlines how governments have used “security” as a political tool to justify executions and provides parliamentarians with clear arguments and practical steps to counter these false narratives and drive action towards universal abolition. As punitive narratives regain ground in many parts of the world, this work has never been more urgent. Executions neither deter crime nor promote safety: they perpetuate fear and inequality. Parliamentarians, regardless of their country’s current stance on the death penalty, can take concrete action to promote universal abolition: Support or initiate legislative efforts that restrict and ultimately abolish capital punishment. Collaborate with like-minded parliamentarians across party lines to identify legislative strategies for universal abolition. Promote the universal ratification or accession to relevant regional or international instruments, such as the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to abolish the death penalty. Challenge pro-death penalty narratives, including by publicly committing not to call for its use, even in contexts of insecurity, and promoting stronger accountability systems and policies that address the root causes of violence. Promote dialogue about justice, security, and human rights, and engage with citizens, victims’ associations, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. On this World Day, PGA call on its members to stand with the abolitionist movement, reaffirming a clear message: the death penalty protects no-one, abolish it now.

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