Kalu seeks better IPU rules to tackle emergencies from Africa, others

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has sought an amendment to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly rules to accommodate more emergency items.

Luckily, the proposal has been considered alongside others like enhanced awareness of the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures for Israel concerning Palestinians in Gaza; urgent action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; immediate release of Gaza’s hostages and parliamentary diplomacy for peace in Palestine.

Other requests for consideration relating to the conflict in the Middle East, free, fair and transparent elections, as well as orderly and peaceful democratic transition in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and action to end the aggression and massive violations of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are on the table too.

Speaking at the just concluded 148th meeting of the union in Geneva, Switzerland, Kalu said that the current IPU General Assembly Rule 11(2) shortchanged Africa and the crises that bedevilled the continent.

He bemoaned the conflicts in parts of the world, urging the IPU to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and create a task force for Sudan and other countries facing similar challenges in Africa.

Lamenting the poor percentage of women in politics, the Deputy Speaker called for gender equality and inclusion in governance.