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The Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights at the 137th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly has accepted South African Parliament’s amendments to the resolutions on the committee report on: “Sharing our diversity: the 20th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy”.

The amendments from Parliament, which is represented at the crucial Assembly currently underway in St Petersburg, Russia by a 7-member delegation, are amongst a total of 93 resolutions made by 15 member Parliaments.

The Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights is one of the key committees of the IPU and contributes far-reaching resolutions for implementation by the world body of Parliaments.

In its draft resolutions, the South African Parliament reaffirmed the IPU’s criteria on free and fair elections adopted in 1994. These confirmed that, in any state, the authority of the government is only derived from the will of the people expressed in genuine, free and fair electoral processes.

Democracy, one of the resolutions states - as a progressive system of government that is people-centred and people-driven and, as framed in the Universal Declaration on Democracy - must be applied in accordance with modalities which reflect the diversity of experiences and cultural particularities but firmly in line with internationally recognised principles, norms and standards.

The South African parliamentary delegation also ensured that the Committee reaffirms, in its resolutions, the core elements of the Universal Declaration on Democracy, particularly gender equality and mainstreaming, jealously guarding the independence of the judiciary as well as open and free media. The delegation further emphasised the importance of world parliamentary bodies ensuring and deepening active parliamentary oversight, encouraging active civil society, protecting  the rights of people with disabilities and vulnerable and marginalised groups.

The resolutions will be formally adopted by the IPU.

The IPU Assembly is meeting in St Petersburg from 14 to 18 October. The SA Parliamentary delegation to the Assembly, led by National Council of Provinces Chairperson Ms Thandi Modise, includes Ms Mmatlala Boroto, Ms Doris Dlakude, Mr Pumzile Justice Mnguni, Mr Eddie Makue, Mr Mike Waters and Mr Lehlohonolo Goodwill Mokoena. The 5-day Assembly ends on Wednesday.

Issued by Parliament of South Africa