Parliamentarians for Global Action

Parliamentarians for Global Action is a global network of legislators working across borders to advance international law, human rights, and democracy. Founded in the late 1970s, it connects members of parliament and congress from over 140 countries to foster cooperative action on critical global issues. The organization operates through targeted campaigns and programs focused on peace and security, gender equality, and sustainable development.

History and founding

The organization traces its origins to a 1978 meeting in Washington, D.C., convened by a group of concerned legislators including Olof Palme of Sweden and Michael Harrington of the United States. Initially formed as "Parliamentarians for World Order" in response to the escalating Cold War and the threat of nuclear proliferation, its early advocacy centered on disarmament and conflict prevention. The network expanded significantly following the end of the Cold War, shifting its focus to include the strengthening of international criminal justice and the promotion of democratic institutions worldwide, and was renamed to its current title in the 1990s.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to mobilize legislators to uphold and implement key international treaties and United Nations resolutions. Primary objectives include the advancement of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the universal ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. It seeks to empower parliamentarians to act as drivers of change within their national assemblies on issues such as climate change, public health, and the protection of civil liberties.

Key programs and campaigns

Major initiatives are organized under dedicated programs, including the International Law and Human Rights Program, which has been instrumental in promoting the International Criminal Court through the "Campaign for the Rome Statute." The Peace and Democracy Program addresses issues like conflict resolution in regions such as The Gambia and Sri Lanka. The Gender, Equality, and Inclusion Program runs campaigns like "Femicide Watch" and advocates for laws against female genital mutilation and child marriage, often collaborating with UN Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Organizational structure and membership

The network is governed by an elected Executive Committee and a President, currently Swedish MP Margareta Cederfelt. Its secretariat, headquartered in New York City with regional offices in The Hague and Nairobi, provides coordination and research support. Membership is open to sitting members of national parliaments and congresses, with a diverse caucus that includes prominent figures like former President of the UN General Assembly María Fernanda Espinosa and Baroness Helic of the House of Lords.

Impact and recognition

The organization's advocacy has contributed to numerous legislative achievements, including the ratification of the Rome Statute by over 25 states and the passage of domestic laws aligning with the Paris Agreement. It has played a consultative role with bodies like the International Criminal Court and the United Nations Development Programme. Its work has been recognized through partnerships with the European Union and awards such as the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.