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Parliamentarians from all Regions of the World adopt the Mexico City Plan of Action for Robust Ocean Governance

The event, organized under the auspices of the Senate of Mexico in Mexico City, brought together parliamentarians, experts, civil society representatives, and other key stakeholders to engage in interactive discussions.

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22 May 2026

EU Day Against Impunity: Global Initiative Urges EU and Member States to Stand Firmly with Survivors

The Global Initiative Against Impunity: Making Justice Work (GIAI) calls on the European Union and its Member States to reinvigorate their commitment to ending impunity for the gravest crimes under international law and to stand firmly with survivors.

22 May 2026 — Ahead of the European Union Day Against Impunity, the Global Initiative Against Impunity: Making Justice Work (GIAI) calls on the European Union and its Member States to reinvigorate their commitment to ending impunity for the gravest crimes under international law and to stand firmly with survivors and affected communities. The past year has seen the continued escalation of armed conflicts, democratic backsliding, double standards, attacks on international courts and accountability mechanisms, rollback of transitional justice and gender justice gains, undermining of women's and LGBTIQ+ rights, and shrinking resources for human rights work. Together, these developments pose growing threats to accountability for serious human rights violations and to the international justice system itself. Survivors and civil society organisations, including members of the GIAI, have responded to these threats with determination and innovative solutions, demonstrating that strong collective action grounded in survivor-centred approaches can help counter these trends and advance justice. The GIAI's mobilisation against sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court (ICC) demonstrates the importance of collective action in preserving the integrity of the Court against political efforts aimed at weakening survivors' access to justice worldwide. Efforts to support survivors' access to international and domestic justice mechanisms through legal representation, documentation, accompaniment, and survivor-led advocacy, have also highlighted the key role survivors play as agents of change. The GIAI has further drawn attention to the essential role of transitional justice in addressing the root causes of violence and long-term consequences of atrocity crimes through support for survivor-led and grassroots initiatives advancing truth-seeking, reparation, memorialisation, and guarantees of non-recurrence. As perpetrators move across borders, hide assets, and exploit political protection, the GIAI has emphasised the need to adapt accountability strategies beyond traditional courtroom approaches, including tracking suspects, challenging immunities, and advancing the use of universal and extraterritorial jurisdiction to hold perpetrators accountable. Against shrinking funding for human rights, it has also shown how financial investigations, asset recovery, and penalties linked to sanctions violations can support reparative efforts for survivors and affected communities. To make justice more meaningful, accessible, and credible, the GIAI has promoted survivor-centred standards for ethical, trauma-informed, and gender-sensitive engagement with survivors. At the same time, the GIAI has continued to contribute to shaping legal and policy frameworks that make accountability possible, from efforts to strengthen standards on crimes against humanity and immunities to engagement with the European Union on victims' rights, participation, and reparation. This moment demands political courage, sustained investment, and genuine partnership with civil society, survivors, and affected communities. The European Union and its Member States have a particular responsibility to defend the international justice system they helped build and uphold the rule of law, peace, and human dignity. They must use all tools at their disposal to support survivors and strengthen collective efforts to secure accountability for the gravest crimes. Europe's commitment to justice cannot be selective. The credibility of the EU's human rights policy depends on its consistent and unequivocal support for accountability everywhere. “We don’t want to worry about religious rites or about skeletons... What we really want is accountability,” said the mother of a disappeared person from Sri Lanka. When States undermine the ICC, they do not simply weaken an institution; they harm us, making the possibility of accountability fragile and conditional. States Parties have both the authority and the responsibility to strengthen and defend the Court, so that it can protect every individual who has become a victim of atrocity crimes. Lala Abgaryan, an Armenian victim. On this EU Day Against Impunity, the GIAI calls on the European Union and its Member States to: Defend the independence of the ICC, the European Court of Human Rights and other regional courts and accountability mechanisms, and oppose all forms of political interference and intimidation, including sanctions, as well as any attempt to undermine their authority and independence and the international and regional instruments they are meant to enforce; Strengthen national capacities to investigate and prosecute international crimes, including through universal jurisdiction and the promotion and ratification of the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention; Ensure survivor-centred, trauma-responsive, gender-sensitive, and intersectional approaches across all accountability, reparation, and transitional justice processes; Strengthen and operationalise the EU Transitional Justice Policy through sustained political and financial support for survivor-led, grassroots, and locally owned initiatives promoting truth, reparation, memorialisation, institutional reform, and guarantees of non-recurrence; Safeguard past and ongoing transitional justice gains by supporting memorialisation, truth-seeking, reparation, and institutional reform processes, and by opposing efforts to deny, revise, or legitimise atrocity crimes and their perpetrators; Expand support for reparation, including through the responsible use of individual targeted sanctions and asset recovery measures linked to international crimes; Protect civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and survivor-led initiatives working on accountability, including by providing sustainable funding; Guarantee long-term political and financial support for international justice and human rights institutions and mechanisms. The GIAI remains committed to ensuring that international justice delivers to those who need it most: survivors, affected communities, and future generations.

17 May 2026

International Justice Update - May 2026

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.

The International Law and Human Rights Program prepares this update on International Justice for informational purposes only. Any opinions expressed in articles contained in this update are not necessarily endorsed by PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA; nor does PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA vouch for the accuracy of the contents of these articles. 2026May1-15 Highlight Libya On 19 May 2026, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court will open the confirmation of charges hearing in the case of The Prosecutor v. Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri. El Hishri, a former senior official at Mitiga Prison, faces 17 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed against Libyan nationals, migrants, and refugees between 1 May 2014 and 30 June 2020. This is the first case concerning the situation in Libya to reach the confirmation of charges phase before the ICC. ICC, FIDH Cooperation Global On 6 May 2026, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged the European Commission to activate the EU's Blocking Statute to protect the International Criminal Court and the United Nations from United States sanctions. Middle East Eye Tajikistan On 7 May 2026, the Presidency of the International Criminal Court referred Tajikistan's non-compliance to the Assembly of States Parties for failing to cooperate with the Court's request to arrest and surrender Russian President Vladimir Putin. ICC Philippines On 15 May 2026, the Philippines vowed to cooperate with the ICC and to arrest Senator Ronald Marapon Dela Rosa, who is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. Al Jazeera Impunity Gap Democratic Republic of the Congo On 5 May 2026, Amnesty International published a report documenting rampant war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Allied Democratic Forces against civilians in eastern DRC. Amnesty International Afghanistan, Pakistan On 5 May 2026, the Taliban accused Pakistan of killing three civilians and injuring fourteen people in a cross-border attack, describing the incident as a war crime. The attack occurred following a ceasefire brokered by China in April after several months of armed clashes. Al Jazeera Legislative/Parliamentary Developments Global On 12 May 2026, 11 African states joined the France-Mexico initiative to limit the use of the United Nations Security Council veto in cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, bringing the total number of supporting states to 118. Anadolu Agency Ukraine, Russia On 15 May 2026, 34 European countries, Australia, Costa Rica, and the EU approved a resolution to establish a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. France 24 Judicial Developments Syria On 5 May 2026, Syria's judiciary charged Atef Najib, a former senior security official, with war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to a 2011 crackdown on protesters. This marks the first prosecution involving former Assad regime officials. DW Rwanda, France On 6 May 2026, the Paris Court of Appeal overturned the dismissal of genocide charges against former Rwandan First Lady Agathe Habyarimana and ordered the investigation to resume. Habyarimana, who has lived in France since 2004, faces charges of complicity in genocide and crimes against humanity related to the 1994 Tutsi genocide. Le Monde Philippines On 11 May 2026, ICC judges unsealed an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald Marapon Dela Rosa for crimes against humanity of murder in relation to at least 32 killings committed between July 2016 and April 2018 during the Duterte administration's war on drugs. ICC

07 May 2026

Quarterly Update of the Campaign for the Abolition of the Death Penalty – January - March 2026

The need to turn commitments into action

The need to turn commitments into action The alarming rise in executions in 2025, particularly those related to drug crimes (which increased 97% from 2024 according to the latest Harm Reduction International report), cast a long shadow over the first quarter of 2026. The international community’s attention was particularly focused on the situation in Iran, where peaceful protests that began December 2025 were met with a brutal crackdown and human rights violations, reportedly resulting in thousands of deaths, as well as mass arrests that have left hundreds at risk of execution. The need to address this violent trend was central to the parliamentary workshop organized by Parliamentarians for Global Action in Mexico City on 25 March. Parliamentarians are more crucial than ever in this difficult context. During discussions, parliamentarians heard poignant testimonies from a defense lawyer and representatives of the abolitionist movement, including experts on the differentiated impact of the death penalty and prison conditions based on gender. In concrete results, parliamentarians from The Gambia and Jamaica committed to action steps, paving the way for change accompanied by sustained political engagement. The urgency of these commitments by champion parliamentarians is underscored by radical legislative initiatives elsewhere in the world. In late March, the Israeli Knesset passed a law reinstating the death penalty for Palestinians, a move condemned by the UN, the international community and civil society as a violation of international law. Meanwhile, the Maldives Government has proposed a bill to effectively end its six-decade moratorium. Faced with the rise of these regressive measures, parliamentarians must translate their commitments into concrete legislative action. The link between gender and the death penalty was raised during the Commission on the Status of Women 70th Session (CSW70) thanks to civil society organizations. The delegation from the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty advocated for the goals of the abolitionist cause, amplified the voices of women sentenced to death, and proposed solutions. Conclusions of CSW70 included, for the first time, references to women in conflict with the law, emphasizing the need to “address the specific needs and circumstances of all women and girls subject to arrest, detention, prosecution, trial and sentencing, including irreversible criminal penalties.” January to March 2026 at a Glance Positive developments: Malaysia: o New parliamentary data indicate that 976 people, including 889 men and 87 women, were released as of 30 September 2025. This follows Malaysia’s resentencing project process related to the abolition of the mandatory death penalty in November 2023. United States: o Oklahoma State Senator Nikki Nice is campaigning for a bill to reinstate a moratorium in the state until June 2028. Oklahoma resumed executions in 2021, after observing a six-year moratorium. o The New Hampshire House of Representatives rejected a bill to reinstate the death penalty, as well as other bills that would have expanded its application. The state abolished capital punishment in 2019, but one person remains on death row. Setbacks Iran: o Nationwide demonstrations in the country, which began on 28 December 2025, led to serious human rights violation in the country, with thousands of people killed during the crackdown. Hundreds of protesters are at risk of death sentences, including children. o Since the beginning of the year, at least 184 men and 5 women were executed. Israel: o The Knesset adopted a death penalty law targeting Palestinians living under occupation. The law authorizes military courts to impose mandatory death sentences for deliberate killings in actions that are defined as terrorist acts, and denies pardon. Experts and civil society organizations stress its blatant incompatibility with international law and call for its immediate repeal. Maldives: o Government plans to introduce a bill to end the longstanding moratorium on the death penalty in the Maldives. United States o Florida Supreme Court upheld a law enabling non-unanimous death verdicts. Florida, along with Alabama, is one of only two states to permit non-unanimous death verdicts. o Alabama approved a bill expanding the scope of the death penalty. o Bills are being considered to reinstate the death penalty in Wisconsin (where it was abolished in 1853), and in West Virginia (which abolished it in 1965). o In Utah, a bill seeks to expedite death penalty proceedings. o From January-March 2026, a total of 7 executions were recorded, included: § 4 executions in Florida § 2 executions in Texas § 1 execution in Indiana § 1 execution in Oklahoma New Reports and Resources: Harm Reduction International (HRI): o The Death penalty for drug offences: global overview 2025. The report shows that at least 36 countries still retain the death penalty for drug-related offences, and that 1,212 people were executed for such offences (a 97% increase between 2024 and 2025). Universal Periodic Review – 51st session: o States formulated recommendations to abolish the death penalty to Lebanon; Maldives; Mauritania; Oman; Saint Lucia; and Singapore. Concerns were also conveyed to Chad regarding the decree seeking to reinstate the death penalty. World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (WCADP): o WCADP launched an online learning platform designed to strengthen knowledge, advocacy and global action to end the death penalty. The Rights Practice, Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, The Square Circle Clinic, Justice Project Pakistan, Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty, Transformative Justice Collective, Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights, Centre for Prisoners Rights, Japan Federation of Bar Associations, and the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network: o Kuala Lumpur Guidelines – Regional guidelines for lawyers representing individuals facing the death penalty and execution in Asia

06 May 2026

Parliamentarians gather in Mexico City to strengthen commitment to international justice

How can legislators advance international justice? This was the question members of Parliamentarians for Global Action examined on 25 March 2026, on the sidelines of PGA’s 46th Annual Forum in Mexico City.

How can legislators advance international justice? This was the question members of Parliamentarians for Global Action examined on 25 March 2026, on the sidelines of PGA's 46th Annual Forum in Mexico City. Legislators have long driven progress on international justice, as evidenced by the concrete results achieved by PGA members who contributed to the ratification and domestic implementation of the Rome Statute and other achievements. However, the current fragility of international norms and the troubling rise of crises worldwide demand a strengthened commitment, including through parliamentary engagement. In this context, legislators from the Cook Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Nigeria, The Gambia, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe met to take stock of the current situation and to discuss strategies to prioritize the fight against impunity. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court: threats and opportunities The International Criminal Court faces unprecedented challenges, including threats of withdrawal or withdrawal procedures that undermine the Court's universality. Many of these threats are fueled by persistent misconceptions about the Court's mandate, which legislators can dismantle through peer-to-peer dialogue and raising public awareness. As participants emphasized, the ratification of the Rome Statute is crucial to strengthening the rule of law at all levels, a fundamental criterion for democratic countries that must not be compromised in these challenging times. 125 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute, while an additional 29 signatory States have yet to complete the ratification process, and others would need to accede to the treaty to achieve true universality. Jamaica, which signed the Statute in 2000, has not yet finalized ratification due to constitutional obstacles and external political pressures that have undermined political will. Hon. Dr. Angela Brown Burke, MP (Jamaica), illustrated how geopolitical shifts have offered new opportunities to revive dialogue: the consequences of global crises on Jamaican citizens (notably the situation of Jamaican students who were in Ukraine at the time of the Russian Federation's aggression) have highlighted the gravity and relevance of international justice, prompting the political opposition to support ratification and relaunch the debate at the national level. She stressed the need for parliamentarians and relevant stakeholders to seize this moment, which requires sustained public awareness. In contrast, Ukraine's path to ratification offers an example of a lengthy but successful process. Hon. Dr. Galyna Mykhailiuk, MP (Ukraine), outlined to participants the parliamentary efforts undertaken over 24 years to overcome obstacles, which ultimately led to the Verkhovna Rada's adoption of the law ratifying the Rome Statute and its amendments in 2024. She emphasized, however, that ratification marks only the beginning: parliamentarians must now drive domestic implementation to ensure the treaty's effectiveness. The need for implementation in national legislation resonated among participants. For Hon. Daniel Molokele, MP (Zimbabwe), the Ministry of Justice should adopt a plan of action to domesticate the Rome Statute and achieve its ratification. From the Gambian side, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay and Fatoumatta Njai, MPs, underlined the importance of PGA's African Working Group Dialogue on International Justice and the International Criminal Court, organized in November 2025 in Nairobi, which exposed gaps in their current domestic legislation and prompted them to engage with their government and work on dedicated legislation. To support smaller states that may lack capacity and to raise further awareness of the Rome Statute system, parliamentarians recommended strengthening ties with regional organizations, such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union. Hon. Amanza Walton-Desir, MP (Guyana), noted that such regional assistance would be vital for navigating complex legal frameworks. Participants discussed the upcoming election of six International Criminal Court judges, which will take place in December 2026 during the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute. As Parliamentarians for Global Action has long advocated, the quality of judges is of fundamental importance to the performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of the International Criminal Court, which is at the heart of the long-term success of the Rome Statute system. Parliamentarians were therefore recommended to call on their government to establish fair, transparent, and merit-based national nomination procedures and monitor elections to ensure only the most highly qualified individuals are elected as ICC judges. International justice opportunities Efforts for accountability are multiplying, as demonstrated by the increasing number of cases brought before the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, or under the principle of universal jurisdiction. Other initiatives are underway to address gaps in the international legal framework, and parliamentarians can play a crucial role in supporting such developments and ensuring their robust implementation: Crimes against Humanity: The draft Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity, if adopted, will fill critical legal gaps and enhance victims' rights and protection. The draft Convention offers an opportunity for innovation by codifying gender apartheid or adding slavery and the slave trade as a standalone crime, clarifying and expanding the current legal definition. Ecocide: Parliamentarians acknowledged the importance of efforts to recognize ecocide as an international crime, a crucial step toward holding perpetrators criminally responsible for severe and widespread damage to the environment and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. Participants discussed current efforts led by Vanuatu, Fiji, and Samoa to amend the Rome Statute, which requires further support from States Parties to be adopted. Hon. Tina Browne, MP (Cook Islands), underscored the importance of these developments and noted the need for further engagement, which directly impacts small island states. Human trafficking: Parliamentarians explored the possibilities of reinforcing laws combating human trafficking within international justice instruments, notably in view of recent reports revealing coercive recruitment of foreign nationals to the Russian Federation's military. The Ljubljana-The Hague Convention: Adopted in May 2023 by 68 states, the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention establishes an explicit legal framework for mutual legal assistance and extradition for the most serious international crimes. By facilitating practical cooperation between states investigating and prosecuting core international crimes at the national level, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, the Convention strengthens national judicial systems and enables States to fulfil their international legal obligations in the fight against impunity and deliver justice to victims' groups and survivors. For this treaty to be fully effective, ratification and domestic implementation are crucial steps in which parliamentarians can play a decisive role. This dialogue reaffirmed the crucial mandate of parliamentarians to transform political commitments into enforceable legal frameworks. As demonstrated by the enriching exchanges among participants, their voices and efforts are fundamental to advance international justice and fight against impunity.

29 April 2026

Global Parliamentarians Unite Against the Death Penalty in Mexico City

Parliamentarians gathered for a parliamentary workshop on the death penalty, united by a shared conviction on the universality of human rights

On March 25, on the sidelines of PGA’s 46th Annual Forum in Mexico-City, parliamentarians from Jamaica, Nigeria, The Gambia, Pakistan and the Netherlands gathered for a parliamentary workshop on the death penalty, united by a shared conviction on the universality of human rights. In a volatile geopolitical landscape, where competing priorities threaten to push the issue of capital punishment to the margins, legislators from retentionist and abolitionist in practice countries discussed concrete strategies to overcome national obstacles to abolition, replicate successful models, and support the abolitionist movement in their countries. As Sen. Boris Dittrich (The Netherlands), convenor of PGA’s campaign, explained, the goal was to identify concrete steps parliamentarians can take, individually and collectively, to dismantle a structurally repressive system, incompatible with the right to life and the prohibition against torture and ill-treatment. Acting when progress meets regression: Although more than two-thirds of UN member states have now abolished the death penalty in law or practice, Ms. Asunta Vivó Cavaller and Mr. Rajiv Narayan, co-executive directors of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP), warned parliamentarians: “progress is real, but not irreversible. Sustained political commitment is essential.” Recent data confirms that while the number of countries imposing the death penalty continues to decline, alarming setbacks persist. This includes record execution figures in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United States, alongside threats to reinstate or expand capital punishment, as recently in Israel with the adoption of the discriminatory Death Penalty for Terrorists Law or in the Maldives, which is planning to introduce a death penalty bill for drug-related offences. To counter this regression and keep abolition on the political agenda, ICDP co-executive directors encouraged parliamentarians to collaborate across party lines to reform legislation, repeal laws, establish moratoria, and propose constitutional amendments. They also reminded legislators of their role in oversight and monitoring human rights obligations, which strengthens engagement and paves the way for abolition. Suriname offers a compelling example: following meetings with experts, parliamentarians fully committed to drafting and revising a bill to abolish the death penalty, later adopted and promulgated in 2015. Countries can choose another path to achieve abolition by ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, as Kazakhstan did in 2022 after having observed a long-term moratorium. Hidden crisis: Gender, discrimination and prison conditions The workshop raised awareness about the intersection between gender-based violence and the death penalty. Ms. Bahar Mirhosseni, Distinguished Legal Fellow and Director of Legal Advocacy at the Cornell Center on the Death Penalty Worldwide, presented findings indicating that at least 1,000 women are sentenced to death worldwide. Many – or most of them – are survivors of gender-based violence and/or victims of socio-economic deprivation. In the United States of America for example, 96% of the women sentenced to death have experienced gender-based violence. In some countries, women sentenced to death for drug-related offences are often migrant workers, face economic insecurity, or are under coercive relationships. Despite these patterns, courts rarely recognize gender-specific mitigating circumstances, further exacerbating discrimination. Linguistic analyses also reveal the gender differences in treatment during judicial processes and police interrogations, leading to the construction of unjust narratives. Ms. Mirhosseni recommended that parliamentarians address systemic biases to ensure fair trial, but emphasized that, given the current failure to eradicate such prejudices, the ultimate priority remains to abolish the death penalty. Ms. Tracey Cui, researcher at the Center for Prisoner’s Rights Japan, provided parliamentarians with deeper insight into the conditions faced by death row inmates, including women, through an overview of the situation of Japan’s death row, which in 2025 comprised 108 individuals, including six women. The documentation and research conducted by the NGO highlighted gender-based violence and mistreatment, including constant surveillance, a practice deemed illegal by the Tokyo Supreme Court in 2025. Despite the 2025 ruling, in 2026, the Osaka Bar Association protested against the constant surveillance of a woman who had spent over 20 years on death row. Ms. Cui explained that violence against women remains deeply entrenched in the Japanese criminal justice system, with no consideration for their specific needs and a failure to recognize gender-based violence during trials. She stressed the need for further research to inform the public, enable informed judgments on capital punishment, and address the impact of gender in relation to death penalty cases. Human stories behind the death penalty Malaysian lawyer Khaizan Sharizad Ab. Razak delivered a powerful testimony, highlighting her frontline commitment to the abolition of the death penalty. With the abolition of the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia, 1,020 persons have benefited from the review of their sentences. Her pro bono legal team facilitated the release of individuals, 20% of whom had spent more than 20 years on death row. Among them, one man was released in October 2024 after a documentary film exposed his wrongful conviction. She emphasized that most clients come from marginalized communities and, even after release, they continue to face stigma and employment struggles. She highlighted the critical lack of mental health specialists in Malaysia, noting that many clients suffer from mental and other health issues, requiring support and assistance upon release from prison. “Policy change has to work in tandem with legislative reform,” she said. Structural reforms from different ministries are needed, particularly in education, poverty, and health, including mental health. Answering a question on public opinion, she noted a significant shift in attitudes towards drug-related offences and the death penalty in Malaysia over the past decade. Human stories, when effectively communicated, can shift perceptions and reshape attitudes. From Debate to Action: Strategies for Parliamentarians The final session transformed discussion into concrete action plans, parliamentarians identified strategies they can use to advance abolition of the death penalty: Engaging in public debate to shift public discourse and keep the question of the death penalty on the agenda; Forming parliamentary caucuses across political lines to build coalitions; Tabling parliamentary questions to demand government transparency on related data, the position of the government on the question, or push for any progress on the question; Drafting legislative bills to reduce the scope or abolish the death penalty, establish a moratorium as a first step towards full abolition, or improve prison conditions, including for women; Seizing legislative opportunities, such as constitutional reforms, to embed abolition permanently; Promoting the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR or other relevant regional treaties; and Engaging in global diplomacy, including by promoting votes in favor of the UN General Assembly Moratorium Resolution. Several parliamentarians underscored the difficulty and persistent sensitivity surrounding the issue, particularly when certain cases deeply affect public opinion. As an example, Hon. Bamidele Salam, MP (Nigeria) warned against rising religious and political pressure to extend the death penalty to cases of abduction and rape, demonstrating the need for continued awareness-raising since the death penalty has never been a deterrent and only perpetuates the cycle of violence and discrimination, without ever addressing the root causes of crime. Despite different contexts, participating parliamentarians agreed that these strategies could be implemented at national and regional levels. Hon. Heatha Miller, MP (Jamaica), pledged to collaborate with Jamaican advocacy groups against the death penalty to promote a private members’ bill. Ms. Fatoumatta Njai, MP (The Gambia), highlighted the current inconsistency between law and practice in her country: while the death penalty remains in Gambian legislation, it is no longer applied. She stressed the need for legislators to address this issue and work towards removing all references to capital punishment from the Gambian Constitution through a constitutional amendment. Such commitments are essential to ensure continued progress, as parliamentarians are key actors in achieving the universal abolition of the death penalty. Sustained attention to the intersectional elements of criminal justice systems and prison conditions is essential in implementing systems geared toward rehabilitation and reintegration, guided by humanity rather than retribution.

09 April 2026

Global Parliamentary Call for De-escalation, Dialogue, and Peace

A Call for Responsible Leadership

Initiated by MP Sahar Albazar (Egypt), Board Member of Parliamentarians for Global Action At a time of rising global tensions and escalating conflicts across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, we, members of parliaments from across the world, issue this urgent and unified call for immediate de-escalation, restraint, and a renewed commitment to dialogue and international cooperation. The continuation and expansion of armed conflicts are no longer confined to consequences within national borders or regions. They pose systemic global risks—destabilizing economies, deepening inequalities, and undermining decades of progress toward sustainable development. Global Consequences We Cannot Ignore Food security at risk - Armed conflicts are disrupting global supply chains, driving food price inflation, and threatening access to basic nutrition—particularly across Africa and vulnerable regions of the Global South. Energy instability - Volatility in energy markets continues to strain household and national budgets, increase inflationary pressures, and weaken economic resilience worldwide. Rising energy costs disproportionately impact vulnerable and low-income communities and can lead to severe health impacts. Climate crisis - Military escalation significantly accelerates the climate crisis through massive greenhouse gas emissions, environmental destruction in conflict zones, and the diversion of funds from green initiatives, undermining global sustainability efforts. Disproportionate burden on the Global South - Countries not party to these conflicts are bearing disproportionate costs—through inflation, debt stress, and reduced fiscal space—placing highly indebted nations at risk of systemic economic collapse. A Call for Responsible Leadership We urge all parties engaged in conflict, and those with influence over them, to: Commit to immediate de-escalation - Refrain from further military escalation and prioritize ceasefire efforts wherever possible. Return to diplomacy and negotiation - Reinforce dialogue channels under international frameworks and good-faith mediation. Protect civilians and critical infrastructure - Uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of food systems, energy facilities, and essential services. Shield the global economy from further shock - Avoid actions that disrupt trade routes, energy supplies, and financial instability. Support vulnerable economies - Expand international cooperation to mitigate the disproportionate impacts on highly-indebted and developing countries. Why Parliamentarians? As elected representatives, and the democratic branch closest to citizens, we affirm our responsibility to: Advocate for peace and diplomatic solutions within our government. Promote accountability and adherence to international law. Defend democratic values that encourage meaningful and balanced dialogue and understanding. Build cross-border parliamentary alliances to prevent further escalation. Translate why international cooperation serves local interests and ensure that national policies reflect global responsibility. A Defining Moment The world stands at a critical juncture. The continuation of these conflicts risks triggering a cascade of global crises—economic, humanitarian, and environmental—with long-term consequences for international stability. 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. Peace is not only a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for global survival and shared prosperity. We urge immediate and coordinated collective action before the costs become irreversible. We invite parliamentarians worldwide to endorse this call and to advance its principles within their respective national and international engagements.

31 March 2026

Afghanistan’s Human Rights Crisis: Afghan Women MPs Address the European Parliament

On 18 March 2026, Afghan women parliamentarians, forced into exile since the Taliban’s military takeover in August 2021, spoke at a session of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI).

Afghanistan’s Human Rights Crisis: Afghan Women MPs Address the European Parliament On 18 March 2026, Afghan women parliamentarians, forced into exile since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, spoke at a session of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI). The event was organized in partnership with Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and focused on the increasingly alarming and ongoing worsening of human rights and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Through poignant testimonies, Hon. Fawzia Koofi and Hon. Mariam Solaimankhil, PGA member, demanded justice for Afghanistan and called on the international community to stand with Afghan civilians, especially women and girls who have been banned from public life since the Taliban’s return to power. Women’s Rights as First Priority Since August 2021, the Taliban have issued over 100 decrees establishing a systematic oppression of women and girls in their daily lives. While 21 March traditionally marks the start of the education year in Afghanistan, Hon. Fawzia Koofi solemnly highlighted that this date marks the fifth anniversary of the ban of girls from secondary schools and universities. This prolonged deprivation of their right to education has had devastating consequences, both in their overall development and their health, including mental health. Furthermore, the shortage of female doctors, in a country where the health system is already on the brink of collapse, coupled with the institutionalized system of gender-based oppression and violence, poses grave risks to the lives of Afghan women and girls. The latest Taliban measure, Decree No. 12, further diminishes their rights by legitimizing psychological and sexual violence, criminalizing severe domestic violence. When seeking justice, the decree places serious obstacles on women, such as the requirement to be accompanied by a male guardian (who could as well be the perpetrator of the crime). Women who visit a relative’s home without the permission of their husbands may face jail, as well as relatives who shelter them. “The Taliban question the very existence of women as a gender, as human beings,” said Hon. Koofi. She cautioned the international community against normalizing gender apartheid and letting the Taliban use women’s rights as a bargaining chip in negotiations. “Let’s not normalize this reality (...) we must hold them accountable.” Demanding Accountability and a Democratic Future The visit of Hon. Koofi and Hon. Solaimankhil to Brussels is marked by the intensification of geopolitical crises, including the recent declaration of open war between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as in Iran, where Afghan refugees face increasingly precarious conditions. The delegates condemned recent attacks and violations of international humanitarian law, especially regarding civilian casualties, which they attribute to the absence of a legitimate government and the Taliban’s policies. Pointing at the devastating airstrike on a rehabilitation center in Kabul, which killed more than 400 people on 16 March 2026, Hon. Solaimankhil reminded that civilians consistently bear the brunt of violence and instability: “When instability spreads, when borders become battlefields, when governments collapse, it is always the ordinary people who suffer first.” Addressing members of the European Parliament, she emphasized the urgent need to effectively focus on the situation in Afghanistan to avoid spillover effects in the region. “The world must begin preparing for a future beyond the Taliban,” she stated, outlining three foundations for the country’s future: legitimacy (a democratic government through free and fair elections), inclusion (of all communities, especially women), and rights (girls returning to school, women returning to public life). Hon. Koofi and Hon. Solaimankhil welcomed recent progress on international accountability, expressing gratitude to the European Union for sponsoring the investigative mechanism for Afghanistan in October 2025, which now requires sufficient funding and support from UN Member States to become operational. They emphasized the importance of such developments for Afghans, whose demands for justice remain strong, as evidenced by the widespread anticipation generated by arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders, issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Meanwhile, they urged the international community to accelerate efforts for a potential case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold Afghanistan accountable under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. “We must use these institutions to protect us,” Hon. Koofi stated. EU Support for Afghanistan Members of the European Parliament reaffirmed Europe’s support for Afghanistan, where more than 22 million people currently need humanitarian assistance. Visibly moved, they reiterated their solidarity, committing to keep Afghanistan at the forefront of the international agenda and asserting that the situation, especially that of women and girls, will never be normalized. The EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Mr. Gilles Bertrand, indicated that the EU has provided over €1 billion in humanitarian and development aid to Afghanistan, following a “for women, by women” approach that particularly supports women-led businesses. He confirmed the EU’s commitment to sustain its engagement, including through its presence in the country. “We cannot forget what is happening in Afghanistan," he said, underlining that the EU follows a principled approach, centered on the Afghans’ human needs. Call to Action Afghan parliamentarians in exile stressed that Afghanistan has become a test case for the international community’s commitment to fundamental human rights principles. They urged the European Parliament, EU member states, and parliamentarians to translate their words of solidarity into concrete action: Uphold a principled stance on women’s and girls' rights: make women's rights a non-negotiable agenda item in any engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities. Strengthen accountability and justice processes, including by supporting the recognition and codification of gender apartheid, ensuring funding for the accountability mechanism for Afghanistan, supporting ongoing investigations at the ICC, and advancing accountability efforts before the ICJ. Guarantee humanitarian assistance that benefits women and girls equally. Support Afghans, including women parliamentarians and human rights defenders. Adopt policies that reflect the severity of the human rights crisis in Afghanistan, avoiding any measures that could be interpreted as suggesting that the country is safe for returns, especially for women and girls. “Women's rights in Afghanistan and human rights are directly linked to a legitimate government that embraces the diversity of Afghanistan. Afghanistan is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with 29 languages and many ethnic and religious groups. We all must work for a government that is representative of that diversity and inclusive of women,” Hon. Koofi concluded. Examples of recent parliamentary actions taken by members of the European Parliament: Resolution on the Situation in Afghanistan: supporting women and communities affected by the recent earthquakes (9 October 2025) Resolution on The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” (19 September 2024) Resolution on The repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women (14 March 2024) Examples of parliamentary questions asked by members of the European Parliament: Forced returns of Afghan women to Afghanistan under Taliban rule (11 November 2025) EU evacuations of Afghans at risk (24 March 2025) New Afghan morality law or law of silence, the culmination of a regime of ‘gender apartheid’ (5 September 2024)

27 March 2026

Parliamentarians for Global Action Elects New Board Members at 46ᵗʰ Annual Forum in Mexico City

PGA’s International Council is made up of legislative leaders from 18 countries who serve as the chairs of PGA national groups

Mexico City, Mexico — Following the close of the 46th Annual Forum and 46th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the Oceans (4th CAP-Oceans), held March 26–27 in Mexico City, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) convened its International Council to elect PGA’s Executive Committee for the 2026-2027 term. PGA’s International Council is made up of legislative leaders from 18 countries who serve as the chairs of PGA national groups. These cross-party caucuses of parliamentarians enable legislators to work collectively on domestic legislation and policies while staying integrated into PGA’s global advocacy work. The International Council elected a new Chairperson of the International Council and a new Treasurer, while re-electing Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan) as President of PGA. PGA extends its heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected members of the 2026–2027 Executive Committee: Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan) — President Dip. Jorge Cálix (Honduras) — Chairperson, International Council Hon. Bernard Georges, MP (Seychelles) — Treasurer Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, MP (The Gambia) Sen. Janelle Chanona (Belize) Hon. Daniel Fortune Molokele, MP (Zimbabwe) Hon. Millie Odhiambo, MP (Kenya) Dep. Christelle Vuanga (Democratic Republic of Congo) Hon. Ebu Jones, MP (Suriname) “We are proud to welcome this extraordinary group of legislators to PGA’s leadership,” said Mónica Adame, Secretary-General of PGA. “The diversity of this Executive Committee — representing government and opposition parties, all regions of the world, and both chambers of parliament — reflects the breadth of our global parliamentary movement. At a moment when democracy and international cooperation face serious headwinds, we are grateful for the commitment and leadership that each of these legislators brings to our network.” PGA expresses its deep gratitude to its outgoing Board members - Mr. Ali Ehsassi, MP (Canada), Ms. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria), Hon. Valerie Woods, Speaker of the National Assembly (Belize), and Sen. Boris Dittrich (The Netherlands) - for their years of dedicated service to PGA’s governance and mission. Their leadership has been invaluable in advancing PGA’s work across programs, regions, and campaigns.

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 Global Parliamentary Call for De-escalation, Dialogue, and Peace ✓ 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 UN Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity marked an important step forward in advancing negotiations toward a long-overdue international treaty.

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.

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Featured Posts on Social Media

Many thanks to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and Global Affairs Canada for supporting PGA's successful meeting engaging female legislators (????????, ????????, ????????, ???????? ????????, ????????) in promoting nuclear and radiological security in the Caribbean region!@GAC_Corporate, @UNODC, @IAEA pic.twitter.com/bn04UbwKDP
— Parliamentarians for Global Action (@PGAction) May 28, 2026

In December, States Parties will elect 6 judges who will shape the Court’s credibility and effectiveness.

✅ Let's #ElectTheBest! Report misconduct allegations confidentially to IOM.Vetting@icc-cpi.int by 31 May.

ℹ️ https://t.co/0aYbyctvgO @ngos4justice @fidh_en pic.twitter.com/Zb8haW4ccr
— Parliamentarians for Global Action (@PGAction) May 28, 2026

Until 30 April, States can submit proposals for the draft #CrimesAgainstHumanity Treaty.

???? Enquire with your government and advocate for a strong #humanrights-based treaty that fully protects victims and closes impunity gaps. ✅

Read more in our Brief: https://t.co/braZJhW9Vl pic.twitter.com/toIK2NArxo
— Parliamentarians for Global Action (@PGAction) April 13, 2026

Congratulations to the National Assembly of Austria for approving ratification of the United Nations #HighSeasTreaty to protect the high seas and its resources for all people for generations to come. @PetraBayr @BayrPetra pic.twitter.com/jFE6gAh6ET
— Parliamentarians for Global Action (@PGAction) February 26, 2026

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