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PGA’s vision is to contribute to the creation of a Rules-Based International Order for a more equitable, safe, sustainable and democratic world.

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

What is the PACE?

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is the parliamentary arm of the Council of Europe, a 47-nation international organization dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Assembly is made up of 324 members drawn from the national parliaments of the Council of Europe's member States.  The Assembly held its first session in Strasbourg on 10 August 1949, making it one of the oldest international assemblies in Europe.

PGA’s Work

PGA members have championed the cause of the fight against impunity and have issued pivotal reports on cooperation with the ICC, and the universality and effectiveness of the Rome Statute system. PGA members have traditionally used the platform offered by PACE to promote leadership and action in relation to the pending ratifications of the Rome Statute.

One of the actions by PGA members with respect to the PACE was the Resolution 2134 (2016) and a corresponding 2016 Report on the ICC to PACE by Belgian Senator Alain Destexhe. Senator Destexhe also drafted a resolution on the ICC, Document 13888, adopted  on 30 September 2015, aiming for the universal ratification of the Rome Statute and effective cooperation of States with the Court.

It echoed the Resolution 1644, adopted on 27 January 2009, geared to ensure improved cooperation with the ICC, universality of Rome Statute standards for the prosecution of grave crimes, and enhanced protection of victims’ rights. Resolution 1644 was originally tabled in mid-2006 by German parliamentarian Herta Daeubler-Gmelin, a longstanding member of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) then chair of PACE’s Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee.

Other relevant resolutions and recommendations on the ICC include:

  • Recommendation 1189 (1992), on the establishment of an international court to judge war crimes, Text adopted by the Standing Committee, acting on behalf of the Assembly, on 1 July 1992. On the basis of the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Rapporteur: Mrs Haller, MP.
  • Recommendation 1408 (1999) on the International Criminal Court adopted on 26 May 1999.  Text adopted by the Standing Committee, acting on behalf of the Assembly, on 26 May 1999.on the basis of the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Rapporteur: Mr Dick Marty, MP (Switzerland), PGA member.
  • Resolution 1300 (2002) on the risks for the integrity of the Statute of the ICC, of the 25th of September 2002, at the 29th sitting on the basis report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Rapporteur: Mr Dick Marty, MP (Switzerland), PGA Member.
  • Resolution 1336 (2003) on the threats to the ICC, of the 25th of June 2003, adopted at the 20th sitting President of the PACE, Mr. Pieter Schieder. The resolution considers that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1422 and its renewal constitute a legally questionable and politically damaging interference with the functioning of the ICC.
  • Resolution 1785 (2011) on the obligation of member and observer States of the Council of Europe to co-operate in the prosecution of war crimes.
  • Doc. 14136 (22 September 2016) Co-operation with the International Criminal Court: towards a concrete and expanded commitment. Rapporteur: Mr Alain Destexhe, Belgium, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

Latest News: ROME STATUTE CAMPAIGN

From 28 to 30 May 2024, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) organized an important visit of Somali Members of Parliament to The Hague, Netherlands

Somalia Paves the Way for Justice & Accountability

The delegation – all members of the Committee of Justice and Defense from the Federal Parliament of Somalia – had the opportunity to engage in direct and crucial exchanges on accountability and justice.

Maya Achi women participate in the commemoration of the National Day Against Forced Disappearances in Guatemala City on 21 June 2019. In January 2022, they won a case against five former paramilitaries who subjected them to acts of sexual violence and slavery during the internal armed conflict.

Making Justice Work: Civil Society Unites In The Global Fight Against Impunity

When impunity is pervasive, it has profound consequences for societies, especially for those with authoritarian governments experiencing conflict and economic oppression.

l-r: Hon. Patrick Kensenhuis, Member of the Human Rights Committee and Chair of the PGA National Group in Suriname; Ms. Frederika Schweighoferova, PGA's Director, International Law & Human Rights Program; Mr. Daniel Garzón López, PGA's Senior Program Officer, International Law & Human Rights Program; and Hon. Dewanchandrebhose Sharman, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Human Rights Committee.

Parliamentarians from Suriname Strengthen ties with International Organizations to Champion International Cooperation

From 15 to 17 May 2024, a delegation of Members of Parliament from Suriname participated in a high-level visit to The Hague, The Netherlands, organized by Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA).