New York/The Hague
Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), the largest organization of individual legislators with members in 136 Parliaments of all regions of the world, joins its voice to those of respected domestic and international human rights organizations in condemning all forms of racial discrimination and expressing profound concern over recent events in the United States.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, PGA Convenor for Democratic Renewal and Human Rights Hon. Rozaina Adam (The Maldives) stated:
The United States is a country that other nations look-up to as a role model for democracy and upholding human rights. It is important to demonstrate to the rest of the world that we can continue to look to the USA to do the right thing, even in difficult situations; to demonstrate that the USA will uphold constitutional rights that millions have worked for over a long period of time. We cannot take a step back when it comes to justice and the rule of law, and the freedoms of expression and assembly. The world needs to see the country come together to find peaceful lasting solutions to prevent racial discrimination and all types of injustice. Hon. Rozaina Adam (The Maldives)
Democracy is a process, which must be nurtured by all members of society, but for which the role of parliamentarians is central. The tragedy that catalyzed the events unfolding in the United States over the past days touches upon all areas of the work of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and speaks to our core values as an organization -- from democracy to human rights to equality and inclusion to peace. The aftermath emphasizes the need for collective action that is PGA’s animating principle.
Yes, we need justice. And yes, we need accountability. But if we end there, we‘ll be right back where we started not long from now. . .We need to channel our anger and outrage into action and change. All of us, but especially those of us who benefit from racism and oppression, need to look deep down and ask what more we can do to listen, learn, and act. U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern
Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives
PGA Member
- As legislators, parliamentarians have a critical role to play as custodians of democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Foremost among these are the rights of access to independent justice, and to stand against injustice in all its forms. The peaceful exercise of these constitutionally protected freedoms cannot be met with intimidation or incitement to violence. PGA Member and Chair of the Oversight Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Carolyn Maloney -- who represents the seat of PGA’s headquarters in New York, an epicenter both of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent unrest -- solemnly noted: "This country was built on the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly. It was built on protestors standing up for their rights . . . The brutal slayings we’ve witnessed in recent weeks are almost too much to bear, but now more than ever we cannot be silent or turn our heads to tragedy.”
- As representatives, parliamentarians are accorded a powerful platform and bear the obligation to use it responsibly and wisely. What leaders say – or do not say – matters. It is alarming that some elected representatives have tacitly condoned attacks against citizens. It is appalling that others have glorified violence. These instances of “dangerous speech” illustrate how rhetoric can translate into calls for mass violence against groups. It is unacceptable that the very individuals charged with safeguarding democratic institutions and representing the interests of the people can so flagrantly violate their basic duty as public servants. Conversely, the price paid by some representatives who have bravely attempted to mediate and dispel tensions has been to be subjected to unlawful arrest and excessive use of force by law enforcement. This is #NottheCost of politics.
- As agents of oversight, it is incumbent upon parliamentarians to recognize that recent events are the symptom, not the cause, of an underlying and systemic disorder: inequity in the discharge of the rule of law in a democratic society. As Human Rights Watch has observed, “without an effective and impartial system of justice, the abuses persist.” Likewise, PGA Member U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee urges fellow parliamentarians worldwide: “Only by understanding our past and confronting the errors that still haunt us today, can we truly move forward as a people and a country.”
The backsliding of democracy includes the progressive erosion of the principles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and the independence of the judiciary. Parliamentarians must work together with all components of society to address the root causes of such democratic decay, and build societies that provide access to justice for all and ensure effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, including autonomous prosecutorial authorities, in the spirit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.
In the words of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives:
Today is a good day to remember Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.