7-10 May 2005 | Foz do Iguacu, Brazil

The Convenor of PGA’s International Law and International Human Rights Program, Senator Alain Destexhe (Belgium), addressing a panel discussion on Migration at the 6th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.

The Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas (COPA) plays a pivotal role in the hemispheric integration process. The 6th General Assembly of COPA was held successfully under the theme “Migration, trade agreements, and integration.” This meeting was an opportunity to bring parliamentarians of the three Americas together to discuss key integration issues in depth and seek a consensus for coordinated action by legislators to ensure that integration takes the needs of all into account and creates a future where all citizens enjoy the same opportunities.

Members of PGA present at COPA in Brazil also held a successful informal meeting with other interested participants to discuss recent developments in relation to the International Criminal Court. PGA members underlined the importance of the International Criminal Court in fighting impunity and encouraged attendees at the meeting to work towards ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC and its implementation within their respective countries.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Orlando Fantazzini (Brazil). Presentations were made by Deputy Orlando Fantazzini, Senator Alain Destexhe (Belgium) and Deputy Minou Tavárez Mirabal (Dominican Republic) followed by an extended Question-and-Answer session.

Approximately 30 legislators from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe attended the PGA meeting.