45th PGA Forum Calls for International Action Against War Crimes and Human Rights Violations
Islamabad: Panel discussion of the 45th Annual Forum of PGA, titled ‘Understanding the variances in the adoption of the reforming national laws’, moderated by MP (Kenya) PGA Member Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona & with the panel consisting of Federal Minister for Law & Justice Pakistan Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, PGA Member (Honduras) Dip. Ramón Barrios, MP (Uganda) Hon. Fox Odoi-Oywelowo, and Former PGA President Dip. Margarita Stolbizer, focused on atrocities faced by the victims of war crimes, especially genocide.
Panel 1 of the 45th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action commenced with the following Moderators; MNA/President PGA Pakistan Syed Naveed Qamar, Chairperson PGA Pakistan National Group Senator Sherry Rehman, (MP Mozambique) Mr. António Niquice, (MP Jamaica) Dr. Angela Brown Burke, and (MP Ukraine) Dr. Galyna Mykhailiuk.This panel session focused on the best practices and the role of parliaments in ensuring global justice and accountability for the most heinous crimes including genocide, war crimes and ecocide.The Moderators highlighted the contributions and efforts of their respective countries to promote and advance global peace and security.
Federal Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure the rule of law, protect human rights, and prevent crimes against humanity. Speaking at the 45th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), hosted by National Assembly of Pakistan, the minister reiterated the country’s commitment to working with the international community to achieve global peace and justice. During the session titled “Understanding the variances in the adoption of the reforming national laws,” Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to promoting peace, stability, and respect for human rights. He further said that parliamentarians play a key role in safeguarding human rights and advancing democracy. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s active participation in global efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. He stressed that challenges like climate change and environmental sustainability require a unified global approach. Minister for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs called for aligning local laws with international legal standards and values, urging cooperation in reshaping political practices, economic priorities, and legal traditions. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s role in peacekeeping missions and its efforts to promote human rights and freedoms globally. The minister highlighted Pakistan’s proactive measures in addressing human rights issues and enhancing climate resilience, particularly through laws designed to protect vulnerable segments of society. Azam Nazeer Tarar, also highlighted the ongoing crimes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine. He condemned the grave human rights violations occurring in both regions and called for international action to address these injustices. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar reiterated that Pakistan stands firm in its support for the oppressed people of IIOJK and Palestine, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to continue advocating for their rights on global platforms.
PGA Secretary-General Ms. Mónica Adame delivered the closing remarks at the end of the 1st day of the 45th Annual Forum of PGA to summarize the proceedings of the event. She also highlighted the numerous conflicts occurring worldwide and acknowledged that the Parliamentarians gathered here are all committed human rights advocates. She further stated that there is no single conflict that stands alone, and each conflict deserves attention to ensure justice for all communities, regardless of their affiliations.
President PGA Pakistan MNA Syed Naveed Qamar, President National Group of Parliamentarians Pakistan Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Sehar Kamran, MNA Barrister Aqeel Malik, MNA Barrister Danyal Chaudhary, MNA Ms. Shaista Pervez Malik, MNA Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashidi, MNA Dr. Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, MNA Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, MNA Mr. Riaz Fatiyana, MNA Mr. Muhammad Khan Daha, and MNA Mr. Asad Alam Niazi participated in the conference.
