Joint urgent debate on Russia’s Aggression, Olympics participation and Lachin Corridor will dominate the Summer Plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
GHRTV
21-06-2023
Sofía Medina Sánchez
International Justice and Human Rights Researcher
Global Human Rights Defence
The Summer Plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will take place in Strasbourg from the 19th to the 23rd of June 2023. The highlight of this session will be a joint urgent debate on the political consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics and on ensuring safe and free access through the Lachin Corridor.
The president of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, and Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó will deliver speeches. The Latvian Foreign Minister and Chair of the Committee of Ministers, Edgars Rinkēvičs, will present the committees communication to the Assembly and receive the questions from Members. Meanwhile, Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, will hold her customary question time.
In addition to the abovementioned topics, the Assembly will conduct a joint debate on migration focusing on three reports concerning the integration of migrants and refugees, the social inclusion of migrants, refugees and internally displaces persons through sport, and the health and social protection of undocumented workers on those in an irregular situation. The agenda further includes other items such as addressing the unique challenges faced by Belarusians in exile, the reform of human rights legislation in the United Kingdom and the escalating threat to the rule of law and human rights posed by transnational repression. Moreover, the necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach to healthcare during public health emergencies and closing the digital divide will be discussed.
The PACE assembly is a platform of the utmost importance for fostering dialogue, upholding democratic values, promoting human rights, and shaping policies that positively impact Member States. Discussing these topics, which represent the most urgent and pressing issues in the present political, legal, and social circumstances, is essential to ensure adequate action is taken by Member States and appropriate solutions are found.
