News:
April 11, 2019
Countering terrorism and extremism featured prominently at the 140th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) with the announcement on Wednesday that, $2.1 million will be received from the United Nations towards the fight against terrorism.
The funds would be a five year initiative to support Parliamentary action to disrupt and mitigate the effect of terrorist activities.
Under-Secretary-General from the UN office of Counter Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov underlined the importance of Parliamentary action to bring legal framework in line with international counter terrorism instruments and agreements.
Delegates at the 140th IPU Assembly heard the testimony of Falmata Bunu, a community leader from a displacement camp in Maiduguri, Nigeria, who escaped after being abducted by Boko Haram.
In addition, the Assembly adopted a new resolution condemning the use of mercenaries and foreign fighters.
Ukraine and Jordan, Parliamentarians reaffirm the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity of the states, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of other state.
The resolution expressed grave concern at he scores of human rights violations perpetrated by mercenaries and foreign fighters against civilian populations, particularly women and children. And set out a framework for Parliamentarians to take legislative measures to prevent the recruitment, financing, or transit of mercenaries or foreign fighters.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/ghanamps.com Qatar/Doha.