A joint debate on the legal and human rights aspects of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the role of sanctions and the erasure of cultural identity are among the highlights of the summer plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which takes place from 24-28 June 2024 in Strasbourg.
Parliamentarians will hold an urgent debate on the challenges to democracy in Georgia, as well as a current affairs debate on “The war in Gaza: securing the release of hostages, implementing an immediate ceasefire and providing humanitarian assistance” and “Can the Council of Europe step up efforts to counter threats to freedom of expression?”.
The Assembly will also award the first-ever Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment, which rewards outstanding initiatives that promote the empowerment of women in all their diversity in Europe and beyond, and statements will be made by Guðni Thorlacius Jòhannesson, President of Iceland, and Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Market of Iceland.
On Tuesday 25 June, parliamentarians will elect a new Secretary General of the Council of Europe for the next five years. The result of the first-round vote will be announced in plenary at 12:55 (just before the end of the morning session) and the result of the vote in a possible second round will be announced at 19:25 (just before the end of the evening session).
Also on the agenda are issues such as the return of the Varosha to its rightful inhabitants, the protection of women human rights defenders in Europe, the provision of human rights-compliant asylum procedures, and processes of redress and reconciliation to overcome past conflicts.
There will also be debates on political solutions and support for IDPs in Ukraine, defusing ticking time bombs for the safe return of IDPs, protecting human rights for future generations and fulfilling Armenia’s obligations and commitments.
source: pace.coe.int
