War in Ukraine and Middle East conflicts on the agenda at IPU Assembly in Tashkent
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Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East were discussed at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) which took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 4-9 April. Seven members of the Riksdag including Second Deputy Speaker Julia Kronlid (Sweden Democrats) participated in the Assembly.
One resolution, that is a joint statement, that was dealt with was based on strategies for working with sustainable development in armed conflicts. Margareta Cederfelt (Moderate Party), Chair of the Swedish Delegation to the IPU, participated in the work with the resolution. Among other things, she stressed the issue of the significant impact of war on the environment.
“War involves a dramatic reversal of environmental efforts. This gives yet another perspective on the devastating effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine”, said Margareta Cederfelt.
Another resolution dealt with the conflict in Israel and Palestine, and opportunities for national parliaments to contribute to a two-state solution. The original text of the resolution was adopted without any deletions or additions.
Angelika Bengtsson (Sweden Democrats) and Lotta Johnsson Fornarve (Left Party), members of the Swedish Delegation to the IPU in Tashkent participated in the work with the resolution.
Various themes at the General Debate
During the General Debate in plenary, Second Deputy Speaker and Head of Delegation Julia Kronlid (Sweden Democrats) delivered an address on the importance of defending democracy and human rights at a time when the rules-based world order is being challenged.
She highlighted work for more gender-equal parliaments, and work to combat violence against women as well as hate and threats in social media. She also described how the war in Ukraine affects women and children, and highlighted some positive examples of progress for gender equality around the world.
Roundtable talks and bilateral meetings
Member of the Riksdag Emma Nohrén (Green Party) participated in roundtable talks on access to land, gender-equal ownership and soil health.
In her speech, she raised the importance of gender-equal use and that land use must be preceded by planning on the correct scale.
In addition to work in various working groups and committees during the Assembly, a side programme for Second Deputy Speaker Julia Kronlid (Sweden Democrats) was organised. As well as bilateral meetings with the delegations of other countries, the programme included study visits and meetings with Uzbek ministers, speakers and representatives of various institutes and bodies.
Several members of the Riksdag, including Ann-Christine Frohm (Sweden Democrats) and Janine Alm Ericson (Green Party), participated in these meetings at which cooperation between countries, security policy and the rule of law were discussed.
New positions
Margareta Cederfelt (Moderate Party) was elected Chair of the IPU Working Group on Science and Technology.
Members
The Swedish Delegation in Tashkent consisted of the following members of the Riksdag:
- Julia Kronlid (Sweden Democrats), Second Deputy Speaker, Head of Delegation
- Margareta Cederfelt (Moderate Party), Chair of the IPU Delegation
- Angelika Bengtsson (Sweden Democrats)
- Ann-Christine Frohm (Sweden Democrats)
- Janine Alm Ericson (Green Party)
- Lotta Johnsson Fornarve (Left Party)
- Emma Nohrén (Green Party)
Ingvar Mattson, Secretary-General of the Riksdag, also participated in the Assembly and took part in a separate programme for the Secretaries-General of Parliament.
Further information
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global organisation of world parliaments, consists of 182 member countries and 12 regional parliamentary bodies from the whole world. The IPU holds two large meetings every year.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
Contact person for the media
Björn Sondén, International Adviser, International Department of the Riksdag, telephone: +46 70 361 88 02, email: bjorn.sonden@riksdagen.se